Too much of a bad thing

June 24, 2002

Dear Sir,

Most movie buffs will remember the black and white ‘Schindler's List' about Nazi Germany. Many were puzzled by the fact that ordinary Germans simply stood silently aside and allowed millions of Jews to be murdered. Why on earth did these people do nothing? Could they not see what was going on? And what was going to happen? The two great weasel words of the 20th century were “if only”, meaning that “if only” greater power was given to people like those in Hitler's government things would improve for everyone. Unfortunately, for many people not only in Germany, but in many other countries, increased government power led to poverty (in Argentina and Jamaica) and repression (Russia and China).

Although it is a gross exaggeration to suggest that Bermuda resembles the countries mentioned, any increase in Government power is something to be openly questioned with vigour. Bermudians are by default silently endorsing increased power to Government by means of the constitutional changes currently under consideration. Very few question the sleight of hand activities of the Bermuda Government. This is not too surprising as people are not permitted to know or understand how such changes will be made. The PLP Government is counting on the ignorance and the indifference of the population to the constitutional changes now being proposed.

It is a disgrace that a government that said it was committed to openness is so secretive about the way it is masterminding an increase of its power; and it is also a disgrace that the 2000 census on which the decision making will be based is not yet available two years after it was conducted. The Boundaries Commission gives an imitation of a toothless lion, and creates the impression that it was established solely for the purpose of pretending that some impartial body was looking after the interests of Bermudians. I suspect that the electorate is being sold down the river, with the complicity of the British Government and Government House who for 20 years have wanted to wash their hands of Bermuda.

Many Bermudians believe that the changes being made will not affect them to any great extent. I hope they are right in their complacency. But the lesson of history is always clear. To quote Edmund Burke, “The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.”

In much less dramatic way the sort of issues that faced the German people in the 1930s now confront Bermudians. If things go wrong as they invariably do when government power in increased, how do we explain our silence to our grandchildren when they ask - why were you not aware of dangers and why did you not object?

ROBERT STEWART

Smith's Parish

Where's the assistance?

June 21, 2002

Dear Sir,

“The analyst” is 100 percent correct.

As a person who did not plan for the unexpected inflictions that this life can deliver as in a stroke in 1994, followed by a heart attack in 1995 and to top things off cancer of the larynx in 2000 resulting in the total loss of speech, I've done all with the exception of going on my hands and knees to try and secure financial assistance.

This department has been supplied with every piece of paperwork including my bank statements which include any deposits I may of earned for that month and statements from my doctors stating my limitations as to what sort of environment that I'm able to work in.

For those not familiar with a total laryngectomy, it removes the ability to smell, swallow and taste as you did. If you were a person orientated to water activities including working with boats etc.: just forget about it. I had the experience of falling into the water and near drowning, not pleasant at all. Eliminate two useless people from this or almost any Government department and use the $80,000 and distribute it to persons just like me who have contributed to government for over 40 years. $10,0000 per year would just about pay for the couch I rent and I'm sure the other seven people would be more than pleased.

NELSON CABRALL

City of Hamilton

US firms should be taxed

June 20, 2002

Dear Sir,

I am in total agreement with Richard Neal. US companies should not continue here. Maybe the ones that are already here can stay, but no more. Why? If they are saving $30 and $40 million in taxes, how come Bermuda Government hasn't been charging at least 50 percent of that? I do not want to hear the one about we can keep the buildings when they leave or that they are giving Bermudians jobs. They are getting away with millions in savings on taxes. Exactly what do we get? Instead of Government ripping off our taxes, get the money from the US companies. You can stand to make $15 million a year.

THE ANALYST

Somerset

Repairs too costly

June 20, 2002

Dear Sir,

So, according to the news this morning (June 20), there are soon going to be massive reconstruction works on the Swing Bridge, which will cause traffic delays etc. until next April. Eeee-yuck!

Serious consideration should be given to replacing both Swing Bridge and Longbird Bridge with up-and-over bridges (similar to Watford Bridge at the West End). I appreciate that it would cost a lot, but it's basically a one-time expense as opposed to requiring mechanical maintenance on a regular basis. In the long run it would actually save money.

I think a replacement for Longbird Bridge would need to have no more than a 30' clearance at high tide, whereas the Swing Bridge replacement would need to have at least 60' clearance because of the larger yachts that use it.

DAVIE KERR

St. George's

No respect for nature

June 22, 2002

Dear Sir,

Now that the Poinciana at the “Crossroads” of Pitts Bay Road and Serpentine Road is well and truly useless, thanks to Alex Scott and his henchmen, I pose the question, “Just what does our environment and natural beauty mean to this Government?” As we passed the brutal stumps daily, my overseas house guest on her recent departure finally said: “This shows complete disrespect for the environment by your Government.” Truer words were never spoken. It shows disrespect in particular by our Department of Works and Engineering, whom I have begged to cease their slaughter of our (once upon a time) charming treed and colourful roadsides. The butchery continues.

Mr. Scott's remarks that he is saving taxpayers' money by doing “major trimming” assumes there will be money to pay taxes. Tourists do not come here to see concrete and raped roadside. They can get that at home! And without tourists, a lot of people will not have money to pay those said taxes! It is obvious that Mr. Allen and the Department of Tourism do not get the point either, as I have appealed in writing to them, hoping they would lean on Mr. Scott to stop the carnage and protect our environment. The reply was, “the Minister of Works and Engineering has been concerned in particular with hazards posed by overgrown roadside vegetation”.

Does this justify annihilation? Be concerned no more, Mr. Scott! You said your major pruning would be saving the tax payers' money as your Department would not have to return to trim so often. Well, except for digging the butchered torso of the Poinciana from its home, there will be no returning to this munificent, life-giving, gentle giant again. Ever.

PEGGY COUPER

Pembroke