Morally disenfranchised by national politics

THE EDITOR, Sir:

LIKE GLEANER columnist Melville Cooke, I will not vote in the next General Election. In my little life, it will serve as a political statement against a system that doesn't seem to hear our voices. There is no need for anyone to rescue me from ignorance. I am aware of the importance of votes in a credible democracy. And I respect and appreciate the history of struggle that secured the right to cast a ballot in this island.

I believe however, that this so-called right has been gutted and made hollow by our politics as we practise it. Very little separates the major parties in terms of ideology. By and large, they all practise the same politics. They put partisan political interest first, and all have a stake in maintaining tribal boundaries. They all gain one-upmanship through nasty prejudices [called demonising] And the chief political players are unchangeable.

I believe that I have been morally disenfranchised by this politics.

My response is to seek empowerment outside of this whirlpool. I do this as an advocate for youth without economic opportunities, citizens living in violent environs, persons living with AIDS, homosexuals and all those groups whose concerns are never dealt with by the system. Maybe when these issues are being addressed, I will see a choice in the present political arrangements. Till then, I resolutely will not vote.

I am etc.,

LAWSON WILLIAMS

Lawson_williams@hotmail.com

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