Truth On A Scaffold
Truth On A Scaffold
Article Published: Sunday, May 16th, 2010
(Open letter to the Prime Minister)
As pastors and citizens we cannot any longer be silent publicly about the social reality of Jamaica. Right now we see truth on a scaffold and justice in the gutters.
Confessedly, we have been for too long slumbering as Evangelical pastors. But as the ugliest of criminal event invade, surround and threaten to destroy us physically and socially and spiritually we had prayed and hoped for years to see dramatic, positive and practical action from the political leadership.
However, Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding last Tuesday in Parliament stirred us deeply. After listening carefully and intently to him we have come to see that his understanding of truth and justice are not redemptive for Jamaica.
When many saw him as returning to his senses and so to his party, they considered him qualified in a time of crisis to lead his party and to lead the nation. Some Jamaicans were surprised at his election to highest party office and then to highest national political position. Many, even a significant number, while not enthusiastic about his leadership capability and democratic snippet victory, were willing to ‘wait and see’.
However, for most of even those conservative voters — the waiting is over. What is seen now is at best disappointing. What is the problem that causes so many to be disenchanted? The issue concerns justice and truth.
The words of our National Anthem rightly put these issues foremost and forcefully — “Justice, truth be ours forever. Jamaica, land we love”.
We who love Jamaica, which must always come first —above political party — the perspective of most Jamaicans — the vast majority — this resolution, at this time, would have national support — ‘crime must not reign over us’.
In this resolution is the challenge to make justice and truth’ triumphant in our beloved land. We cannot, and ought not, and must not, Hon Mr. Golding, any longer endure the rape of justice and truth in our beloved Jamaica by our foremost political leaders, empowered to act rationally and decisively.. Truth is much more than giving convenient information.
Truth is much more than toeing the line so that one may claim with legal precocity that one has done nothing (legally?) wrong.
Truth is much more than legal correctness — for one may win a case legally and by winning at the same time reveal shameless moral bankruptcy.
The country needs a new qualitative dimension to political leadership. This ought not to be something we hope for in the long term — for if the current trend continues we will become a ‘failed state’ and so there might not be any such time.
Please appreciate that we are not asking that political leaders, or leaders in any other field of service be perfect, only that they will make a genuine effort to lead with standards of justice and truth that give substance to the concept of integrity. Only then can there be hope for current recovery from moral decadence and a legacy, which goes beyond personal, parochial and partisan agenda.
These moments have got to be for every patriotic Jamaican a time of serious national soul searching. Clearly, if we fail carry out at least such a needed inward exercise then we will have to very soon tear up the national anthem, rubbish the pledge and leave Hugh Sherlock to turn in his grave.
Pastor Napoleon Black
markpraze@gmail.com
Rev. Teddy A Jones
ghettopriest@gmail.com
Article Published: Sunday, May 16th, 2010
(Open letter to the Prime Minister)
As pastors and citizens we cannot any longer be silent publicly about the social reality of Jamaica. Right now we see truth on a scaffold and justice in the gutters.
Confessedly, we have been for too long slumbering as Evangelical pastors. But as the ugliest of criminal event invade, surround and threaten to destroy us physically and socially and spiritually we had prayed and hoped for years to see dramatic, positive and practical action from the political leadership.
However, Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding last Tuesday in Parliament stirred us deeply. After listening carefully and intently to him we have come to see that his understanding of truth and justice are not redemptive for Jamaica.
When many saw him as returning to his senses and so to his party, they considered him qualified in a time of crisis to lead his party and to lead the nation. Some Jamaicans were surprised at his election to highest party office and then to highest national political position. Many, even a significant number, while not enthusiastic about his leadership capability and democratic snippet victory, were willing to ‘wait and see’.
However, for most of even those conservative voters — the waiting is over. What is seen now is at best disappointing. What is the problem that causes so many to be disenchanted? The issue concerns justice and truth.
The words of our National Anthem rightly put these issues foremost and forcefully — “Justice, truth be ours forever. Jamaica, land we love”.
We who love Jamaica, which must always come first —above political party — the perspective of most Jamaicans — the vast majority — this resolution, at this time, would have national support — ‘crime must not reign over us’.
In this resolution is the challenge to make justice and truth’ triumphant in our beloved land. We cannot, and ought not, and must not, Hon Mr. Golding, any longer endure the rape of justice and truth in our beloved Jamaica by our foremost political leaders, empowered to act rationally and decisively.. Truth is much more than giving convenient information.
Truth is much more than toeing the line so that one may claim with legal precocity that one has done nothing (legally?) wrong.
Truth is much more than legal correctness — for one may win a case legally and by winning at the same time reveal shameless moral bankruptcy.
The country needs a new qualitative dimension to political leadership. This ought not to be something we hope for in the long term — for if the current trend continues we will become a ‘failed state’ and so there might not be any such time.
Please appreciate that we are not asking that political leaders, or leaders in any other field of service be perfect, only that they will make a genuine effort to lead with standards of justice and truth that give substance to the concept of integrity. Only then can there be hope for current recovery from moral decadence and a legacy, which goes beyond personal, parochial and partisan agenda.
These moments have got to be for every patriotic Jamaican a time of serious national soul searching. Clearly, if we fail carry out at least such a needed inward exercise then we will have to very soon tear up the national anthem, rubbish the pledge and leave Hugh Sherlock to turn in his grave.
Pastor Napoleon Black
markpraze@gmail.com
Rev. Teddy A Jones
ghettopriest@gmail.com
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