Issue: Don't prostitute standards in the search for wealth
Published:Saturday | October 12, 2013 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
In an article published in The Gleaner on October 11, 2013, under the caption 'Businessmen give green light to prostitution', it was reported that one of the men, Davon Crump, expressed the view that while he does not support prostitution from a moral standpoint, legalisation would streamline the practice in terms of health concerns.
For their part, businessmen Nigel Myrie and Cliff Reynolds think that legalising prostitution is good from a revenue-earning perspective. The danger to the wholesome development of the society that is inherent in these men's positions is almost too chilling to even contemplate.
When did we, as a people, reach the place where despite our knowing that something is wrong, we will nonetheless proceed with it because there are some other benefits to be gained?
Are we that oblivious to the inescapable consequences of such moral abandonment, not realising that our sustainability as a nation will be determined only by our moral content and compass?
They are wrong about morality.
I notice that it has now become fashionable for some persons who pride themselves as commentators to advance the view that morality is not a determinant in the well-being of a nation, citing the growing wealth of sections of Europe where religious practice is almost non-existent. They compare such nations to places like Jamaica which, with its pervasive religious culture, is languishing in perpetual underdevelopment. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Let us remind ourselves so that we do not repeat their errors: The two most outstanding characteristics that link the empires of Egypt, Babylonia, Media Persia, Assyria, Greece, Rome and the Ottoman are wealth and frightening immorality. But where are they now?
In light of this, the salient lesson for every person is that one's history always determines his destiny. Therefore, your history is not your destiny. Let us then watch the end of wealthy Europe; and as they say, 'The longest liver sees the most!'
CASHLEY BROWN