Moral authority and the first stone
Published:Saturday | July 17, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
A recent comment by Mr Daryl Vaz in reference to the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips affair stated: "When you hear the utterances of this born-again People's National Party (PNP) on the moral and integrity platform ..., they have a lot of questions to answer". In other words, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." But is that mode of thinking really relevant or appropriate in our political culture? Now, perhaps I am completely lost when it comes to the Opposition and its parliamentary duty. However, I thought it was the Opposition's duty to bring questionable issues under scrutiny for the good of the public and incite debate, where necessary, to ensure that both sides of any political discussion are fully explored. Now, I will not pretend to be naive and think that a number of the opposing statements made are not politically- motivated. however, for the most part, as seemingly malicious as they may be, they bring to light certain things the public would otherwise be unaware of.
Moral authority
After 18 years in opposition the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) should know all too well what it is to oppose and the importance of this role in the Westminster parliamentary system. It is, therefore, quite ironic and disturbing that every time the JLP is caught with its hands in the cookie jar, it points to the fact that the PNP stole a number of cookies during its tenure in office and, therefore, should dare to utter a word as it still has crumbs on its cheeks. Is this the way the JLP wants to run the country? The abuse of the term 'moral authority' in the house of parliament is sickening and politicians on both sides should learn that someone else's mistake does not excuse theirs.
I wonder what Mr Vaz and his colleagues expect when they make statements like these. Should we all join in a chorus and say, "Well it's bad, but not that bad, because those before them did bad things too." With that mindset the country will never go anywhere. On second thought, we will go somewhere. We will GO TO THE DOGS! Own up to your mistakes JLP, we need more responsible governance.
I am, etc.,
Marsha