The Editor, Sir:

The oratorical expletives of Labourite politicians Audley Shaw and Sally Porteous while addressing party faithful recently bring into focus national leaders' lack of decency. Of course, these 'mis-speaks' are not restricted to the Opposition, as K.D. Knight has been culpable of chastising Portia Simpson Miller, then Local Government Minister, with the F-word in Gordon House two years ago.

These outbursts further confirm Jamaica's precipitous descent into a culture of crassness, where our countrymen are believed to be only aroused by vulgarity. And rightly so, the people have got the politicians they deserve. Instead of a polity centred on the crucial issues of economic growth and development and constitutional rights and freedoms, the electorate is titillated by the emotional curry-goat politics that elevates rhetoric above reason, and partisanship above patriotism.

No difference

What is remarkable is that politicians, in their vituperation, hardly distinguish themselves from the much-lambasted dancehall deejays, the bane of criticism for Jamaica's plunge into indecency. They are berated in the press, and targeted by the police. But our politicians are just as indecorous as our deejays. Indeed, Shaw's 'pepper him backside' and Porteous' R-word could very well be the lyrics of the next chart-topper on the crude platform of dancehall music.

True, politicians will oftentimes put their foot in their mouth, especially on the hustings to rally mass support. And both Shaw and Porteous must be commended for being noble enough to apologise publicly for their behaviour. But that is not enough!

Politicians must recognise their responsibility to elevate the electoral process and not patronise the public with the gimmickry of a 'dutty wine' culture more attuned to the domain and whims of an ever-growing rabble.

I am, etc.,

A.A. WRIGHT

Kingston