The Editor, Sir:

The argument about Bruce Golding's switch from JLP to NDM and back, descended to its most ridiculous state when Mr. Brascoe Lee emphatically suggested that politicians who do such switching should not be trusted.

Mr. Lee may not have known that Winston Churchill of world renown was fully trusted by Britain during the most challenging years of World War II; and this was done although he had shifted party allegiance between Conservative and Liberal when his judgement so directed. Neither party scorned his talent and he was indeed made head of the Coalition Cabinet that led his country during those crucial conflicts around the globe.

For Mr. Lee's further information, Jamaica has seen distinguished service by many persons who at some time or other changed their political affiliation.

Bustamante was once a member of the PNP. Burnett Coke was a well respected Speaker of the House after moving from JLP to PNP. Rose Leon was an outstanding Minister in both parties; and the brilliant Ken Hill found opportunity to serve in the PNP as well as the JLP.

In recent times, less noted politicians have crossed party lines and been warmly received by the PNP. The latest is none other than Mr. Lee who, I suppose, expects to be trusted despite his scornful utterances about turncoats like himself.

Turning coat is not necessarily a bad thing, especially when it is based on some stated principle that affects the good order of governance. Unfortunately, the recent cases have all come about because of personality conflicts rather than policy issues of any importance to the electorate. It does appear that without a party coat some of these people are as naked as can be.

I am, etc.,

KEN JONES