A country’s leader must ‘send a clear message’

31.JULY.08

Kenyatta,

I can rest my case in your admission that my defense is plausible, if not sound (“laudable and well put together” were your precise words). I thank you, for your praise means a lot to me. On the other hand, you disappoint me.{{more}} Your arguments are circular, and, therefore, without merit. While you claim that the government holds negligible responsibility in sustainable development and that the true power lies in the “transformed” individual, it is clear that the government must provide an environment conducive to such transformation. Humanistic pioneer and psychologist Abraham Maslow, in his hierarchy of needs, theorized that unless basic necessities are met, a person’s potential cannot be realized or fully achieved. An oppressive government, therefore, suffocates the very necessary and essential transformation of the individual that you prescribe.

You further acknowledge that a people who fear God and shun bacchanal are en route to progress.

With this I can only agree; however, the divisive nature of politics sanctioned by this government (evidenced by red-shirt demonstrations, rather than blue, green and yellow displays) in events of national import tends to foster the very negative behaviors that run contrary to righteousness (such as spite, hatred, anger, aggression and violence rather than the brotherly love recommended in the Good Book).

And while the good of Bill Drayton, Goodman Jones and Mother Teresa has been unquestionable, how do they compare with the impact and influence of personalities to the tune of Mandella, Ghandi, JFK or Martin Luther King, Jr. who are deemed of a more political stature having made political contributions? Dr. Cox as Mother Teresa is an outright comical imagining. This said, I want you to please understand that I am by no means rejecting charitable human service efforts by all who so wish to contribute. Sad truth is that the media follow politics more than they entertain religion so that, ironically, a political figure is idolized in many ways. I should not need to expand on this concept since it is evidenced by the cult-like dynamics witnessed in the ULP. A political vehicle to progress, therefore, surely fares much better than a spiritual one, hence my persuasion in that direction. Separation of church and state has long been an issue. Regarding your reference to biblical King Agrippa, let me add that slave masters also preached religion to slaves as a measure of control, and it was Shakespeare who astutely noted that “the devil can cite scripture for his own purpose”. I would hate to view you in that light, Kenyatta, because for a moment you seemed so, well, uhhh….virtuous

In addition, you see no point in changing the government if “the value system of the people remains the same”. But it is your assumption that a change in government would see no corresponding change in the attitudes and orientations of the people, and we both know that assumptions can make an ass (biblically, of course) of you (certainly) and me (reluctantly). You have to understand that the value system of the people remains the same frequently by governmental design, so that the status quo is not only observed, but continues unchallenged. Said “value system” in St. Vincent is a delight to the current administration for obvious reasons. You fool yourself if you “believe the hype” that education is a priority in St. Vincent. Education of the masses can only be feared by our leaders, again for obvious reasons. You also advanced that “the values a person adheres to” are the true determinants of cultural character; then let me adhere to principles that don’t endorse the den of thieves and murderers reflected in various segments of our society. Let me adhere to honesty in my criticism of a poorly run government without being advised to bury my head in the sand or seek refuge in the abstract nature of “individual transformation”. And while I yet remain spiritual and embrace religion, let me also explore practical solutions as I reject the lure of complacency advocated by an abstract blessed assurance of “reformation” when lawyers are boldly assassinated in daylight, qualified nurses are victimized, HIV ravages, drugs proliferate, prices skyrocket and rape continues unabated.

Kenyatta, your most salient position is that “it is the person who determines whether or not a thing or institution or endeavor is ultimately successful…” Hallelujah! You, therefore, concede that the overwhelming burden of responsibility falls on Ralph Gonsalves, as PM, to determine whether or not the institution of government is successfully administered by ultimately directing the nation productively. It was here that you shot yourself in the foot and lost my esteem. You see, it is the “ridiculous” and not the “sublime” who fail to make the connection, but as for this “transformed” individual (c’est moi), the distinction is clearly made. Your “transformation” has indeed brought out the best in me (misquote Buck Owens) and I was wondering if you would, therefore, be so kind as to focus your transforming efforts on the PM (“fear of God, diligence, discipline, integrity and resourcefulness” were your words)? Like Goodman Jones, the PM should engage a spirit of “passion, resourcefulness and sense of justice for those disenfranchised and unrepresented”. Only then will he gain my respect. A country’s leader must “send a clear message” (your words) that he is a man of honor as the first fundamental step toward real progress. Unfortunately, Ralph has overwhelmingly accomplished the exact opposite. Thus, St. Vincent remains in my prayers.

P.S: Meeting at the Bounty for lunch is a welcome idea – I now feel that I really know you. It’s sad that other Vincentians can only hope for a bounty (pun intended). And of course, I will pay – other Vincentians are paying for tragic election outcomes, exorbitant fuel costs, inflated food prices, high taxes, etc. I am a patriot – why should I be exempt?

Yours truly,
John Smith