Our politicians are really ‘pal-iticians’

Dear Editor,

Have we evolved as a nation? Have we lost all reasoning and knowledge to understand what acceptable or unacceptable behaviour among our politicians is?

“Politics: The activities associated with government – The theory and practice of government, especially the activities associated with governing, with obtaining legislative or executive power, or with forming and running organizations connected with government.

“2nd meaning: Power relationships in specific field – The interrelations with the people, groups or organisations in a particular area of life especially insofar as they involve power and influence or conflict.

“3nd meaning: Calculated advancement – The use of tactics and strategy to gain power in a group or organization.”  (Encarta English Dictionary).

I am at a loss to determine whether our professors, educators and leaders in society truly understand what is evolving among some of our political leaders. I have created the word ‘pal-iticians’ to make a strong case against facetious leaders who may think that their modus operandi is the norm. The word ‘pal’ means friend, buddy, chum, companion, comrade and crony.

Whichever of these words is appropriate to your thinking, it does not in any way change the true meaning of the word ‘pal’. It is intended to imply that politicians who are in office ensure that their buddies and friends receive favours for being their supporters. They should be called pal-ititians and not politicians.

There is a grotesque and outrageous attempt by politicians to redefine this noble profession which some among us learned should reflect integrity, honesty and decorum. Cover-ups, conspiracies, contempt and condescension are now the vices that replace the former political virtues.

Henceforth, these practices should not be allowed to advance or flourish in the corridors of our sacred Assembly; rather, we should seek every opportunity to preserve the true values associated with this occupation.

Yours faithfully,

Apostle Vanrick Beresford