Why berate security forces?
Published:Tuesday | July 20, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
From all indications, the current state of emergency implemented by the Government seems to have the full support of the majority of Jamaicans. However, there are some in the society who are hell-bent on demonising this worthwhile effort. Apparently, there seem to be some folk, mostly from the upper classes, who are berating the security forces every day for enforcing the emergency powers.
These are people who have never lived in the ghetto and are not adversely affected by wanton criminality. There are special interests in the electronic media, human-rights groups and high-profile lawyers who are among the culprits. The big question remains, why do these folks disparage the security forces daily?
Let us put all the scenarios into context.
If Jamaica were to become relatively crime free and most people began to live lawfully, then we would not need the human-rights groups. They would become silent because people would not be breaking the law, hence no need for the state to lock them up. Therefore, there would be no cry of abuse by the State. The 'rights' groups would then become obsolete and may have to go do some backyard gardening or take care of their grandchildren.
Criminal lawyers benefit
If there is a very low crime rate, and people are not being charged for criminal acts, then who needs high-profile criminal lawyers? The man who steals a few mangoes or some green bananas, and is charged for it, would not need a high-profile criminal lawyer. He could not afford their services because he could not pay millions of dollars to defend him. Therefore, with a low crime rate, these criminal lawyers would have to find pickings elsewhere. Maybe it's in their best interest if crime and criminality remained at a high level.
One just needs to take a listen to the people who are against the state of emergency. These are people from uptown, who live in well-grilled houses probably patrolled by a few Dobermans. These are folks from the privileged class who need the spotlight to seem worthwhile. These so-called high-profile lawyers and human-rights groups need to get a grip.
I am, etc.,
NEVILLE BECKFORD