Dear Editor,
Children are often admired for their humility, but they also possess some unfortunate attributes; for example their inability at times to take responsibility for their actions. At first most onlookers sympathise with youngsters, but eventually maturity is thrust upon them, however some opt not to evolve, since it is easier to identify scapegoats.
This is a replica of Jamaica's political system. Politicians are viewed as villains, but none of them could implement unsavory policies without the assistance of a complicit electorate. One of the bigger flaws with our political system is that its emphasis is on welfare and not wealth creation, and too many of us accept the view that pro-poor programmes should be a priority of a responsbile government. Consequently, we have no problem in supporting politicians who spend billions on social programmes, even if the money is borrowed. And, ironically, these are the same people who accuse the poor of being too dependent on politicians.
Before we can discuss social safety nets for the poor we must craft a strategy for long-term growth. It is impossible to tap into major industries, like electronics, without making sufficient investments in research and human capital. The fruits which countries like Taiwan are now reaping are due to years of economic planning and close colloboration with the private sector. Many politicians proudly boast about creating social programmes to assist the poor, but it would be better to finance the boosting of R&D talent. Social programmes will ameliorate the living conditions of the less fortunate for a short period. But investing in the former will result in innovations which will make our businesses and economy more competitive.
For example, Singapore's ability to train and retain R&D talent has made it an ideal location for high-tech firms to establish new plants. Now is the time to choose what we want, do we want to develop a global business brand or is it our goal to create a class of permanent dependents? Furthermore, we have never done a cost-benefit analysis to determine the success of these anti-poverty programmes so we cannot laud them. Patronising politicians may sound appealing, but more than anything else those affected by poverty need an environment to empower themselves, not a government handout.
Portia Simpson Miller likes to brag about her dedication to the poor, but it is only her committment to creating a dynamic, free enterprise system, which will boost their living standards, is worth its weight in gold. Jamaica's future is in the hands of the electorate, if we are truly serious about developing our country then we must reject populist politicians, taher than elect them and then complain like that immature child who is never the cause of his problems.
Lipton Matthews
lo_matthews@yahoo.com
This 'love the poor' talk is keeping us poor
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Children are often admired for their humility, but they also possess some unfortunate attributes; for example their inability at times to take responsibility for their actions. At first most onlookers sympathise with youngsters, but eventually maturity is thrust upon them, however some opt not to evolve, since it is easier to identify scapegoats.
This is a replica of Jamaica's political system. Politicians are viewed as villains, but none of them could implement unsavory policies without the assistance of a complicit electorate. One of the bigger flaws with our political system is that its emphasis is on welfare and not wealth creation, and too many of us accept the view that pro-poor programmes should be a priority of a responsbile government. Consequently, we have no problem in supporting politicians who spend billions on social programmes, even if the money is borrowed. And, ironically, these are the same people who accuse the poor of being too dependent on politicians.
Before we can discuss social safety nets for the poor we must craft a strategy for long-term growth. It is impossible to tap into major industries, like electronics, without making sufficient investments in research and human capital. The fruits which countries like Taiwan are now reaping are due to years of economic planning and close colloboration with the private sector. Many politicians proudly boast about creating social programmes to assist the poor, but it would be better to finance the boosting of R&D talent. Social programmes will ameliorate the living conditions of the less fortunate for a short period. But investing in the former will result in innovations which will make our businesses and economy more competitive.
For example, Singapore's ability to train and retain R&D talent has made it an ideal location for high-tech firms to establish new plants. Now is the time to choose what we want, do we want to develop a global business brand or is it our goal to create a class of permanent dependents? Furthermore, we have never done a cost-benefit analysis to determine the success of these anti-poverty programmes so we cannot laud them. Patronising politicians may sound appealing, but more than anything else those affected by poverty need an environment to empower themselves, not a government handout.
Portia Simpson Miller likes to brag about her dedication to the poor, but it is only her committment to creating a dynamic, free enterprise system, which will boost their living standards, is worth its weight in gold. Jamaica's future is in the hands of the electorate, if we are truly serious about developing our country then we must reject populist politicians, taher than elect them and then complain like that immature child who is never the cause of his problems.
Lipton Matthews
lo_matthews@yahoo.com
This 'love the poor' talk is keeping us poor
-->