Dear Editor,
Mr Gerhard Ramsaroop’s chiding remarks on the contents of some letters supposedly emanating from one Elizabeth Daly, in which she/he engages in a rambling and accusatory attack upon the patriotism and intellectual capacity of Tarron Khemraj, was entirely on point (‘Defensive posturing and a lack of respect for the common sense of Guyanese’ SN, July 3). Daly’s responses to the learned and enlightened critiques of Dr Khemraj amounted to sophomoric generalizations, tired and abused political clichés, and what can only be described as a slew of hubristic and immature accusations. We do not know much about the qualifications of Daly vis-à-vis the subject of economic theory and its applications. What we are in no doubt of, however, is the fact that Tarron Khemraj is a patriotic Guyanese who has earned a PhD in the field under discussion, and is a long-time academic instructor in an American educational institution.
The problem with many of these virtually anonymous keyboard warriors, many of whom are dispatched for the sole purpose of proliferating propaganda, is that all they bring to the discussion, sometimes under an assumed nomenclature, is designed to create a false image in the mind of the readers of these missives. And since everyone and his brother has long become hip to this political subterfuge, the condition that influences or encourages its continuation can well be described as chronic obtuseness. And even that is stretching a euphemism.
Daly, in one of her/his letters, and obviously infused with narrow-minded anger at the time of writing, took umbrage at Dr Khemraj’s remarks about “my country.” Yep, “my country” was the exact term s/he used when responding in one piece to the critical examination of Guyana’s economics by a learned and qualified Guyanese, whose roots and attachment to Guyana are as long and as strong as that of Daly and all others of like persuasion with their narrowly defined understanding of the meaning of ownership. Clearly Daly is labouring under the weight of some defect of reasoning or rationality that prohibits a basic grasp of some constitutional realities. That, in fact, Guyana belongs to all of us, and time and distance does not alter or in any way vitiate that connection.
Many have written about the sense of proprietorship with which some in the PPP seem to relate to Guyana, and from where they react to Guyanese who do not parrot the sterile establishment talking points. And this is obviously a product of a sense of triumphalism from constantly coming out on top in our perennial ethnic referendums. Well Daly et al need to understand that Guyana is not ‘theirs’ it is ‘ours.’ We have all, by virtue of ancestral heritage and disparate contributions, paid the cost to be boss, in terms of having our say in the affairs of our country. People like Tarron Khemraj went the distance in terms of educating and qualifying themselves to speak on issues and subjects. I would argue that his Guyanese experience and academic qualification in the subject matter makes him eminently qualified to prognosticate on where we are heading given the creaking sounds emanating from the gears in our current economic vehicle. I am wondering about the foundation for Daly’s expertise. Certainly not as a prohibition on her right to have her say, regardless of the subject matter. No, my wonderment is merely about the foundation of knowledge she stands on, and by virtue of this position, feels qualified to summarily dismiss the opinions of someone very qualified to discuss the subject matter.
Yours faithfully,
Robin Williams
“Elizabeth Daly” seems to be one of the many ghost writers of the PPP. With that info you can now deal with the communistic propagandist Pravada-like garbage “she” writes – especially in the Chronicle.
Just ignore that stuff from the “Elizabeth Daly’s” as they are meant to distract the work for positive solutions for Guyana. Guyana will continue to be “theirs” until Guyanese get serious and ensure that they are kicked out in 2011.
Look inward Guyana and build a society worthy of respect throughout the Region and the World.
“Mr.Williams,if that’s your real anme, you use “Dr.” and “Phd” as if this is some guarantee that whatever the man says is gospel. Some of the Hitler’s ministers had PHDs from some of Germany’s prestigious universities and actively supported his atrocities. Get real…
ummm…Mr. Reddy…in the absence of any proper responses, we only have Dr. Khemraj’s word. Hence why we are asking for the rice-eater attack to stop, and for a proper debate to begin.
Also, I verily believe I know I how to read and could not see where Mr. Williams said Dr. Khemraj’s word is gospel. The last time I checked, having respect for someone and taking everything they say as gospel are two different things.
only Dacta Evil misir gives you the gospel you want to hear right?
Aye aren’t you worried that as a fossil this kind of blogging might cause harm to your outer shell?
Daly is believed to be a male cabinet minister whose original forte was in the information sector and has been a long time PPPite. Except for the educational and informatve responses Daly has generated, I really don’t think Daly’s arguments in defense of the indefensible in the Jagdeo government. And indeed, Robin, Guyana belongs to all of us, and so we have equal rights to criticise as the Dalys have equal rights to defend. The Jageo-led PPP regime does not own Guyana, even though the abusive way they treat with the institutions of government and country wgives that impression.
Daly should then say why is it that this qualified Guyanese in another country and in Guyana offering his service as an ecomonic adviser to this confused president.
Or is he to intellegent?
Andy ! The proof is in the pudding. At least Mr. Ramsaroop did not try to promote himself with ‘Dr.’ in front of his name.
Finally, some is adding more intelligence to the argument. Ever notice how we hardly hear indeginous residents making the claim for “my country” but are more likely to say my country.Once Ms Daly put up or shut up.
Elizabeth Daly is a propagandist for the P.P.P. and should be disregarded. This spineless coward is hiding behind a pen name This is my last reference to this worm.
well said Robin. I think it’s best to just ignore these ghost writers. sice we know their intentions, they are not worth responding to.
the other sad thing, is that many of these same ghost writers are Senior public servants and govt officials being paid with taxpayers money. very sad situation!
Don’t ignore these ghost writers because what the nonsence the write will become truth. Call them out. Expose them for what they are – COWARDS!
Right on Robin, couldn’t agree more. When some writers lack arguements, they either foray into the personal or ‘you are not here’ realm. All Guyanese have the right to comment on Guyanese affairs, wherever they maybe located physcially.That Daly person must remember, we all care for our country and ’sitting in Guyana’ is not the only measure of ones love for his country.Robin you should write also to the Chronicle, where the Daly person, has his\her domain.Keep up the educating process Robin.
May not agree with Daly in some things. However, oversea guyanese have a tendency to see Guyana from a higher place and not the ground Guyana finds itself on. Anyhow do anyone know who any blogger really is? “The problem with many virtually anonymous keyboard warriors, are they are dispatched for the sole purpose of proliferating propaganda and this includes bloggers here and writers”
And so who knows if you or I are included.
The headline to this article here explains everything.Why bother comment? Only manufactured imbeciles will say otherwise.