The average Jamaican has existed as a part of the 'under-class', but changes in access and opportunities at the policy level have made a significant difference in our history. We seem to again be at a critical moment in time that can help determine and define the type of society that we have.
Throughout history, change and the advancements in the rule of law have only been bent towards justice and equality when persons of the 'under-class' decide that they will no longer accept the status quo and cease to put the interest of a system or other people ahead of their own.
People often forget that powerful people only exist because other people decide to accept their power.
Now the situation with Andrew Holness's house, or whatever other assets he may or may not have, has created a moment in time for Jamaicans to decide once again the type of society we want to forget.
There are those who say its just 'bad mind' why this is a conversation. They might be right. After all, a poll conducted by Don Anderson in July of this year found interestingly that "envious bad mind people" was the 6th main cause for crime. Popular songs are littered with the same ideas of 'bad-mind people'. So there might be some merit to the idea. But I contend that such logic is self-serving and overly simplistic. Similarly self-serving is the drawn party lines either for or against on this issue.
However, here is the rub: In spite of the reason or motivation, the question about his ability to afford this house must be asked!
Holness himself, as a parliamentarian, passed a law which makes it illegal to own property valued more than a person's income can afford. This is the core of the so-called 'Anti-Lottery Act'. Remember, as taxpayers we know his salary. If it were a 'no name' man from Montego Bay setting up such a home, wouldn't the police investigate?
These are all questions to determine what sort of foundation we want to continue to build Jamaica's house on.
James Christian
james.christian11@outlook.com
House talk not only 'bad mind'
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Throughout history, change and the advancements in the rule of law have only been bent towards justice and equality when persons of the 'under-class' decide that they will no longer accept the status quo and cease to put the interest of a system or other people ahead of their own.
People often forget that powerful people only exist because other people decide to accept their power.
Now the situation with Andrew Holness's house, or whatever other assets he may or may not have, has created a moment in time for Jamaicans to decide once again the type of society we want to forget.
There are those who say its just 'bad mind' why this is a conversation. They might be right. After all, a poll conducted by Don Anderson in July of this year found interestingly that "envious bad mind people" was the 6th main cause for crime. Popular songs are littered with the same ideas of 'bad-mind people'. So there might be some merit to the idea. But I contend that such logic is self-serving and overly simplistic. Similarly self-serving is the drawn party lines either for or against on this issue.
However, here is the rub: In spite of the reason or motivation, the question about his ability to afford this house must be asked!
Holness himself, as a parliamentarian, passed a law which makes it illegal to own property valued more than a person's income can afford. This is the core of the so-called 'Anti-Lottery Act'. Remember, as taxpayers we know his salary. If it were a 'no name' man from Montego Bay setting up such a home, wouldn't the police investigate?
These are all questions to determine what sort of foundation we want to continue to build Jamaica's house on.
James Christian
james.christian11@outlook.com
House talk not only 'bad mind'
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