THE EDITOR, Sir:I WAS surprised to see the headline on Sunday, February 20, 2005, "Reformists Move In". This statement created conflict in my mind, and depression, from which I have not fully recovered.
CONCERN NOT CRITICISM
In expressing my reaction to the headline, I respect the right of your journalists to edit material conforming to the ethical standard of their profession, and your institution. My concern should not be taken as criticism.
One of the principal things keeping this country from achieving real progress is division among its people. Many unnecessary tags are placed on our citizens, who with their unwillingness to accept personal change of their minds, and responsibility for their wrong actions, bearing in mind the saying, "It is human to err," makes it difficult, and almost impossible to securing the desired result from the sincere calls for prayers, and initiatives for peace and unity.
Who are the "Reformists"; the "Loyalists," the "Traditionalists"? We already have the tags of our two major political parties; and those who are not members of any party for justifiable reason, but faithfully do their work as patriotic citizens, are called 'neutralists' or 'on the fence'. Is there any need for more tags?
UNDENIABLE FACT
The undeniable fact is that the simple, but most important thing which will change adverse conditions in our country is rejected. This is a change in our thinking about ourselves individually, other citizens, and our country. Therefore, our minds - the mental capacity, judgement, intellectual faculties, way of thinking come into focus. Our minds direct and control our actions. In our democratic system of government, is there any other way of creating change? Peace be multiplied.
I am, etc.,
LINDSAY P.
MONCRIEFFE J.P., O.M.
Minister of Religion
The Jamaica Baptist Union
