Letter of the Day - Stick to the issues

THE EDITOR, Sir:

IT WAS sad to see the Prime Minister attempting to defend himself against rumours that he was homosexual. It was equally sad to know that the JLP at the highest level was fanning the flames.

Although the media did not attribute the "chi chi man" remarks to Mr. Seaga at the campaign kick-off rally last Sunday, as someone looking in from afar, I would have to say the honourable Leader of the Opposition wallowed in the frenzy generated by a homophobic crowd and made no attempt to raise the level of the debate beyond personal attacks.

For the Prime Minister to take time out to address this issue and not other more relevant and pertinent ones tells me that he is convinced that he and/or the PNP is vulnerable because of this issue. If Mr. Seaga is the final arbiter of his political actions, then I would implore him to step up to the plate and issue a public apology to Mr. Patterson and the people of Jamaica on behalf of his supporters for allowing this issue to get out of hand the way it has.

People who want to lead must steer clear of these parochial and base emotions.

At all times they must implore their supporters to stick to the issues. Speaking of issues (high crime rates and high debt burden, lack of jobs and employment opportunities, poor education and infrastructure, mounting AIDS/HIV infection, poor health care, corruption etc. etc.) I am sure the JLP and the NDM ought to have an arsenal of them ready to share as they put forward their vision for leading Jamaica should they be given the opportunity.

Imagine your first shot out of the box and the only thing the people remember about your rally is who is a "chi chi man."

That is not good enough. You may think you are playing to a small crowd in your constituency, but that is not so. Your ability to lead and the stand you take on issues affect the economics and general well being of the country.

I am etc.,

C. BRYAN

E-mail: zarkon@bellsouth.net

Georgia, USA

Via Go-Jamaica

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