LETTER OF THE DAY: Can the leopard change its spots?

The Editor, Sir:

'Can the leopard change its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil ...". Jeremiah 13:23

Jeremiah was speaking in a specific context that, we hope, is not an exact mirror of the present. Who would want to believe that their leaders could be described in those terms?

Karl Samuda's recent words were interesting only because they were uttered, not because the sentiments expressed were surprising to anyone. It is common knowledge that politicians have, for years, utilised the services of gunmen to enforce political compliance in several communities across the island.

That civil society, and indeed, the police, had winked at the practice so emboldened them that they needed not care whether anybody knew it. It was an appalling condition in which we found ourselves, where the framers and upholders of the laws could break them with impunity. We have only just begun to stir from our torpor, and to require an accounting from our leaders.

Several questions now beg answers. Is Karl drawing a card on us, or is he coming clean? For years his party cultivated those links we are now being asked to believe he eschews. The progressive decrepitude of Red Hills Road and the recurrent bloodletting there are the harvest of that husbandry.

Should we believe that a broader change in our political culture is under way? Will others, from both tribes, also smite their breasts in repentance? Or will they come down on him for letting down the side? After his acknowledgement of association with 'community leaders', should he now be a person of interest to the police?

still no answers

It is by no means certain that the needed changes to our political and social culture are even under way, much less attained. I hold this position because there are still no answers to important questions. Why have we been unable to charge Dudus with anything? Why have the police shown no interest in the politicians who have provided cover for and utilised the services of gunmen? Who is investigating the acquisition of wealth by some politicians?

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL R. NICHOLSON

Kingston 6