The following letters reflect some readers' reaction to the Prime Minister's statement about her appointment by the Almighty:
THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE HONOURABLE Mrs. Simpson Miller was quoted in your paper of Monday, April 3 as saying, "If I am appointed by the Almighty to be Prime Minister, then all of you Christians must give support to the appointment of the Lord. If it is not done, the whip will not be drawn against me, because I am going to be carrying out His will." As a citizen and a Christian, our Prime Minister's comments give me pause.
As a citizen of a democratic state, I cannot ascribe to a 'divine right' theory of leadership in which a failure to support the policies of a leader equates to a slight against the Almighty. My Christian sensibilities are also touched: the third commandment forbids the faithful from taking the Lord's name in vain, that is, to use the Lord's name for our own purposes. It is thus mortifying for me to hear leaders evoke the name of the Lord to deflect criticism and to solidify their power base.
Not everyone who has power over you has a divine sanction; political might does not make religious right. In fact, history has taught me to distrust leaders who claim such favour from above. We have a duty to respect our leaders, but vocal dissent is a vital part of a working democracy.
I am, etc.,
GERALD C. A. LINDO
gerry.lindo@gmail.com
St. James
Via Go-Jamaica
THE EDITOR, Sir:
WHEN I read Robert Lalah's Monday, April 3 news report of the new Prime Minister's reception at a local church, and I see something about 'being appointed by God', well honestly, I don't know what to think. That's a lot of weight to carry, you know! Then, when I read the quote: "If I am appointed by the Almighty to be Prime Minister, then all of you Christians must give support to the appointment of the Lord. If it is not done, the whip will not be drawn against me, because I am going to be carrying out His will."
Well, I could see that, despite the inference, there was no 'divine right' claim actually being made here, just the obvious logic of 'who I could be and who you'd have to support.' So, who would have a problem with that? Not me!
On the other hand, I couldn't help but wonder if she eventually goes off and gets into the 'as long as I'm in the neighborhood' sort of relationship with the Almighty, well then, Jamaica might have a problem, if only with 'who' might actually be running the country.
It's not that He wouldn't do a good job running the country. We all agree that God would do fine, of course. It's just that He may not be all that interested, especially since it's not his job. Indeed, it's Mrs. Simpson Miller's job.
After all, the days of the 'Divine Right' of kings and prime ministers are thankfully gone, and for good reason. What few theocracies, or 'church-run' nations, that remain functioning in the world today are dangerous relics with poor records with respect to managing people's affairs.
To be sure, those of us who feel we have to comment, both in and out of politics, both there and abroad, will probably keep a cautious eye and sensitive ear turned toward Portia's relationship with the Lord. Amen.
I am, etc.,
ED McCOY
mmhobo48@juno.com
Bokeelia, FL
Via Go-Jamaica
