Dear Editor,
Please refer to ‘A group is trying to push an extremist agenda on the administration’ (SN, Dec 30). I am sure that the ‘extremists’ identified as Messrs Ogunseye et al are well equipped to offer their own responses. I, however, seek to make a few points on my own behalf.
First, by any measure it would be a stretch to consider me an extremist or fundamentalist or anti anything with a racial or religious texture. Having said that though, I would like to believe that I am about anti-corruption and pro-ethics; and I stand for what is decent and honourable.
Editor, I submit that for most of the last two decades, there was a severe paucity of any of these behaviours or standards. My own limited access revealed an alarming contempt for any of these aforementioned things by most of the folks who went before. Instead, there was this nauseating and stupendous time of non-stop self-help at the financial trough, through a variety of mechanisms, while trampling upon those few who dissented. There was little morality. It goes without saying that Messrs Ogunseye and friends are privy to much more corroborating intelligence, which emphasizes the ruthlessness and unbridled greed of the political stalwarts who masqueraded for a lengthy period as stewards.
What has been read and seen and heard (all first hand) was appalling enough to stagger the senses. Thus, anyone seek to defend only adds further ignominy to an already utterly deplorable set of circumstances. Now to accuse and abuse the fellows named of either extremism or going for the jugular or inciting the government ignores reality, and looks for a free pass for those from yesteryear.
And I am Guyanese and Indian, not an extremist. I desire to see those accused subject to the due process protections of the law and tried based on facts and evidence. I am not an extremist, but I am impatient, like so many other Guyanese of varying stripes. We all want some justice.
Separately, I read that the movie ‘V’ for Vendetta is recommended viewing. I think that same time is better utilized in watching The Hunt for Red October or to identify the numerous ‘Manchurian candidates’ waltzing around in broad daylight. Recall their many sojourns to such exotic locales as Prague, Warsaw, and East Germany; be assured it was not for tourism or conventional training.
Expose them and the real extremists would have nowhere to hide and few intellectual insights to deliver. When all is looked at closely today, this is what mocks and menaces. Though the people have wasted away, the specialized training is now put to fevered use.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
