In defence of capitalism

For years, I have rued the cowardliness of the majority of Jamaicans who are diehard believers in the capitalist system (private initiative spurred on by the profit motive) for shying away from defending that which is the only workable economic system world-wide from the constant loud attacks from the opposition, unions, some Gleaner columnists and sometimes from the pulpits.

This, of course, is a hangover from the 1970s when vocal persons who believed only in living off the efforts of others' hard labour, heaped (and continue to heap) condemnation on those who prefer to earn their own way and make a handsome profit to boot.

Thank God for a lone voice in the wilderness. That of David Farquharson in an excellent 'Letter to the Editor'' in a recent paper entitled 'Undoing Constantine , not such a bad thing'.

Joan Williams

greatestj@hotmail.com

Kingston 10

Mr Boyne, you are wrong

In the opinion article of November 22, Ian Boyne called for a national debate between the two major parties. And he has also mentioned nine different crises that the prime minister needed to address.

At least five of the nine crises mentioned have a crime element. Therefore, Mr Boyne, Jamaicans had their national debate and Mr Golding won that debate on September 11, 2007. We are two years along and we need the PM to remember the priorities of his government which is, first and foremost, 'The reduction of crime, so that Jamaicans can feel safe and secure'. Jamaicans are not feeling safe in their homes, let alone on the streets. So I say, "to hell" with the economic debate and get on with the job.

Sharon Hibbert

hibbert.sharon@yahoo.com

Van Nuys

California

Blame parents, not deejays

In every 'nook and cranny' in Jamaica, the flags of the infamous 'Gully King', Mavado, and the acclaimed 'Gaza God', Vybz Kartel, is extended high especially among the youths.

For many moralists in society, these two men stand as emblems of shame and reproach as they are the moral poison which has infested the minds of their angelic children, thus causing them to be deviant, wayward and corrupt.

I have no doubt that some of the dancehall lyrics contribute to the problems that many young people exhibit today. However, while we stop to criticise and to cast stones at Mavado and Kartel, let us never forget that parents should be the most influential factor in their children's' lives.

Mary Ann Leamy

englanish_2@yahoo.com

Clonmel District

St Mary