Isms Schisms

 https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/burry-boy-and-feathermop-the-violent-duo-that-helped-and-shamed-the-pnp/

In referring to change in a society, it is said that one cannot have make an omelet (or scrambled eggs) without 'breaking some eggs'. Even the non-violent movements of Garvey and Martin Luther King resulted in imprisonments, injuries and deaths. The problem with 'breaking some eggs' refers to you and me! Very often also, after the eggs are broken, that is only the beginning. Very often, revolutionary movements using the terms socialism and communism result in more 'breaking of eggs' - sometimes in the millions.

Jamaica needs change but the challenge is how to break the grip of the corporate elite holding sway over the political elite - peacefully. One solution, Electoral Reform which includes:

  1. Campaign Finance Reform (Transparency about who funds the political parties and limits on such funding). Equal Public funding of all registered political parties which would break the link of corporate elites funding parties.
  2. Fixed election dates.
  3. Diaspora voting - similar to how it is done in the US.
  4. Proportional Representation.
  5. Elected Senate.
  6. Elected, Executive president

Other reforms needed include: Free education for all - up to the Phd level - if qualified. A national healthcare plan that includes dental and optical care.

The above are just some of the things needed to restore confidence in Jamaica's electoral system.

What is NOT needed is to go back to the outdated 'Socialism vs Capitalism' argument which is outdated, irrelevant and unnecessarily divisive.

Cheers!

Raymond D. Grant

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