We might be laughing, but we are not amused. Not one bit. In fact we are at the other end of the spectrum – thoroughly disgusted. We are fed up. We are disappointed.

This is the 21st century. It is an exciting time to be present in the world. It is the communication age. We have desktops, laptops, tablets, iPhones, Droids and Blackberries. It is the information age. We are able to receive and send data at high speeds all around the world. We can see the possibility of more technological advancements in this era and the next. We used to be excited about our future. But right now, just this minute, we’re not. Here’s why:

It is November 2011. The date for elections has been set and the ‘campaigns’ are in full gear as parties try to win back the disenchanted, appeal to the wavering and generally score points, which they hope will carry them to the pinnacle. Perhaps pinnacle is the wrong word to use there, because they are still at the lowest point possible. Here’s why:

On our desktops, laptops, tablets, iPhones and Blackberries we see our social media sites struggling in some places under an overburden of filth; language so terribly tainted that were it slop pigs would refuse it—some of it from people who purport to lead us. Did we say we were disgusted?

That’s not all, our outgoing leader has given us such virulent gems as: “The [private media] are vultures and carrion crows” and “I in cuss mode”. And with the exception of a few, politicians have climbed on the hustings and resorted to name calling; some of it so vile, we rushed to cover our children’s ears.

We remember being told as children to ignore and pity persons who resorted to foul language at the drop of a hat. We were told they couldn’t help it as they suffered from a lack of a good vocabulary. We wonder… and we pray that our children (as in all our country’s children) look elsewhere for role models.

All around the world there are erudite men and women making speeches with worthy quotes that people want to use again. We want to recommend just two to some of our local leaders:

“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.” Steve Jobs

“But what we can do, as flawed as we are, is still see God in other people, and do our best to help them find their own grace. That’s what I strive to do, that’s what I pray to do every day.” Barack Obama
At this stage, all we can say is roll on Monday, November 28, 2011 if only because we are so weary of the cuss-down campaigning.

(thescene@stabroeknews.com)