Butler should be leader

June 24, 2009

Dear Sir,

I am truly not surprised by the actions of Ewart Brown. This Premier has shown time and time again the type of person he his: hateful, deceitful, arrogant, and one with a personal agenda.

After the no-confidence vote, I thought that maybe he would change his ways – maybe just a little. But what does he do? He invites Al Sharpton to speak in his defence. I don't want to waste my time writing about Al Sharpton (he preaches hatred just like the Premier) but I'll give you two words to Google about him – Tawana Brawley.

What I am surprised about is that there are more people within the PLP that will stand up to Ewart Brown. Why are they so afraid of him? It's almost like he knows about their dirty laundry and will expose it if they go against him.

But let's not dwell on the negative. There is good news on the horizon and his name is Mr. Dale Butler.

I had the privilege of hearing Mr. Butler give a speech at a local school a few years ago. He came to our school to talk about Black History Month. I remember coming home and telling my wife how impressed I was with the way he told the students that they must celebrate all cultures. He was articulate, humble, caring, and took the time to talk to our young people about how we should love all people. You could tell that he was everything this present Premier is not.

In closing:

To the Premier: I feel sorry for you. I will pray that one day you will understand what it means to be a true Christian.

To Mr. Dale Butler: You have my utmost respect. You truly are a leader for all people. I have no doubt that one day you will be leading our great country. You are a person of integrity who will unite, not divide, us.

To Bermuda: the man who should be leading our country is Mr. Dale Butler. He had the courage to stand up to Ewart Brown and tell him how a true leader should act. He had the courage to put Bermuda first and his party second. This is what we need Bermuda. Mr. Butler is a man who will bring us together, not separate us and pit one against the other.

DBP – Dale Butler for Premier

Southampton

What am I?

June 23, 2009

Dear Sir,

On the Uigher issue there is much that I could discuss. However, there is much that I feel would have me simply repeating that which those more intelligent than I have already discussed in detail so I feel I must constrain myself to one issue that is very personal to me.

I was born here.

I have lived here my entire life.

I continue my education here

I have participated in conferences, competitions and even Youth Parliament.

I know no other culture, no other people and no other place.

I do not hold and can never hold Bermudian Status.

After witnessing recent events I have formulated a plan to ease this plight of mine. I present it to my fellow Bermudians, yes I say it, fellow Bermudians. What is it to be Bermudian? I am a member of this community, my very personality and beliefs have been forever moulded by this country and in my own small way (as all members of a community do) I have helped mould the Bermuda around me. Tell me now that I am not Bermudian. I have no rights; I face a life of taxation without representation should I remain in the only country that I have ever known, the country that has given me so much and that I wish to give back to. Is it only I that finds this unacceptable? But, I digress … The plan:

I somehow have it made a key American foreign policy to have me granted citizenship to Bermuda. The beauty is in the simplicity is it not? In the interests of improving relations the Americans' wishes will be granted and Voila! I have my rights.

But wait … All is not so simple. What if it is stated that as an immigration matter I am subject to the same rules as everyone else? Well the Uighers have their own set of rules if they are granted status, I'd like those ones to apply to me too please. Then again what if it is stated that as an American foreign policy this falls under external affairs and so the decision falls with the Governor who may be … less welcoming to my attempts? Nonsense! Once again the precedent has been set. This would be an immigration matter for sure.

Let me make it clear, I am in full support of the humanitarian act that the accepting of these Uighers to our Island constitutes. I, like many others, take issue with the methods. However, as our Premier has stated, the ends justify the means. So anyone who would take issue with my plan on the grounds that it is underhand I point to those words of our learned Premier.

As a future PRC holder through my parents I have the right to live and work on this Island for my entire life. Do not dare stand up and tell me that denying me Status is protecting the country's resources. I am here, I use the resources that is my right through my PRC. The last PRC applications will be filled in the next few months. These people have contributed to the Island's economy and community for at least 20 years (or married/is the child of someone who has). It is my own opinion that these people are basically Bermudians without passport or rights. I do not know what drives the fight to keep these people a step below Bermudian. Any argument directed towards the size of this Island I have dealt with above. Someone answer me this. Why?

