The Editor, Sir:

Propaganda is defined as "any widespread scheme or effort to spread or promote an idea, opinion or course of action in order to help or do damage to a cause, person," etc. (The New International Webster Pocket Dictionary of the English Language)

The week of July 15-21 saw an increase in the political temperature with accusations and counter accusations. On Sunday, July 15, it was reported that a JLP motorcade passing through West Rural St. Andrew and Brandon Hill in particular came "under heavy gun fire" as reported by Mayor Desmond McKenzie of the JLP. This was refuted by Councillor Andrea Moore of the PNP who said, as reported by General Secretary Donald Buchanan, "JLP motorcade passing through pure gunshot".

Whom do we believe? Later that afternoon, it was reported that the much publicised meeting of the Corporate Area leadership of both major political parties - Mayor Desmond McKenzie and Commerce and Technology Minister Philip Paulwell, was summarily called off.

While the meeting was primarily for political propaganda purposes, it nonetheless was needed in the circumstances as the political temperature had reach boiling point. The failure of the politicians, in general, to act like statesmen like at a critical time has demonstrated for all to see that our current crop of politicians are not apart of the solution but are in fact the problem. The PNP and JLP, whether intentionally, inadvertently or otherwise, have created the monster of political violence and they are unable to control it. The Patriots - well-thinking Jamaicans - have to come together to 'slay' this multi-headed monster called political violence.

How are we going to do it? By speaking out against political violence in particular and violence of any sort in general at home, at school and at play. We must take a leaf out of the Bible and practise to love 'my neighbour as myself'. Because I love myself, I will do no harm to my neighbour.

Whichever of these two political parties form the next government, Jamaica would have lost because they have clearly demonstrated an unwillingness and inability to stop political violence. We, Jamaicans, will therefore continue to be ridiculed by other Caribbean nationals and peoples of the world who consider us barbarians or as we say in Jamaica parlance 'butu'.

Jamaica needs a new set of leaders - Patriots. Men and women who will put Jamaica's interest first, men and women of integrity who are honest and respectful of their opponents and will not use intemperate words on the political platform that may incite their 'diehearted' followers to violence. You may be that leader that Jamaica desperately needs, become that leader in your sphere of influence today and don't refuse to offer yourself for national service when prompted to do so or called upon by your fellow citizens.

I am, etc.,

CARLOS KING

carlos.r.king@hotmail.com

Convenor - The Empowered Voter

Association of Jamaica - EVA

(A non-partisan civil organisation dedicated

to the empowerment of voters)

Old Harbour P.O.

St. Catherine