Are you PNP or JLP? Jamaican etiquette suggests that this question is out of bounds. If the answer is not immediately given in the colour of a person's shirt or blatantly obvious in the person's rhetoric, then you leave it alone until later when you can investigate subversively. Investigation will include anything from the political history of the parents, to a study of close friends, then finally the title will be bestowed, 'A Comrade!' or 'A Labourite!' And what does it all mean? Nothing really.

Obviously, the two political parties have very little difference ideologically, and the two parties do not seem to present much difference in the way of opportunity either. So as another election draws near and the analysis revs up, it begs the question, what is all the fuss about? In fact, the electorate is largely 'indifferent' which suggests that we feel that there is no hope of dramatic change.

Dramatic change

However, being a democracy, our leadership represents our population, and is chosen by people who feel they will prosper under their chosen leadership. Our history would suggest, therefore, that our leadership has been manipulated by the corrupt element of our society. If it is a dramatic change we desire, then why not do something dramatic like legislate that in order to cast a vote, you must have your tax declarations up to date?

In order for you to have a say in the future of this country, you must be making your reasonable contribution to its survival. Some might argue that this would eliminate the poor, but tax collectors will tell you that the poor pay taxes once they are employed by a legitimate company. It is often the successful hustlers, who make good money, who are the best tax evaders. The unemployed and those below the threshold can file nil returns and still vote. Cane farmers pay taxes, teachers pay taxes, nurses, and construction workers too; drug dealers do not. I know who I would like to have a say in our future.

Think how the rhetoric would change, leaders talking to their employers who would be demanding a return on their investment; a great improvement on the present day hoodlums and louts who 'fight over scare benefits and spoils'. Our decent members of society have long been silenced; when they occasionally lift their heads it is quickly cut off. In this decisive move as a nation we would give back the voice to the legitimate, and celebrate them at the same time. We might also encourage more tax compliance as well.

Tax Compliance Certificate

A Tax Compliance Certificate is required to conduct much legitimate business. Why is it not also required to cast your vote, or even make use of government facilities. People who see the Education Tax statutory deduction on their pay slip each month/week would not stand by and allow a system that could see their children leave school illiterate, nor would they continue to struggle to redo 'subjects' throughout their working career knowing that they are paying for an education system that failed them.

The clincher of this argument is that if the electorate was made up of taxpayers, it is likely that the best campaign line would be tax cuts or increased benefits. Our ludicrous tax levels would not survive if it was the majority of the electorate who were paying them. Political pressure would move from the protection of the massive illegitimate markets to the protection and the development of legitimate businesses and hard-working law-abiding people. How could this not be beneficial to the growth of our nation?

And when the laws pave the way for legitimacy, join in and reap the benefits of a society that is responsible and holds its leaders accountable. So when the election fever heats up, don't ask the question, "Are you PNP or JLP?" Ask the question, "Are you ready to make a dramatic change?"