A WISHFUL THINKER

Smith's

Brown needs to go, ethically

June 24, 2009

Dear Sir,

Who cares that "Race Baiter" Sharpton is in Bermuda? This is a man who hitches his wagon to any and every opportunity to create/escalate a racial situation, simply to advance his own personal agenda! Did we the people pay for this trip to Bermuda so that he could help the Premier perpetuate his cries that the protests are racially motivated? Who really cares that he is "proud of Bermuda"? I personally can do without his pride!

OK – so the motion failed. Can our elected politicians get it together and do whatever needs to be done – ethically – to remove Dr. Brown? We need a leader who is not divisive, race baiting, arrogant and of the people! You who are elected into office are chosen by the people to do the will of the people! If the dozens of letters to the editor, the many protests, and near volatile discussions on radio talk shows aren't enough to convince you that the people need, demand a new leader, I don't know what will!

Has anyone else wondered who is marketing Bermuda overseas? Since the "Geniuses" he replaced the dedicated Bermudians with failed miserably, there has been hardly any activity on the ground in the US like there used to be! In this economy, a sales team like we used to have could have been knocking on travel agency doors and creating/attending events to make sure that there is continued visibility in the marketplace. Do not be fooled – Bermuda Night at Fenway will not do on it's own! Consumers who do not see you, will not think of you when deciding upon a vacation destination! Jamaica, Barbados and the Bahamas are all on the air – where is our ad campaign?

The budget for the dolphin mitigation project at Dockyard ended up costing us some three times the amount we were originally told it would cost! Why? Has anyone audited these construction projects that are constantly over budget? I would think that a construction company that cannot stay relatively close to the budget would have a hard time getting new contracts!! At this rate, we'll have no money left in a few years!

By the way, I am a Black Bermudian. I voted for the PLP, once upon a time. I won't again until there is a leader who will place the needs of the Island before his own!

CONCERNED BERMUDIAN

Paget

Premier acts like Bush

June 24, 2009

Dear Sir,

I am a white Bermudian. I marched in protest against the Iraq war in 2003. I marched in favour of Renee Webb's proposed Human Rights Act Amendment. I marched against building the new hospital in the middle of the Botanical Gardens. I marched against Premier Brown's breach of our Constitution. In all four cases, the marches were majority white. Why? And why was it only in the last case that it was called a "lynch mob" and considered racially motivated? I was just as passionate about each case and wanted my voice heard to support the principles I believe in. I believe the admission of the refugees was a morally just action. Ignoring our Constitution is morally unjust.

Premier Brown and Thaao Dill are both extremely intelligent but both blinkered by a world view which does not match the reality of the world. President Obama, as a former Constitutional Law Professor, would have surely approved Dr. Brown speaking with the Governor in accordance with our Constitution despite his desire for secrecy. Dr. Brown is much more like President Bush: with Bush, every dissenter was labelled anti-American, unpatriotic because "they hate freedom"; with Brown, every dissenter is labelled UncleTom or racist and "they hate losing their white privilege". Both are useful political tools but no more.

Dr. Brown cannot say that blacks are being held down by white privilege one minute and then say that whites are angry because white privilege has been lost the next. I will vote PLP in a nano-second if you start to include and respect everyone in this country and stop reducing white to a racist caricature.

The PLP should split into two parties. This is an idea that Thaao Dill put forward on his radio show before he became a Senator. It is a good idea and is the only way that race can be put in perspective when making our political choice. Ms Battersbee and Ms Morris, the future is yours. I will stand with you.

CHOMSKY

Hamilton Parish

Pray for Bermuda

June 16, 2009

Dear Sir,

Thanks again for this opportunity to share my thoughts on this very important issue that is on the minds of the people of Bermuda. As I watched the interview last night like so many others, I was very disturbed. As I watched and listened to Mr. Burch and his comments in reference to the people of Bermuda and the four men. It is amazing to hear him say how the people of Bermuda are a Christian-based people, and rightly so we are.

The problem is that we the people are as he said we are, BUT the Government per say is not. And forgive me if it appears that I am judging the Government, but according to the Book of Matthew 7:20 reads "Wherefore by their fruit you shall know them". The actions of the Government (Mr. Brown) is telling us the people that the fruit has gone bad and is now fermenting.

