Originally posted by Maudib
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It is claimed that during the JLP years it is the 'topanarises' that had their circumstances improve...while during the PNP years it is claimed the net was spread wider and the appeal to inner sensibilities has had a more profound effect on individuals pulling themselves up by their own individual efforts.
...to be personal it was during the reign of the Manley, Sr. PNP that the common entrance examination was openned to the children of the 'masses'...and, it appears to me that the great exodus from adject proverty to enjoying the fruits of a more 'comfortable existence' became possible.
It appears to me that, certainly over time, various attitudes tied to advancement through education spurred us on...and, continues to this day. The thought that all things were possible, if only we, our children and our children's children and those following after...were allowed access to education is seared in our consciousness. Rightly or wrongly (tongue in cheek) the PNP has stuck to the idea that through knowledge..acquiring of knowledge...education...for our people, all things are possible....and, that act by the Manley, Sr. led government ties the PNP to such an initiative.
Certainly the action of Michael Manley in attempting free education fits right within the thought that there is none among us who is 'lesser' than the other...and, all can and must have the avenues to lift self towards greater and greater economic status? Right?
The point is what does managing to benefit only a few have that is so over-riding that managing to benefit all is thrown through the window? Sure there have been failures by successive governments...and, it may surprise you, but it much more important that there is progress that benefit all than it matters which "P" rules. Yes, I am partial to the PNP as leaders of governement...but, if a JLP governement can deliver on the principles of the PNP of moving the entire country and its entire people forward, then so be it.
My problem is I am not convinced that my cause and the cause of all our people was advanced by promoting growth for a few of us and ignoring the the rest of us. I am convinced that more Jamaicans excaped proverty and hopelessness under past PNP leadership than under the combined efforts of all past JLP governments...
...and, I am not convinced a coming JLP government shall do better than its predecessors.
btw - It must be nonsense to be suggesting that the Jamaicans who gravitate to the PNP are any less competent at managing than those who gravitate to the JLP. Surely our history has shown that. If it were not so, surely the country would be much further advanced on the road to prosperty? Surely the competent managers would have left institutions and the like which would be seen as obviously beneficial that they stood the test of time...and, would ahve left us in a better place than we are today?
The idea being advanced - not so subtly - that the people are fools and thus turn from proven competent leadership to incompetents is but the normal posturing of 'politicians'? Surely it is more logical to think that the people see value...good value in turning to, at various times in their history, to the various past leaders...past "P's"? Surely...????
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