Once upon a time, those opposed to the democratic process would march into capitals with AK-40s, machetes, backed by war tanks, to seize power. For some time, however, we see that these tyrannical methods are not frequently used. Now, they undermine our democracy through elections. Entering Fort Amsterdam, entering the Parliament, and once seated in the chair, gradually turning away from democracy. Below the radar and in such a way that you don't notice once what is happening. Until it's too late. Here in Curaçao, the majority Christian group (including all organizations and sects that believe in Christ) attacks and questions the judicial power. These Christians, without any conscience problems, make use of loopholes in the political party financing law to pump dirty money into the coffers of political parties, just as long as it goes along with their disgusting fight against a minority based on their sexual preferences. Together with Fort Amsterdam, which took advantage of the money from these Christians, they do everything possible to maintain discrimination against the minority. The coalition, in a display of cowardice, does not come up with a plan to guarantee equal rights for everyone but leaves decisions in the hands of the House.
The playbook of these Christians for political power is not new. The assertion today for political power is based on a nostalgia for the past, similar to the dictators who dream of restoring past empires. A past where Christians themselves formed parties, a past in which female churchgoers were not allowed voting rights, a past where they had to fight to avoid elections on Monday because pastors were conducting political propaganda and giving voting advice in their Sunday masses.
The coordinated actions of these Christians are a real threat to our democracy. They take advantage of the fact that a very large group does not question their rhetoric and actions. They have the patience and strategic discipline to achieve their goal, while we continue to endure, giving them a certain amount every year, more than ANG 1 million from our country's budget, and allowing them not to pay taxes like everyone else. They become richer, more influential, and more shameless in their anti-democratic actions with each passing year.
Alex David Rosaria (53) is a freelance consultant active in Asia & Pacific. He is a former Member of Parliament, Minister of Economic Affairs, State Secretary of Finance and UN Implementation Officer in Africa and Central America. He’s from Curaçao and has a MBA from the University of Iowa. (USA).
