Greetings,
The brouhaha going on at this time in Britain, is about whether it should remain in a reformed European Union, or to leave it completely.
I am an expatriate of the United Kingdom, and try my best to keep up to speed with the changes, and happenings, in my country of birth. On hearing of this major, controversial, and much publicized issue, I have decided, bravely, to make my small contribution to the discussion.
In this interdependent, and information technological space that we live in, to go it alone, in my view, is not it. Such a move takes courage, but it is not sensible. The 'open sea' could be quite challenging. The world is very different from what it was, say 60+ years ago. The political and economic landscape then, was more conducive to consider taking that position.
To move forward, co-operation, negotiation, and sometimes compromise, is necessary for good political/economic relations, and survival. Burning bridges, believing it is possible to be an island to the exclusion of everyone else, and be free to choose preferred economic partners, is a fallacy which may lead to unforeseeable problems.
I applaud the negotiations and agreements which have taken place. It could have been otherwise.
Now there is a choice to be made in the Referendum, which is in the hands of the British people.
Moving forward, I wish Britain, and the British people, well.
Peace
Grace
Monday 18 April 2016
Monday 4 April 2016
Sometimes I wonder...
Greetings,
With all the madness going on in the world today, one part in particular is no exception, I wonder if it knows where it is going. Heinous crimes, political in-fighting, missing children, mental and physical abuse, domestic violence, battling for power where there should be a common interest, economic uncertainty, are just a few of the issues on the list. Sometimes I wonder what shift has caused some human beings to think that life has no value, we can do as we like, to hell with the rest, it's my way or no way, with no concern as to how an action or actions will affect others or citizens as a whole.
Experience is supposed to teach sound lessons, and increase knowledge.
One may think I 'live' in a goldfish bowl, far removed from reality.
So what?
Whatever happened to the art of skillful negotiation, and diplomacy, in everyday human interactions, never mind it being more or less non-existent in some politics? Negotiation has been known to save the day at zero hour. These days it seems to be about the ability to score bonus points and oust everyone else, rather than be gracious enough to come to an agreement, or compromise for the greater good.
There appears to be no direction in anything. It is okay to call somebody's bluff and hope the individual will make a fool of him/herself. To pull a fast one over the other and think of it as a big thing. The days of deeply analysing a matter, weighing up the pros and cons prior to making a decision, or anticipating what might happen when formulating policy and making provision thereby, has been swept away, and replaced by expediency. On the flip side, pulling the carpet from under the feet of one's opponent to gain an advantage is unproductive, destructive, and futile.
So what are we going to teach our children about civilized living? We can start with co-operation has never hurt anyone. We can accept criticism while learning to sift the constructive from the negative. To care for others, and to consider their feelings, should be the norm . One can lead and be, authoritative, respectful, firm, understanding, and open-minded. It takes courage, and character, to do the right thing.
Might, is not always, Right.
Right, is, Right.
If negative antics are supposed to achieve something, it is a done deal in terms of, failure.
I wonder when it is going to dawn on some folk that it is not about winner takes all, but where we all want to go, and how we all are going to get there, together. Regardless of different views and positions, for goodness sake, bring sanity, commonsense, decency, intelligence, and humanity, back into this thing called life, and politics.
I'm tired of the trauma, drama, spinning wheels, going around in circles, and returning to square one, over and over again! I just do not want to hear only, but to see, REAL, POSITIVE, CHANGE.
Peace
Grace
With all the madness going on in the world today, one part in particular is no exception, I wonder if it knows where it is going. Heinous crimes, political in-fighting, missing children, mental and physical abuse, domestic violence, battling for power where there should be a common interest, economic uncertainty, are just a few of the issues on the list. Sometimes I wonder what shift has caused some human beings to think that life has no value, we can do as we like, to hell with the rest, it's my way or no way, with no concern as to how an action or actions will affect others or citizens as a whole.
Experience is supposed to teach sound lessons, and increase knowledge.
One may think I 'live' in a goldfish bowl, far removed from reality.
So what?
Whatever happened to the art of skillful negotiation, and diplomacy, in everyday human interactions, never mind it being more or less non-existent in some politics? Negotiation has been known to save the day at zero hour. These days it seems to be about the ability to score bonus points and oust everyone else, rather than be gracious enough to come to an agreement, or compromise for the greater good.
