THE EDITOR, Sir:
PERSONS REFUSE to play their part in the selection of their government for a number of reasons: the system offers nothing to them, the parties and politicians are all bad; it is time for the old politicians to go and make way for young people; politics has nothing to do with me, my religion dictates that I take no part in the selection of a government among others.
These comments and views cut across gender and socio-economic background. The proposition that one should not vote because one has gotten nothing from politics is based on the premise that any benefit to be received has to be personal. Government's main function is to mobilise resources and utilise those resources for the common benefit of us all. It would not be economical nor possible for us as individuals to each build a bridge across the Rio Cobre River, but government could pool resources garnered from us all to build that bridge which benefits all of us.
There will never be enough for us to all get personal benefit, however communal and social benefits should accrue to us from the programmes instituted by a government. It is on that basis that one should play a role in electing persons to govern the country. If you feel that a government is doing well, then you should give that government a mandate to continue. If, however, you are convinced that a government is not doing well or some other alternative party or person can do better, then you should vote accordingly.
Some persons withhold their involvement because they are convinced that all politicians are bad. If you have to employ a man to drive your kids to school and you have only two choices: one who has been involved in one accident and one who has had 20 accidents in one year, what would you do? Allow your neighbour to make that choice for you?
The argument about the need for young blood with new ideas is a popular one especially amongst the intellectuals. But what guarantee is there that youth will add anything positive to the equation? One of our youngest Ministers currently is one of those accused of making silly decisions that cost Jamaica millions of dollars (at least in opportunity cost). The Prime Minister explained his shortcomings as being due to "youthful exuberance."
Governing a country, like any other job, requires specific skills and a significant amount of it has to be learned on the job and developed with experience over time. The infusion of youths cannot therefore be the solution to our problems.
"Politics having nothing to do with me" is one of those assertions which, quite simply, does not make sense. How can it make sense when the politicians decide how much tax comes out of your pay whether you agree or not, what type of road you have to drive on, whether the gullies are cleaned or not, etc., etc. Politics actually has everything, and I mean everything, to do with our lives.
As it relates to religion, the Bible speaks quite clearly of governmental structures and civic responsibilities such as paying taxes. Many wars were fought in the Bible days in order to determine who should govern. I prefer to vote than to fight a war. Jesus at one point was asked to comment on the requirement to pay taxes and he instructed that Caesar should be given what is his and God given what is due to Him. I think that there can be nothing wrong in fulfilling your civic duty in selecting a government.
There are still countries where persons are dying for the right to vote. It is not only a right, it is an obligation and failure to honour this obligation may impact on what we leave of this island for our children. The worst option is not to vote.
I am etc.,
JEROME HENRY
Jerome@jnbs.com
14 Second Avenue
Buff Bay P.O.
Portland
