Weep! Weep with our American colleagues!

Desmond Allen

I KNOW THAT the hearts of all well-thinking Jamaican journalists go out to our colleagues, and indeed to all Americans, as they grapple with that heinous and dreadfully wicked act by people whose hearts are colder than ice. In that dark dismal hour of grief, it was good to see that professionalism largely prevailed among the American journalists to whom we were exposed via CNN, the BBC and other major news networks.

Two things stood out for me. While it was obvious that the body count would have been horrifyingly high, and would obviously have contributed to a state of national panic, the journalists appeared to co-operate with the authorities and kept that critical bit of news off the air. They did not have credible figures. A definite patriotic moment. That compares with our journalists who were stumbling over each other to see who could report the highest number of casualties during the unfortunate July outbreak of violence in West Kingston.

The other thing which impressed me was the way the journalists, uncharacteristically I suggest, resisted the temptation to name the culprits without evidence. It was easy to point the finger at the Middle East. Even if it turns out to be so, they proceeded with caution, unlike the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Centre or the Oklahoma bombing, when they quickly pointed to external terrorists. In both cases, the terrorists came from within. Of course, in events such as these, the American media was again on show in all its glory.

The attack on America was covered without a break, not even for commercials, on day one of the incident by the Cable News Network (CNN), in particular. Not unexpectedly, the local media, especially the electronic media, covered the event all day as well, recognising that the United States is an extension of Jamaica. But I had expected more coverage from a Jamaican point of view, with more contact with Jamaicans from New York and Washington. It seems to me that our media do not have adequate contacts in those cities. The smarter ones made use of the JIS information attaches in the two cities.

That said, the Spike would like to salute the American colleagues and especially those who have to brave the dangers of fire, smoke, dust and the mayhem that would have prevailed, to bring the world the news.

Spike readers' comments

Dear Spike, for years my definition of politics has been "Politics is a power struggle where the few enjoy the power and the majority struggle". But after reading (Gleaner columnist) Tony Deyal's dissection of the word, i.e. poli ­ Latin for many and tics meaning blood-sucking creatures, I'm now reconsidering. This argument between yourself and Mr. Troy Caine, I'm very surprised that neither of you gentlemen realise that Jamaica has only ONE party split in two ­ that's the OLIGARCHY system. As for the difference in names, 'People's' or 'Political', in UPP ­ I would rather be known as a 'PEOPLETICIAN' than a politician, therefore it's important to me. ­ Albert Lee ac_noni@yahoo.com

Hi Desmond, I'm not sure if this falls under the purview of the Spike, but I can't help but take issue with my friend and colleague, Mark Wignall's Observer column of September 3, headlined 'Too much fuss over dancehall'. I have the utmost respect for Mark as a pollster and a colleague, but this time around, he did not do justice to his usually high level of informed analysis and sound conclusions. He was so off the mark, it amounts to misinformation and distortion of facts. Obviously, the piece in question did not benefit from his experience as a serious and meticulous researcher.

Wrote he: 'The fracas at Sumfest and stupidity of summoning some performers at the recently held Champions in Action is indicative of societal hypocrisy.' Does he not know that there have been laws on the books that address the issue of using profanity in public light years before Sumfest and Champions in Act were conceived? Furthermore, his historical fact on the development of the problem is also flawed. The songs he referred to were not all from the 70s and 80s. A lot of them were recorded in the 60s, including Kharki ­ the Ethiopians; Barb Wire (inna him unda pants) ­ Nora Dean; Please Don't Touch My Tomato ­ Phyllis Dillon. Version, another 60s phenomenon did not come about by accident or lack of creativity. In fact, it was the creative process at work which brought about the version and dub which is still a big thing internationally, with Lee 'Scratch' Perry being the worldwide hero of this genre of music.

Action against profane language on stage is not a new thing and is practised all over the world. The Eastern Caribbean has acted against it for many years now and many states in America have banned and arrested many superstars for foul language and lewd acts on stage. To suggest that all these deejays know is 'rats, cock roaches, mosquito bites, too many breakfast being left over, warmed-over rice from the night before', is disingenuous. Mark, there are many groups that come from the very same ghetto but who are not saying the same thing, as the nasty mouth deejays. Let me point you to Abijah; the Kingston Drummers; Degree; Prodigal; Garnett Silk; Flourgon; Buju Banton; look at Ashe; the Kathy Levy Players and the AY Crew. What is the excuse for many deejays who come from affluent areas in the cities and rural parishes?

Mark's analysis lacks any real knowledge or conviction and is too one-sided. It smacks of political pandering. Mark my friend, when next you pass through the office, check mi as you are wont to do, and I will gladly give you a list of some ghetto artistes, pioneers of the development of Jamaican popular music whose lyrical prowess was impeccable. ­ Basil Walters

waltersb@jamaicaobserver.com

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desal@cwjamaica.com

or fax to 926-0295

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