THE EDITOR, Sir:
JUST A few days ago during Prime Time News on Television Jamaica a poll question was aired: "Do you think election campaigns should be banned?" Seventy-eight per cent said yes and 22 per cent said no. I couldn't agree more with the 78 per cent which voted yes.
Each Member of Parliament has a right to campaign; also their followers have a right to go on these bandwagons to their various meetings. But what is so appalling is that these people are so easily influenced by what they can get, whether it is a beer, food or some small change, and I am not exaggerating. At times I can't really say who is for the JLP or who is PNP, these people are so moody that whoever can give them something just to satisfy their needs at that particular time will have their vote.
I hate to repeat this old line but I think it is far time that we stop displaying that kind of behaviour and begin to think of ourselves. When will we change the kind of mentality that is being displayed?
People, you have got to think for yourselves. Let's look at what has been happening since the campaign began, senseless killings, people being hospitalised, children left to suffer when parents are dead, schools closed, curfews. Come now, let us reason together, who do you think is being hurt, who are the ones dying and suffering? Is it the MP, and do you think they care? The only thing they will miss is the one vote they have lost.
Let us then think for ourselves and don't base your votes on hearsay but know the facts, analyse and see if things spoken can be realised. Face it, people, you are the only ones who are feeling the hardships, the struggles. Elections should not be based on brainwashing people or when the MP of a constituency comes around a few weeks before election and issues handouts.
Choose your leaders and MPs wisely. In choosing ask the Lord to help you do so and He shall direct you along the right paths.
I am, etc.,
A. BARNABY
St. Ann's Bay
St. Ann
