Gordon Robinson | I yam what I yam!

In August 2008 an e-mail popped up from then Gleaner Opinion Editor Colin Steer asking me to write a regular weekly Column for The Gleaner.

It came out of the blue, like Thunderstorm Artis’s wife. I didn’t know Colin. He didn’t know me. Nevertheless I’ve been writing for The Gleaner, as Sam Cooke might say “every since”.

It’s been a minute during which I’ve been “handled” by three excellent Opinion Editors. After Colin moved onto greener pastures (don’t be naughty), the pugnacious Andre Wright and the impressive Staci Cunningham suffered my idio(t)syncracies resolutely even after they were promoted so could’ve shunned me. Instead they protected me and ensured that what you read is my work no matter how arcane.

So by now, discerning readers should have enough material to accurately assess and correctly conclude that, in politics, I’ve no side. I only have opinions. My opinions are neither right nor wrong. They’re MINE. They’ll continue to be mine. Nobody else’s will appear in these columns as mine.

Also, I assure readers (both of them) that nothing I write is or can be influenced by political propagandists/activists. They’ve tried. Usually approaches to give me “information” come from inexperienced youngsters in the game. Popular radio talk show host, Wilmot (“Motty”) Perkins, used to boast people would “push things” under his door. He’d then repeat the “information” as if it were gospel.

Unlike Motty, who famously studied Theology, my training isn’t faith based. Unless it can be independently verified, I’m not interested. I don’t want “information”. I only act on evidence. More senior politicians have discussed my opinions with me often expressing contrary views. I appreciate that approach and listen to their ideas.

But don’t try to tell me what to write or manipulate my output. Not gonna happen. To those myopic leapers to pre-programmed conclusions among you I state categorically that, since 2008, no leader of any political party has even spoken to me about my columns/posts much less tried to influence them. Senior politicians who know me don’t bother. Others who only know of me (the majority) do.

My mission is to hold Governments accountable; convince Oppositions they should do likewise; and educate readers about governance. Oppositions shouldn’t be single minded, unprincipled vote beggars. Like me, they must ensure Governments understand their purpose is to govern not rule. Governance, governments’ fit for purpose tool, is provided by the people; for the people. Governance begins at consultation with We the People so We can tell Governments what We need.

Governance doesn’t include any form of Donmanship.

Since 2008 I’ve been doing my part to ensure Jamaica is governed not ruled by some wannabe monarch. I’ve ruthlessly criticised every wrong move by every Government. I’ve also tried to educate readers that Jamaica’s endemic abuses of governmental authority is rooted in our all encompassing, unquestioning adoption of Westminster as fount of governance wisdom. THAT’s the classic craziness that carries every government since “independence” wide and causes them to go astray.

As a result of writing like that, political sycophants label me “Comrade” and “Labourite” often resulting from the same published opinion. Their politically lobotomized brains are incapable of analysing any argument other than by political label. Recently I posted regarding Emily Shields’ broadcast views on the JTC Bill: “ Jesus must be coming again today. Why? Because I agree with Emily’s Views 100%”. A PNP toady asked how come I normally disagreed with my fellow Labourite. Then, when my column on the same subject ( We See You JTA; Gleaner; May 11) appeared, a JLP hack addressed me as “Comrade Robinson” and wondered why I was being so hostile to my party.

They can’t think critically. Or at all. The only way a political troll can address disagreeable opinion is by political name-calling from their tribal sandbox. Independent thought renders them as lost as needles in haystacks.

Here’s the bad news for these confused political sheep. I’m nobody special. But, like Popeye, I yam what I yam! I won’t be anybody else. I’m just a Grumpy Old Man who can’t shut up even when it’s impolitic to speak. Accordingly, I’m beholden to NOBODY and NOTHING but the truth. I can only be influenced by FACT.

I’ll never stop speaking up and speaking out. I’ll never stop defending my people by showing them details others might miss and principles we should always support. I write in the hope that it encourages others to write; to speak up; to fear not.

Violence, especially in language and critique, is born of fear. They fear your words so they try to discredit or erase them. Once you remember that nothing in this world is as it appears, you’ll recognise bullies as cowards and “information” providers as minor league manipulators.

Be like Nancy Reagan. Just say no.

Peace and Love.

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com