Getting what we deserve

August 14, 2007

Dear Sir

Once again we have the seemingly parrot-like phrases relating to the unwillingness and refusal of this so-called PLP Government to communicate with the media and, virtually by definition, with the people of Bermuda, who pay their salaries!

Every day we read that 'Government refused to comment...', 'There was no response to our calls to various Government officials...', 'Minister this that or the other one was travelling....'. These dudes talk about the arrogance and aloofness of governments in bygone days but they have made a mockery of democracy and open Government. Never in our history have we seen such a group of 'Legends in their Own Minds'.

There are so many reasons to get rid of these clowns that it will be beyond belief if they aren't gone at the next opportunity. I accept that black Bermudians may feel some affinity to black Parliamentarians but I do not believe that black Bermudians are so ignorant as to be led down the garden path by these idiots any longer and, at the same time, be treated so arrogantly, dismissively and rudely.

If they are, then, in the words of others before me "In a Democracy, you get exactly what you deserve".

SAMUEL CLEMENS

SOUTHAMPTON

Kudos to Spirit's crew

Dear Sir,

I had two marvellous experiences this summer, while I was in Halifax attending Summer Semester.

The first was a visit I made to the Halifax Art Gallery on Hollis Street. A group of my friends and I went to see a wonderful exhibition of quilting. While there, I remembered that the Masterworks Foundation's Travelling Exhibition was on at this gallery, so we went to see it.

Mr. Editor, it was a wonderful exhibition. It was also nostalgic to me. I would like to encourage anyone who will be visiting Halifax, to take children to school or on vacation, to go and see this exhibition. A lump will rise into you throat as I experienced.

My Congratulations to Masterworks.

Mr. Editor, my second experience was walking along the Halifax waterfront and visiting our training ship "The Spirit of Bermuda" that was taking part in the regatta of the tall ships.

I was so proud of our young people. Their behaviour was perfect, and my friends who took a tour of the ship were very impressed by the knowledge of these young people.

Then I watched the regatta leave Halifax harbour. Wow, I was so proud! I listened to the comments of the people who were sitting around me at Point Pleasant Park. I must have been smiling a lot because I was asked by a number of people, if I was Bermudian. Bermuda should be very supportive to our young people. I hope that more and more of our young people will have the opportunity to sail on "The Spirit". Mr. Editor how proud I am to be a part of all this.

YVETTE SWAN

Confront history

August 14, 2007

Dear Sir,

While I respect Professor Robert Jenson's credentials and expertise, his decision to use the phrase 'white supremacist' in describing the racial dynamic in Bermuda seems calculated to produce sensationalism and outrage. Rather than aiding the current situation, his remarks may very well inflame it.

For a man with professed expertise on the subject, the statement seems insensitive and ill-advised. I am not contesting the facts of Professor Jenson's remarks (indeed, I would agree that inequality still exists between races), merely his choice of words; 'white supremacist' is a phrase that buckles under the weight of its own history. The images it conjures of exploitation and cruelty appeal to emotion rather than reason.

If we are ever to work toward a solution for Bermuda's problems with race, we need to do so in a manner that acknowledges the evils of history without succumbing to them. The phrase 'white supremacist' is a relic from an unhappy past. If we keep looking to the past, we will become mired in it and never move forward. If describing Bermuda as a 'white supremacist society' generates further antagonism, Professor Jenson's remarks will have been counterproductive.

Such language belongs with the Premier's references to the 'plantation': it polarises and complicates, preventing us from realising the truth. My personal plea would be for citizens of Bermuda to confront, rather than to dwell upon, history.

A LIBERAL ARTS STUDENT

Smith's

Where is the indignation?

July 26, 2007

Dear Sir,

I won't comment on the arguments on either side as to whether or not someone with a criminal conviction should serve in the House of Parliament. I will comment, however on the interesting subtext which has been brought to the forefront during this entire debate.

Since the formation of the UBP and for as far back as my memory can recall black Bermudians who joined the UBP where publicly castigated. They've been called Uncle Toms, sell-outs, house n*****s and many other names that cannot be printed. Their motives and integrity have always been questioned in a very public way.

Despite the over 30 year long barrage of attacks aimed at their black representatives I do not ever recall the members of leadership of the UBP ever defending them in any substantive way. The black members were placed on the firing line (albeit they did so willingly) and subjected to harassment while by-in-large the white membership refrained from defending or speaking up as their political colleagues bore the brunt of the daily attacks.

I wonder how the black former and current representatives of the UBP, who were law abiding people feel knowing that their party is now jumping to the defence of a thief and convicted felon. Where were the voices of indignation when all the other representatives were being maligned and the only "crime" they committed was joining the UBP? The situation begs the question: Why is this candidate worth defending when historically and even currently no other black representative of the UBP has been deemed worthy of that same basic courtesy?

JUST WONDERING

Hamilton Parish