Dear Editor,
Do we really need to have political campaigns that seem to go on forever all over the island during election time?
First, let's look at the cost. This entails transporting large crowds to these events, and big sound systems to boot, in order to draw in and build the frenzied crowd vibes. We cannot overlook the lavish grafts, either a la curry-goat feast, beer, and the "nanny". These are all expected by the people nowadays, and nothing less is accepted in order to secure votes.
Security is paramount for these occasions, and is certainly not cheap either. You can all recall that there have been quite a few incidents at these meetings over the years. In these most violent times, do we need to do anything to boost the murder statistics, almost sure to rise during the campaign period?
Security is paramount for these occasions, and is certainly not cheap either. You can all recall that there have been quite a few incidents at these meetings over the years. In these most violent times, do we need to do anything to boost the murder statistics, almost sure to rise during the campaign period?
Jamaicans, as we know, largely support and vote along party line for better or worse, not issues, and no political meetings, hand-wringing, or bribe will change their vote. It is like religion in a family. Yes, they'll take the handouts with false promises to vote for you, but a thousand meetings will never change their votes.
Lastly, why is the campaign period so long? It is known that the amount of money spent and the political killings and intimidation are directly proportional to the length of the campaign. Do the politicians think that Jamaicans are in doubt as to where their votes will go, thus needing more time to win them over? Or do politicians think they can convince them of issues which nobody ever listens to? Politicians certainly do not know their own people very well! These people might as well be registered voters, because their allegiance to a party hardly ever changes. No modern country conducts political campaigns in this backward manner anymore. Rather, the candidates strategically place posters, do paid advertisements on the radio or TV, or do house-to-house meet and greets. Sometimes they might call a town hall meeting to meet with their constituents. Time to change, Jamaica! Green and orange clothes are too expensive for the occasion... not to mention the inevitable and ever present pot covers, bells and whistles!
Errol Gager
Toronto, Canada
legager25@gmail.com
Political campaigning is a waste of time!
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Do we really need to have political campaigns that seem to go on forever all over the island during election time?
First, let's look at the cost. This entails transporting large crowds to these events, and big sound systems to boot, in order to draw in and build the frenzied crowd vibes. We cannot overlook the lavish grafts, either a la curry-goat feast, beer, and the "nanny". These are all expected by the people nowadays, and nothing less is accepted in order to secure votes.
Security is paramount for these occasions, and is certainly not cheap either. You can all recall that there have been quite a few incidents at these meetings over the years. In these most violent times, do we need to do anything to boost the murder statistics, almost sure to rise during the campaign period?
Security is paramount for these occasions, and is certainly not cheap either. You can all recall that there have been quite a few incidents at these meetings over the years. In these most violent times, do we need to do anything to boost the murder statistics, almost sure to rise during the campaign period?
Jamaicans, as we know, largely support and vote along party line for better or worse, not issues, and no political meetings, hand-wringing, or bribe will change their vote. It is like religion in a family. Yes, they'll take the handouts with false promises to vote for you, but a thousand meetings will never change their votes.
Lastly, why is the campaign period so long? It is known that the amount of money spent and the political killings and intimidation are directly proportional to the length of the campaign. Do the politicians think that Jamaicans are in doubt as to where their votes will go, thus needing more time to win them over? Or do politicians think they can convince them of issues which nobody ever listens to? Politicians certainly do not know their own people very well! These people might as well be registered voters, because their allegiance to a party hardly ever changes. No modern country conducts political campaigns in this backward manner anymore. Rather, the candidates strategically place posters, do paid advertisements on the radio or TV, or do house-to-house meet and greets. Sometimes they might call a town hall meeting to meet with their constituents. Time to change, Jamaica! Green and orange clothes are too expensive for the occasion... not to mention the inevitable and ever present pot covers, bells and whistles!
Errol Gager
Toronto, Canada
legager25@gmail.com
Political campaigning is a waste of time!
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