Editorial got it wrong

November 7, 2002

Dear Sir,

In your editorial this morning, you criticised UBP MP Jamahl Simmons for saying the PLP were "drunk on power" and "drunk on champagne". You felt these phrases were unnecessarily low blows in the context of the run-up to the next general election.

I have to take issue with you over that. Many people feel the PLP has squandered the good will people had for them in 1998. They've made some bad decisions about how to govern, sure, but they have also been guilty of some really questionable personal behaviour that makes people wonder what else they're capable of.

Champagne, expensive clothes, fast cars, first-class travel, bad temper, arrogance, pettiness, secrecy, disloyalty, overpayments, political favours - these aren't just cheap political jibes. These are real issues for the people who have to pay the bills, and real issues for people who worry about Bermuda's future. They are issues that will make or break the PLP's chances of a second term in office. Trying to declare them off limits is as far off the mark as King Canute was, trying to order the tide not to come in.

And I do feel obliged to gently point out that it is a little odd for you be trying to lecture politicians on their behaviour, while all the time encouraging Hester's little weasel-hunts. Don't you think?

BLUTO

St. George's