I am a Jamaican who is fed up with other Jamaicans who try to find excuses for the total breakdown of societal values and principles.

Politicians, sociologists, the so-called 'intelligentsia' and other notable groups who should be leading our country in a revolution against anything that is vile and corrupt are instead attacking us - agents of decency and civility in OUR country - saying that we are insensitive and socially 'detached'.

Why do we continue to use poverty, broken homes, 'ghetto life', oppression, racial discrimination and 'classism' as excuses as to why our crime rate is so high? As intelligent, socially aware Jamaicans, can't we see the roles that greed, jealousy, envy, laziness, cruelty and hedonistic, perverted sexuality are playing in the social decadence that is so prevalent in or country today?

Which recognisable Jamaican figure today can stand up and publicly state that inner-city youth who engage in criminal activities for materialistic gains are just greedy and 'red eye'.

Who will highlight that the lyrical exploits of many dancehall artistes are poisoning our youth. Who will unequivocally state that economic and social problems are no excuse for mediocrity, criminality and indecent behaviour?

- Kevin Mark-Andre Thompson, thompsonkma@gmail.com, Kingston 6, Via Go-Jamaica