The Editor, Sir:

Andrew Holness' humble apology for not shaking Bishop Blair's outstretched palm can be set down to youthful emotionalism; but political representatives should be made of sterner stuff.

When the flamboyant F.L.B. Evans brought Parliament to a sudden halt by removing the Mace from the House, he did not apologise. He took his punishment from Mr. Speaker and won the admiration of the constituents for whom he had been trying to speak.

When PNP official, Winston Grubb, kicked Bustamante at a public meeting, there was no apology. The Chief unabashedly admitted receiving the boot, went about his business and later saved Grubb when Labourites sought to avenge the deed.

When Busta rushed across the floor of the legislature intent on delivering a blow to T.R. Williams, there was no apology. The matter was settled by the offender doing the right and manly thing for having kindled Busta's ire. When Norman Manley invited Marcus Garvey to step outside the KSAC Council chamber, no harm was done and neither man felt obliged to offer or receive an apology. Such is the cut and thrust of political combat.

And now, with all this multi-coloured cloak of false gentility, politicians are saying that we citizens should not exercise the constitutional right to wave or fly flags of a certain hue. The act is supposed to be like a red rag to a bull; very dangerous, even though the State and the Police have a sworn obligation and responsibility to ensure that this right of ours is protected and preserved.

It seems to me that somebody should be apologising for not providing an environment in which citizens may safely fly a green- or orange-coloured kite.

KEN JONES

alllerdyce@hotmail.com