Political intrigues continue as we head into the Year of the Tiger

As our political representatives engage in intrigue and backroom deals to try and oust the Prime Minister and his new Cabinet, without the bother of calling an election where the people can decide, the Cook Islands Times takes a more esoteric view of politics using the ancient art of Chinese Astrology to see what is in written in the stars for this year.
According to the Chinese Astrology, we are entering into the Year of the Tiger which begins in Chinese New Year on 14 February 2010.
Tigers are a symbol of power and authority but are not benign because they have the potential to be vigorous, ferocious and cruel with an inflexible and destructive personality with very poor people relationship. (Which politicians could they mean?)
Add to the mix, the 5 elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth, which the ancient Chinese scholars believed influenced a particular cycle and we find that this is the Year of the Metal Tiger. The Chinese also call it the Year of the White Tiger because to them, white represents the colour of metal. Unfortunately, the White Tiger is the symbol of bad luck and is a bad omen.
On the other hand, those who love glory and the power of wealth prefer to call this the Golden Tiger because gold is the most precious metal (Think Seabed Mineerals Bill and the promise of untold riches through the manganese nodules at the bottom of the ocean).
Tiger is also connected to reputation and money and those who are popular and have a good reputation will have the support and opportunity of friends and family. (A good reputation is a very necessary quality for winning the hearts and minds of voters any year but especially in an election year)
2010 will bring an increased tendency to talk to people and say what is on your mind but there will be quite a bit of pressure in terms of reputations and financial problems. (Presumably, the politicians will begin pork-barrelling this year with promises of all the help they can give their people having ignored them t for the previous 3 years)
Unfortunately, for them, the Year of the Tiger is known for bringing damage to reputation or financial problems and enemies can be out to get you. (All our politicians and certain public servants are starting to feel the heat of adverse public opinion).
Money luck is up and down in the Year of the Tiger and people will have to watch their spending (MFEM warn of hard times ahead as the country is financially overcommitted and revenues are down – a recipe for disaster).
There may also be arguments related to law and potential loss of money (think Toagate, litigation and out of court settlements but not yet due to be paid till March when Parliament has to agree to the appropriation).
Whatever metal is attributed to the year, the year will not come quietly and peacefully because Tigers hates the feel of metal and will constantly try to cast off the metal armour - or escape from the metal cage.
All in all, the Year of the White Tiger will not be an easy year and implies trouble with other people and fights for career position. Support will come to those with good reputations but those with poor people relationships, will find their reputations on the line for the entire year.
Those who face the future with energy, courage and willpower will find their friends and family will come to help. (The politicians will need all the help they can get to cling to power at election time).
The Times is looking forward to the announcement of an election so that all the issues can be taken to the people to decide.
Happy New Year for the Year of the White Tiger.

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