Would you believe that as I opened my "Every Day with Jesus" the topic was "Truth Hurts" read John 16:5-16, in "The Word For Today" the topic was "Rules for handling anger" read from the Book of Ephesians 4:25-32. For further support of God's word I then read in my cover to cover in the Book of 2 Kings 1:3-15 which tells of a wrong doing by a king. Readers I ask you to read it for yourself and prayerfully those of the Government (Christian-minded and Faith-based) will read it and share it with those that are not so Faith-based. It is so strange that the term Christian is so freely used for the convenience of men, but very rarely used in a adoration for God by those same men. But you cannot serve two masters, remember God's Word will never return void, it will always do the work that God proposes it to do in His time.

Men will always think he is getting away with something, but in God's time His word will overcome as good always overcomes evil. As I look back over Mr. Brown's track record there has been some good, but his wrongs override his good and in the Book of James 1 tells it like it is. And again in the Book of 2 Timothy 2 verses 15-20 tells of those that honour God and what happens to those that dishonour God.

Mr. Burch said last night that we do not know the terrorist that killed our young people and as yet the police do not know according to their information. And we sure do not know these people and their capabilities, and as the Book of Luke 12:39 reads as follows "and this know, if the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through". So you see Mr. Burch IF does not cut it and an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure. These people are so honest that they had been imprisoned and the Government that did so does not want them, the Mother country does not want them, but one person supposedly representing the people makes this decision all by himself. Mr. Burch says the people of Bermuda this and that, but we did not have any part in this decision nor did the Governor (the representative) of the Mother country. If Mr. Brown has his way there will be only him in all and above all and God forbid. We must control the spark before it becomes a greater inferno and further out of control. Too many are snoozing and if you snooze you will lose. Remember the story of the hare and the turtle.

People of Bermuda let me tell you something, the leader of this country is telling us "let me tell you all something and the fact is I do not like authority and the only authority is Mr. Brown and that is who in authority is as long as I am in power". You see people the only way a weak person feels strong is having weaker people under him and take a look at those who support him. They cannot see any wrong and if they do they are soon gotten rid of and the record is there and rears its ugly head often. So people I have said it before and I say it again "get your head out of the sand because the part that is showing is the only part your Mr. Brown wants to see, because he kicks and can always say that I did not know who it was that I kicked". So stand up and be accountable after all you are the Government and those appointed by you are there to serve the people with Integrity and All Honesty. If we the people do not stand for the things of God we will fall for anything or anybody that calls itself a God. Remember there are a lot of Gods around, but only one God our Creator. He created us in His own image.

In closing I share this scripture verse with you taken from Romans 1:28 which reads "and even as they did not like to retain god in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient". Now readers can you read the other three verses yourselves.

God Bless you always and let us continue to pray for our beloved Bermuda and those that govern for only what is done for God will last.

A.E. WENDELL

(SCOPSIE) HASSELL

Looking good

June 3, 2009

Dear Sir,

The 400th anniversary of the Islands of Bermuda is upon us and the Town and Parish of St. George is ready and prepared to provide a warm, proud and enthusiastic welcome to visitors and residents alike.

The Towne is looking splendid – all trash is being removed daily, the byways have been cleared of overgrowth, the infrastructure repaired and painted, potholes are a thing of the past, one-way road signs are displayed and point in the right direction, fresh banners are displayed in the Square, derelict buildings have been demolished, the drug trading and prostitutes have disappeared, gang fights are no more, the shops are all open and thriving, York Street has been re-paved just as Minister Burgess promised, the Police Station is open twenty four hours a day and the Police presence is evident and willing to assist. All is paradise. Yeah!

OHHOWITUSE TOBE

St. George's

Visitors impressed

June 22, 2009

Dear Sir,

In April, we spent a birthday holiday at Elbow Beach Resort and touring the Island of Bermuda. It was the most restful, pleasant vacation that my husband and I have enjoyed together.

The Island is beautiful, and the people were graciously hospitable.

Our most memorable moments may have come on the buses. When women or elderly patrons stepped onto the bus, children and teenagers relinquished their seats without hesitation. These kinds of courtesies were the norm and make your homeland stand out.

Thank you for hosting us,

TWO VISITORS FROM MAINE