The Editor, Sir:

I am addressing this letter to the Prime Minister, Dear Portia: Beg pardon if I don't address you with your long-winded title, but I have just lost all belief in your ability to preside over the affairs of a country that seems to have gone utterly insane. I am embarrassed, because prior to your inauguration I had faith in your will and resolve to reverse the patterns of destructive behaviour at the helm, filtering down through layer after layer of the hierarchy, coming to rest at street level.

Silent regarding wrongdoing

Are you mindful of the corrosion that has taken place in the society? Didn't you realise that when you are silent regarding wrongdoing and shady operations within the ranks of the government that you are tacitly approving like behaviour among the people you govern? Is this what you had envisioned for the people you profess to love so dearly?

Right now I am close to despair. One of my friends was brutally murdered and became part of the horrible murder statistics of the first five days of a brand new year. I am not isolated in my disappointment. Many others realise that your leadership is ineffective and the nation is faring miserably under its weight.

Where, oh where is this "strength of a woman" people were going wild about?

I am, etc.,

JENNIFER STONER

jstoner2005@hotmail.com

Roanoke, VA