Child abuse
I am appalled at the overwhelming number of child-abuse cases, 700 so far, up to May 6. I believe sexual assault on a minor should be penalised with 25 years to life in prison. I'm a grandfather six times over and a great-grandfather once, and I looked after everyone without abusing any.
Incidentally, I was married underage but was determined to prove I could be a great father, and I did, since two of my children have master's degrees and the third is doing her master's, too. I hope and pray that Jamaican parents will come to their senses and understand that when we abuse our children it leaves a mark on them for life.
- C. Elswick, arleycha@gmail.com, Washington, DC, Via Go-Jamaica
Lack of 'chutzpa'
Reader Sandra Reece wrote an interesting piece on Thursday, May 8 (in 'Note-worthy' column). Sandra, what a noble proposition to the crime problem? The only problem with it is that we hate ourselves well enough to not care enough; and we absolutely embrace a culture of vengeance and vindictiveness. Needless to say, the few who are committing the crime know this and, therefore, they play upon it.
They are aware that we are hateful, too scared and too distrusting of each other to pony up information. Frankly, solving the crime problem is much easier than our politicians make it seem. It is not a lack of resources but a lack of 'chutzpa!' (supreme self-confidence, gall) ... God help Jamaica!
- M. James, myj5273@yahoo.com, Via Go-Jamaica.
Constitution aim
What is so difficult to understand? The Constitution allows you, like most foreigners, to invest in Jamaica, make as much as is legally possible, live a good life here or abroad, but you CAN"T hold certain political offices.
The framers of our Constitution knew exactly what they were doing when they disqualified persons with foreign citizenship from holding certain offices in our government; they didn't want our political leaders to have one foot here and the other somewhere else.
It is difficult enough to find them as it is, let's not give them more space to roam.
- Kingsley Bhoorasingh, kingsley77@hotmail.com, Rosedale, New York, Via Go-Jamaica
