Rebels and Sons

Rebels and Sons. Much has been said about Uganda's Rebel MPs and the battle for position in the Movement (National Resistance). I have written before attempting to make a case not for the weakness of the Movement necessarily but for the strength of the previous regimes. My argument all things considered was that even with the challenges that exist such as with Corruption, Bad Governance and Incomplete Social Metamorphosis (as spoken of in the Mustard Seed), we have paid little attention to the strength of the regimes that ruled prior to the movement. While intricate and intimate conversations about the inner workings of the ruling party should be left to the experts a little advise is necessary for those who we will for now refer to as sons. King Lear offers an interesting story for those who desire a full view of politics and the power of pleasantries. The King like many rulers often suffer from too much attention. This makes it very difficult to manage relations and to make decisions to benefit the whole. Because of limitations in travel, one will find themselves at the mercy of others whose feet are on the ground. In this position, you find yourself having to depend on others and ask questions such as "What are the people saying about me?". If you cannot safely answer this question or if you do not have the confidence to deal with the negative response that may emerge, my suggestion is that you may need to review your modus operandi. Under these circumstance you find famous Kings, disguising themselves and taking on other forms in order to gauge the temperature of the nation. This then is probably the background under which the King in this great story speaks and references. He wants to get the opinion not of the people necessarily but of his family and Daughters. There are two responses, the first given by the 'devious' pair (Goneril and Reagan)...the more politically astute delivers the good and gets them longer life. The second response by the more philosophical one (Cordelia) , touches the heart but grieves the mind and ends up ruining her life. The lesson means that Political Expediency is often the best route (if selling ones soul can be described as a good option). It gets results and allows you to hold on to the reigns of power. The other route will eventually endear you to your Father and King, but will cost you your life. The lesson is, the change will come but the possibility is that it will come and be appreciated when it is a little too late.