ToolsOur leaders setting a bad exampleI looked on with disquiet at the content of the Government's panel discussion held on the evening of September 26. Whatever the intent, it turned out to be a symbol of the political slugfest that now characterises the legislative processes in Trinidad and Tobago. Perpetuation of the sledge-hammer approach to dealing with those who speak out or dissent can only have the effect, on the one hand, of driving our still beautiful country into the depths of antagonistic behaviours and; on the other hand, of deterring worthy contributors. What is more troubling is that these behaviours are already being mirrored and manifested in the actions and reactions of many of our citizens towards each other. The same vitriol that has driven the current and habitual onslaught on fellow politicians is what drives other citizens, who follow by example, to planass their fellow countrymen, stab them, gun them down, call them names and slander their names in response to minimal adversity, provocation or opposition. It is all driven by lack of respect for ourselves and our fellow citizens. After all hindsight is not only 20-20; it is also sure to come back to haunt those whose vision is rose-coloured. It is time for national leaders, who care, to understand that their comportment sets the standard for the rest of us. LJ Lewis via e-mail |
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