by Ikani Taliai
These are principles of foundational vision that demonstrates the balance required for a harmonious society.
This is the balance between (1) rights (totonu) and (2) responsibilities (fatongia).
For a citizen to acquire rights from his/her society, that citizen must take on responsibility in that acquisition.
The movement that commenced in Tonga in the 1970s expressed balance. A vision for a society that gives rights of liberty, equality, and social justice to its citizens was counterbalanced with a need for accountability.
This accountability was not just focusing on leaders being accountable, but it was focusing on the responsibility of the citizen to his/her society to be accountable for his/her actions and behaviors.
Many insist on their rights (totonu) without recognizing their responsibilities (fatongia).
It is a trade-off. Nothing is for free!
Is the so-called political movement in Tonga today aware of the trade-off required to be given their rights?