Must we wait until it’s too late? [Archives:2005/855/Viewpoint]

The Editorial Board
Surprising it is to find the parliament dealing with the weapons issue with such intense after the murder of member of parliament late Mohammed Mujahid Shammar. While everyday there are tens of Yemenis murdered everyday because of weapon carrying around the republic. Was it required such a sad incident for the parliament to start tackling this important issue seriously? How many more lives would it take before weapons are banned in public. Not just this issue, but every thing in Yemen that needs to be changed, when will it become a serious issue given its own space in the parliament's agenda? Isn't the parliament the voice of the people? Shouldn't it argue for the people's best interest in all domains? Or must there be another revolution or turning point incident to bring topics that were on the waiting list to the center of the table?

It is sad how weapons in Yemen lead to many uncaused for casualties, while people in the authority don't mind stocking more and more weapons and creating their own armies as if preparing for another civil war.

The Yemeni people are suffering from many deficiencies in their lives and these times are very tough. Even the basic needs of the people are not met. Health services, education, water and sanitation, electricity and infrastructure are all righteous demands that should be addressed before anything else. And instead of spending money on huge celebrations and undue expenses for high officials this money should have been turned to the best interest of the people.

The president has called for reform and that it comes from within, but when you've got nothing then you've got nothing to lose. And unless the people know that their government is working for them and on their side then they would not feel any loyalty to it or for that matter to the parliament who has not been addressing its needs.

Next month will be full of events and changes. What consequences will the new reforms bring are yet to be seen, here we are holding our breath and betting on the blues and hoping against hope that the people behind the politics know what they are doing and the parliamentarians start acting their roles as representatives of the people not against them.
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