The Editor, Sir:

The call by Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections for the governing Jamaica Labour Party to dismiss Messrs. Warmington and Montague over threatening partisan statements made at different political meetings is, at best, unrealistic, given the slim margin that the JLP has in Parliament. The best we could have realistically expected is a meaningless 'apology'.

The truth is that most politicians think partisan, and act accordingly - some without saying a word, others saying it and doing it.

We should, in one sense, thank both men for not hiding the discrimination stick they may be intent on using to beat the people in St. Mary, St. Catherine and, by extension, Jamaica.

Dismissal not the solution

Civil society has a chance to insist on putting the necessary checks in place so that we make it difficult for any politician anywhere in Jamaica to punish, extort and blackmail people who do not vote for them by withholding water, roads, education, health services or any other essential service.

Dismissing both men is not a solution and would be more of a band-aid measure because as we know politicians on both sides of the fence have, on occasion, 'let the puss out of the bag'.

Many of us Jamaicans love the hypocritical politician or leader who "skin teeth and laugh" with you while actively engaging in a plan to undermine and make your life miserable.

I prefer the person who doesn't hide the stick to hit you, in which case you have a chance to escape and do something to protect yourself.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL SPENCE

Micspen2@hotmail.com

Liguanea,

Kingston 6