THE EDITOR, Sir:
THERE IS no denying it. Capitalism, regardless of how anyone feels about it, is king and it is here to stay, at least for a while yet. Make no bones about it either, the market-driven economy, despite all the promises and token enticements, is not all it is chalked up to be. It will place severe economic strain on the poor who live on the fringes of the system. In economies as small as Jamaica's, there can be no guarantees that anything will "trickle down" to those who live below the poverty line.
Perhaps the most distressing side effect of capitalism is the negative impact it is likely to have on the social fabric of our society. There are many who would like to look elsewhere for the dramatic increases in criminality, but at its core, our worsening social ills all stem directly from the materialistic greed that is engendered by capitalism. In fact, undeniably "the love of money is the root of all evil".
Developmentally, as a country, we have a far way to go. However, when we are honest, we must admit that important strides were made in our national life and personal standards of living over the last decade. Despite this, there still appears to be an overpowering sense of despair and the lack of confidence in our abilities to weather our current storms. There is too much pessimism in our society.
The part that distresses me most is the virtual absence of patriot pride that so many so freely express. There are too many Jamaicans who possess an unhealthy fatalistic attitude. What exactly do we mean when we say 'nutten nah gwan'? Is it that absolutely nothing is happening, or is it that it is not happening as rapidly as it is in the mighty, industrialised regions of the world? If there are indeed ways in which we can move our rate of development at a faster pace, then after all the criticisms, somebody should step forward with the proposals and the accompanying personal involvement and commitment or stop frustrating those who love their country and wish to make a contribution towards her continued advancement.
There comes a point when we either join up or shut up. In this struggle for economic survival, it is you are either for us or against us. Whither the unrealistic impatience? How will our cause be advanced by the selfish resignation and withdrawal that we seem so prone to surrender to? And what will it profit any sector of our society to gain the whole pie and destroy the country? I am wondering if it is not time we paused and take national stock. However it is achieved, we have to return to the basic social principles of personal integrity and dignity, charitableness, community-spirit, patriotic pride, responsible parenting, and plain old fashion love for our neighbours. And every single one of us has to reach into the depths of our souls and find the resource to resist capitalist individualism and learn to care some more.
I am etc.,
STANLEY REDWOOD
stanley_redwood@yahoo.com
Middle Quarters
St. Elizabeth
Via Go-Jamaica
