MADNESS

There is an old proverb that I have heard around the place that says, “Whom the Gods would destroy, they first make mad.”

Well, I saw madness on television on last Friday. A prominent gentleman was ranting and raving about religious persecution in the Parliament.

It reminded me of David Rudder’s “Tales from a Strange Land - the Mad Man’s Rant”, except that song made more sense.

Despite all the ole talk, the news item reported that he completely side-stepped all the questions and issues after speaking for close to an hour.

I saw more insanity as I observed the wild facial expressions and thumping that went on behind him, from his supporters in blind, mad accord.

The next day, again on television, I saw more lunacy.

The same gentleman proclaimed that we now have the capability to eradicate all drug smuggling. Tell me why it is so? All because we acquired a few (is it four?) boats.

There is another David Rudder song that goes in part, “This is not a fete in here, this madness!” See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dms_VJL9GRU&safe_search=on

You want more?

The police arrest one hundred or so Sea Lots residents. The next day their partners from further up the road in the Beetham Housing Estate blocked the Beetham Highway in protest.

It is alleged they blocked traffic, stoned cars trying to bypass their blockade and robbed motorists using the road.

Then, they got on television (again) loudly proclaiming the new buzz word – you got it right- “Persecution!”

And so it goes on and on and on.

THE BRIGHT SIDE
There is a wind of change blowing.

The long serving presidents of both Pan Trinbago and the Public Services Association are no longer if office.

Basdeo Panday lost his long standing political leadership of the opposition party that he founded, on a margin on ten votes to one. Despite doing his utmost to retain his Parliamentary role (what madness is this?), he lost that too but by the smallest of margins.

Maybe, just maybe, these gentle breezes of change would intensify and blow us a change in governance and a return to rationality.
Maybe the Gods are at work?

What are you doing about it?

John Henry
March 4, 2010