The Editor, Sir:

The proposed ban on the media at certain events, by the Opposition party, as it relates to their upcoming presidential elections, and campaigning leading up to this, is reminiscent of the reaction of this same party when a photographer took a picture of the their leader and former prime minister doodling in Parliament.

This should not come as a surprise, as these actions are only an expression of the kind of relationship these politicians think they have with the public.

The clampdown on the media, continuous absence by some members from Parliament, neglect of certain communities until times of crises, taking huge pension packages, and driving gas-guzzling vehicles, among other things, take place because some politicians believe they have the God-given right to lord it over us. They are the masters and we are the servants, they believe.

Not all are genuine

Why can't we see that not all of these persons really enter into this field to serve us? If they considered themselves to be our servants, would they have the audacity to try to prevent us from viewing, and participating in, the electoral process? Participation is not limited to voting and so this party election is not just about the privileges of delegates. This is not just an 'internal affair'.

If members of the party want to accept a 'gag' from the party's hierarchy, that is their prerogative; they have the right to wear what they want to wear.

But when the party wants to put a blindfold on the nation, that is another story. I urge us all, as individuals and groups, to stand against these kinds of actions, which look like the formation of a dictatorship.

If we allow our leaders to lord it over us, only God knows what next they will want to do.

I am, etc.,

GARY GARDINER

garyogardiner@yahoo.com

Kingston 3