There is a group of men around dedicated to rinsing, washing, and sanitizing. They do not wash money. Arguably, they are of an even greater utility, for they seek to wash and corrupt minds. Meet the government image makers.
First, image makers are not ghost writers. The latter are the lowest of the low; this writing aims higher – about a couple of rungs from the bottom. The harsh and confrontational would label image makers spin doctors or influence peddlers or disinformation agents. The more kindly see them as PR gurus, government spokespersons, damage controllers. One can make the case for them as thought controllers, or engaging in mind altering endeavours.
They appear, from over the horizon, in different shapes and forms. Some are statistical defenders and numbers racketeers of immense proportions. They furnish the ultimate in charts, tables, and graphics. Guardians cold and chilling, who fail to recognize that no one is listening, no one cares, and no one gives a… you know what. The self engrossment is so considerable that there is a continuing resistance towards accepting that submissions have been rejected out of hand where they matter most, namely in the court of public opinion, and in people’s hearts. The ivory tower is so elevated that the sidewalk and its occupants cannot be seen. Nevertheless, the fare will be more of the same.
Next, there is the more homely variety of image makers. These are blokes who flit about seeking partners to engage, in an attempt to secure a channel to disseminate half truths, untruths, and matters with only a passing resemblance to truth. Multi-purpose individuals found in chat rooms and bulletin boards, who all the time (repeat, all the time) are dogged propagandists. They are so desperate to air government commercials, that when some see a cloth, they seize a thread, and then swirl around like Dervishes mesmerized, out of control, and lost in a world of their own making. And, of course, that of their paymasters. They answer to the calls of duty, country and patriotism, but only when paid to do so. Men paid at taxpayers’ expense to then mislead the same taxpayers through the custom tailoring of smooth fabric, loud style, and attractive fit for every occasion. Here is a sampling of chatter from the cocktail hour. Drinks are on them – really, compliments of taxpayer-funded expense accounts.
Ethnic division represents the agitation of discredited extremists – a negligible handful; corruption is a legacy industry, compliments of previous party – still only a little presently; crime and insecurity are wicked machinations of the media – the sensationalist segment; the narcotics and money laundering industries are mere rumours – and grossly exaggerated ones to boot.
This is the wisdom that emanates from these caring advocates. Advocates who care about inclusion (themselves); global warming (to cool and redirect domestic heat); hunger (as long as it is somebody else’s); lie detectors (under exemption); and a third term (a national blessing and a personal boon).
They must be commended for the willingness to relocate, accept pay in Guyana dollars, and operate in a sometimes hostile environment. They have proven that anyone can be a heavyweight patriot when well rewarded. It is just another job. Occasional heavy lifting, dirty jobs, and taking one for the team are all part of a day’s work in the life of an image maker. Thus far, they have done well for themselves; they have reason for merriment.
Still, I close by reminding them – all of them – that it a short distance from a pat on the head to a kick in the posterior. A very short distance, indeed.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
