THE EDITOR, Sir,
AFTER VIEWING the American Democratic National Convention recently, what emerged in my mind is the backwardness of our own political culture. The US democratic party attendees at this vast convention were well behaved, politically savvy about important national issues and hugely patriotic, whether or not their party happens to form the next US
government.
In contrast, at our political conferences party supporters are usually loud and boisterous, non-focused and uninformed on important national issues and non-patriotic. Our political leaders do not respect their party supporters, nor do they act in an honourable fashion when it comes to the business of gaining delegate votes at these conference.
At local annual party conferences, PNP and JLP, allegations about candidates paying delegates to vote for them emerge regularly.
It seems to me that the attire of candidates at US political conventions speaks volumes about the respect they hold for delegates, supporters and the general public in attendance at these conventions. Suits and ties at these conventions are the norm. Interestingly, at our political conferences our politicians dress casually in party colours but dress to the nines when in the presence of international or local dignitaries.
Does this say anything about how our politicians view supporters at political conferences?
It is clear that we have a long way to go in order to reach the level of political maturity which the American electorate possesses. Additionally, our local politicians should emulate their US counterparts on matters of dignity and respect towards their supporters and the general public.
I am, etc.,
PATRICK A. GALLIMORE
pagalley@hotmail.com
Kingston 8
