8 February 2010 / AKİF BEKİ RADİKAL,
The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) says if it assumes office, the party will try the previous administration. This is their official rhetoric. So they will question the performance of past governments, trying to take revenge and trying to wage a blood feud.
Will this hatred or rage be translated into votes? “Vote for us so that we can take revenge,” they will say. Is politics a civil war? Is a rival an enemy? Will people cast their votes as if to fire bullets at enemies? MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli has much support from the ülkücü (idealist) ideology. He intimidates media bosses and rival politicians. He scolds and instills fear. Our politics is rife with arabesque sorrow, grief and suffering. Our politicians could not develop a class consciousness. They are cruel to each other and quick to undermine the very ground where they collectively stand. Actually, anyone aspiring to a political career should keep his shroud ready at all times. As if this is not enough, politicians attempt to put shrouds on their rivals. Better to keep your sticks away. Today is not the time to urge this nation to go mad.
