THE EDITOR, Sir:LISTENING TO radio talk show host Antoinette Haughton on the morning of Wednesday December 23, she referred to the news headline in the newspapers about the departure of the American Ambassador Sue Cobb from Jamaica.
She launched into a broadside against the ambassador in the most derogatory and demeaning fashion, insinuating that she was racist, insensitive, mean-spirited and insultive to Jamaica and even recalling the occasion of Mr. Manley's expulsion of then ambassador to Jamaica in the seventies, with the nuances being hardly subtle.
Now it is true that call-in programmes are places where people are expected to express themselves freely within the bounds of legal propriety. However, using our airwaves to lambast and insult the emissary of not only the most powerful nation on earth, but one that has proven to be our closest and most valued ally and friend through thick or thin, is definitely overstepping the bounds of good manners, breeding and protocol.
Ms. Cobb's stand on Haiti was totally in keeping with her government's position, which she defended with firmness, tact, and diplomacy after the host country (Jamaica) indicated that their Secretary of State and National Security Advisor were liars in the matter of Aristide's departure. Ms. Haughton, although highly intelligent, is a loose canon whose approach on radio is informed mainly by arrogance, subjectivity and hysteria.
It is not difficult to defend our culture, nationalism and sovereignty without being rude and insulting. And it may be surprising to many to discover on closer investigation that the broad silent majority of our population is indeed much more fair and balanced in these matters.
I am, etc.,
LANCE ROBINSON
lance@jol.com.jm
