Letter of the Day - Unadulterated hypocrisy of the highest nature

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE HISTORIC talks between Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and Leader of the Opposition Edward Seaga have come and gone. The public may now need the use of a very powerful telescope to discern the positive changes that have resulted from these talks. I think our chances of spotting the planet Pluto with our naked eyes may prove more realistic.

For those who held some hope that these talks would miraculously provide some changes seem to have forgotten that these same sets of individuals meet consistently in our House of Parliament. These meetings despite the publicity have not demonstrated that these honourable politicians are quite prepared to unite on any issue that would work purely to the best interest of our nation. Some have even demonstrated open hostility to each other.

Why then would one think that all that was required was a change of venue and the absence of the public and presto! warring factions in Western Kingston et al would put their guns away and the killings would cease. Have any of these politicians ever claimed responsibility for the actions of these citizens or even admitted to knowing who they are and their influences on these individuals?

If no one is prepared to say we supplied the guns and ammunition and we are able to take back those arms then how can we pretend to meet to discuss an end to the violence?

Whether the politicians are orchestrating the violence, or not, it is a problem the security forces must address. But if the politicians, especially those that form the government cannot make members of the security forces, whom the State has provided arms, respect the lives and rights of citizens then whence do we claim the moral authority to say to these same individuals that they must stop killing each other.

This seems like pure, unadulterated hypocrisy of the highest nature.

We are prepared to tour these communities whenever there is an upsurge in violence yet when these people scream out, weep, demonstrate and cause mayhem due to the actions of the security forces we either ignore them or force them to access a justice system which has failed to date to hold anyone liable for the deaths of Michael Gayle et al despite the recognition of most citizens that what happened in many such cases as being cold-blooded murder.

Some citizens' living conditions are deplorable and maybe those citizens are to be blamed. Who takes responsibility for these citizens being afforded a less than adequate justice system and if that cannot be guaranteed can we sincerely speak to these citizens about respect and preservation of their miserable lives?

I am etc

R.A. THOMAS

tommy_rohan@hotmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica

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