There appears to be no direction in anything. It is okay to call somebody's bluff and hope the individual will make a fool of him/herself. To pull a fast one over the other and think of it as a big thing. The days of deeply analysing a matter, weighing up the pros and cons prior to making a decision, or anticipating what might happen when formulating policy and making provision thereby, has been swept away, and replaced by expediency. On the flip side, pulling the carpet from under the feet of one's opponent to gain an advantage is unproductive, destructive, and futile.
So what are we going to teach our children about civilized living? We can start with co-operation has never hurt anyone. We can accept criticism while learning to sift the constructive from the negative. To care for others, and to consider their feelings, should be the norm . One can lead and be, authoritative, respectful, firm, understanding, and open-minded. It takes courage, and character, to do the right thing.
Might, is not always, Right.
Right, is, Right.
If negative antics are supposed to achieve something, it is a done deal in terms of, failure.
I wonder when it is going to dawn on some folk that it is not about winner takes all, but where we all want to go, and how we all are going to get there, together. Regardless of different views and positions, for goodness sake, bring sanity, commonsense, decency, intelligence, and humanity, back into this thing called life, and politics.
I'm tired of the trauma, drama, spinning wheels, going around in circles, and returning to square one, over and over again! I just do not want to hear only, but to see, REAL, POSITIVE, CHANGE.
Peace
Grace
Wednesday 3 February 2016
Election time is here again!
Greetings,
The General Election is upon us in Jamaica.
Can you imagine?
How time flies.
Talking about flying - in great excitement, the gate was flown open, and the participants will be racing down the election course in their resplendent colours. Let there be a good sense of sportsmanship.
I wonder who will be first past the post, and why?
Those of us who will be watching, listening, and hopefully will enact our constitutional right and cast a vote in the ballot box, would appreciate the opportunity to feast our eyes on the issues, and realistic policies, which each wishes to present to the voting public.
The Manifesto. Remember this? I believe this matter has been raised in the public space.
Pretty colours, banter, humour, slick oratory, and even a debate has its place. I think it is time though, for the electorate to be better informed in terms of making a decision about the future of their country based on documented facts, policies, and solutions with practical implementation which can be discussed and decided on, rather than reliance on quick fixes, euphoria, endless talk leading nowhere, and die hard support. Maybe this would help to increase voter turn out. Maybe this would help those on the campaign trail to have a greater sense of purpose, and turn promises into concrete objectives to the satisfaction of the ever observant and sceptical Joe Public.
Do not underestimate the electorate. They have come a long way through the political maze. They are long past the feel good 'Pork Barrel Politics'. Unfortunately, some are still having great difficulty understanding this reality.
A political manifesto may not be choice reading for some folk. However, the meat of the matter from both sides, and others who are entering the race, is needed. The participants should be aware that the 'X' on the ballot sheet to take the winner past the post will hold the next Government accountable to the people of Jamaica.
Wishing Jamaica a successful, and peaceful, General Election Campaign 2016.
Peace
Grace
The General Election is upon us in Jamaica.
Can you imagine?
How time flies.
Talking about flying - in great excitement, the gate was flown open, and the participants will be racing down the election course in their resplendent colours. Let there be a good sense of sportsmanship.
I wonder who will be first past the post, and why?
Those of us who will be watching, listening, and hopefully will enact our constitutional right and cast a vote in the ballot box, would appreciate the opportunity to feast our eyes on the issues, and realistic policies, which each wishes to present to the voting public.
The Manifesto. Remember this? I believe this matter has been raised in the public space.
Pretty colours, banter, humour, slick oratory, and even a debate has its place. I think it is time though, for the electorate to be better informed in terms of making a decision about the future of their country based on documented facts, policies, and solutions with practical implementation which can be discussed and decided on, rather than reliance on quick fixes, euphoria, endless talk leading nowhere, and die hard support. Maybe this would help to increase voter turn out. Maybe this would help those on the campaign trail to have a greater sense of purpose, and turn promises into concrete objectives to the satisfaction of the ever observant and sceptical Joe Public.
Do not underestimate the electorate. They have come a long way through the political maze. They are long past the feel good 'Pork Barrel Politics'. Unfortunately, some are still having great difficulty understanding this reality.
A political manifesto may not be choice reading for some folk. However, the meat of the matter from both sides, and others who are entering the race, is needed. The participants should be aware that the 'X' on the ballot sheet to take the winner past the post will hold the next Government accountable to the people of Jamaica.
Wishing Jamaica a successful, and peaceful, General Election Campaign 2016.
Peace
Grace
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