Dear Editor,
It is with some interest that I read the recent ripple of awakening that followed a call for the gathering and presence of a few good men dedicated to lifting us up. It is commendable indeed. As I kept reading, interest was replaced by a chuckle –a knowing one.
For years, a handful of lonely voices has lamented the absence of unselfish, principled patriots; spoken and written about from the barren wilderness of the crying need for public service of a genuine, impeccable character. It seems that those lamentations and other efforts went by the wayside. Until now.
Perhaps, Guyanese hear what they want to hear, only when they want to hear. Perhaps, too, it is dependent on the source of the call. Nevertheless, it must be said that this is not Moses coming down from the mountain top with never-before seen-or-heard sacred truths. It has been said before, clearly and loudly. Repeatedly.
Separately and more pointedly − perhaps, controversially − I say that those who have ‘run the ward’ and done well, too well, from the generosity of those who oppress and distort and corrupt are not in the best position to tender direction or guidance. To quote William Bennett, Secretary of Education under Ronald Reagan, the well-intentioned-have diluted their credibility through “excessive entanglement with an infectious disease.” The disease is known, the entanglement(s) not as well. Thus, the authenticity of public pronouncements and postures must be questioned as to its reliability, its sinews.
Still, after forty plus years of wandering in political gloom, weary, searching Guyanese should be permitted to worship golden calves. Self-made ones included.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
