Many different things inspire people to create. And, in most cases, artists look to inspiration to create great works. In the case of Michael Pintard and David Wallace, the fiascos associated with the 2007 General Elections were filled with moments of inspiration.

Once again, these two men saw fit to put together various sketches filled with humour, and a strong message concerning who we are and where we are as a people. Both producers speak directly to the audience as part of the performance, admonishing them not to fall prey to the rhetoric of the politicians. And, having politicians present, they remind them that Bahamian people are no longer fooled by empty promises and fancy words, so they must work hard for the people over the next five years.

Inspired perhaps by the will to serve, the battle for the Pinewood Constituency is now going on in the courts. Some people do not really understand why the former Attorney General has chosen to pursue this matter after many of her once loyal supporters have moved on with their lives. Yet, forward, upward and onward she plods.

After watching Election 2007 – Count it Again I was reminded of the various debacles and down right humiliating situations that occurred during the five years the government was led by the Progressive Liberal Party. Are we to conclude that the persons caught up in these public scandals only behaved this way because their political party was in power? Is it possible that these same shameless acts would have happened if the Free National Movement were the ruling governing party?

Perhaps it is truly a question of inspiration. If you perceive that you have the upper hand, that you have the power, then you may very well be inspired or motivated to behave or act out of the ordinary. It is similar to the person who consumes too much alcohol. In an inebriated state, he is free of inhibitions and feels he can say and do almost anything. Inspiration comes in many different packages and we must know it when we see it and figure out how to best use it. Being inspired by the perceived power you may possess is a recipe for disaster because the result only serves to stroke your ego, if only for a moment, and embarrass or hurt those around you.

While the General Elections provided much fodder for comedy sketches, there is still so much going on in our country that cannot provide comic relief. A death toll of 61 cannot inspire us to laugh, but it should inspire us to question how and why we have allowed this to happen.

It is no laughing matter that after 12 years of academic instruction the majority of our children are graduating with very weak literacy skills. It is definitely no laughing matter that a high percentage of teenagers are still having children. When children have children, it further burdens this dysfunctional society.

Until we are inspired to make some positive changes to our lives we will continue to slide down this slippery slope of death and destruction. We need to stop offering lip service and become proactive. Parents you have got to step up to the plate and train your children as God commanded you to do.

It angers me beyond words when I see children being rude right in front of their parents and the parents do and say nothing. Many educators have had their hands tied behind their backs because it has been mandated that they cannot physically discipline their students. I believe if parents sat in a classroom for one day, that rule would change.

When parents are going to take their children to pre-school and tell the administrators that “no-one is to put his/her hand on my child,” then I think that parent needs to home school. I have seen first hand how children behave inappropriately and how they push all the wrong buttons because the only thing that will happen is that they will be sent in the corner, or not play with a particular toy.

Inspiration; yes that is what teachers look for when they need to discipline the truculent child. Inspiration is what the teacher prays for when she cannot see her way clear of the mayhem being composed by the crafty imps in her presence. Yes, it is inspiration that the teacher yearns for to get her through each day of a profession that she really thought she loved, but now questions if this is truly her vocation.

Each day we must look for inspiration to make our lives better than it was the day before. We must be inspired to work towards building up a better Bahamas, but that will only come when we work together. Parents must allow teachers to do their jobs and a part of that is physically disciplining your children when necessary.

While we still have some say in the lives of our children, let us take them in hand before we all spiral down the waste pipes. Trying to discipline a 13 year old is far more difficult than disciplining a three year old. Be inspired by the fact that your child has people in his/her life willing to take the time to help train him/her in knowing right from wrong.

About the author: Joye Ritchie-Greene is an Educational Consultant, Writer and Martial Arts Instructor. She is the owner/operator of The Bahamas Martial Arts Academy; president of Time-Out Productions; and is also a columnist for the Freeport News. She has a B.A. in English and an M.S. in Human Resources, resides in Freeport, Grand Bahama with her husband and enjoys playing tennis. Joye can be reached at timeoutproductions2003@hotmail.com