The frog is being scalded
Published:Tuesday | May 25, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
It was inevitable that one day the ultimate confrontation between the forces of law and order and the forces of evil would occur. Like the proverbial frog, we sat in the beaker, contented, as the water got hotter and hotter and began to scald our skin and finally to burn us to death.
We all watched in amazement, consternation and awe as different sectors of our country sadly ceded territory to criminals. Our political leaders seemed impotent to stop the ominous spread of lawlessness, and as the state seemed unwilling or unable to protect us or provide us with economic opportunities, the 'dons' filled the vacuum.
We heard in no uncertain terms from ordinary citizens over and over that the 'dons' were sending their children to school, offering them employment opportunities, entertainment and even more important, safety and protection from murder, rape or other cruel acts. These were the services that we required of the state; being delivered by criminals, even more efficiently if even unlawful.
Therefore, if the state is to replace the 'dons' then the state needs to simply play the role we elected our political leaders to carry out if it cannot do so then the frog is dead.
I am, etc.,
MARK CLARKE