We live in a topsy turvy world

Apr 21, 2010 Letters

Dear editor,
This world is indeed a strange place, where everything appears to be topsy turvy, and is easily accepted without question and as normal. “A bank is a place that would lend you money if you can prove that you don’t need it,” said Bob Hope.
It was this obvious contradictory quote of the day which 1 saw in the Straboek News, March 22s, that endorsed for me somewhat that we are indeed in a topsy turvy world; that a bank which is primarily a holding and lending institution will only help/lend you money if you can prove to them that you have lots of money; that you are well off and not “deh bad’.
But this weird apparent policy by banks that Bob Hope has recognized is not confined to banks alone; this inconsistent behaviour can he found in many other institutions in societies–a blueprint by which societies are governed. What is brilliantly written in constitutions about human rights, and equality is generally a façade and a farce that pales into insignificance when we take a good look at our world and our laws. Yet we carry on with business as usual, heads held high feeling so intelligent and proud.
Examine this crazy, insincere law: A man who is going out of his mind because he can’t find a job, makes and attempt to exit the country by some ingenious means to seek a livelihood; unfortunately he is caught in the process, tried and found guilty for trying to survive by decent means. The system puts him in jail and after serving his time is released; free to ream once more without a job.
Let’s take as another example/the US embassy here at home with the exception of special cases: not until they are fully convinced that you are not that enthusiastic, desirous or too fussy about going to their country, then and only then you are likely to be given a Visa.
Yet another example– our schools. Once it used to be–and logically so– that the slow learners, the plodders who were singled out for extra lessons so as to keep abreast. Not so now! The order has been reversed. Low performers are unceremoniously shunned, abandoned and forgotten, while the quick and smart ones are embraced, cuddled and lavishly treated to extra lessons.
Wasn’t it Christ who said he came not for the righteous but for the sinners? Well, even one wearing a pair of wooden spectacles could see that this world now has been turned back to front, upside down. We treat the healthy and forsake the sick, the strong trample upon and bully those with infirmities, the poor are starved while the rich are glutted, then we propagate the preposterous theory that we need wars to correct this imbalance.
Then there are those odd people who desire the best of everything for nothing but refuse to give others what is rightfully theirs. People who have been elected/selected and paid to serve-public servants, servants of the people are being served by the people instead, demanding gifts, bribes and favours which they shamelessly adore and are delighted in receiving.
Invariably, the low income earners must pay more for less, but then again is it not the good book which says “whosoever hath to him shall be given more and whosoever hath not from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have?
These are some of the glaring everyday happenings in this present-day new world order of stupendous technological advancement and contradictions. Societies have become so lopsided and top heavy that almost every movement, every posture bears evidence of incongruity.
In the paradox of our time written by same clever unknown it states: It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; more knowledge but less judgment, more medicine but less wellness, a time when technology can bring a letter to you in seconds and you can choose to make a difference or just press “delete”.
Surely some of Stabroek News’s quotes of the day/week are really top-notch/refreshing and mind enhancing, as is this other by Mark Twain on the good gentleman banker; ‘A banker is a fellow who lends his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain.’
Frank Fyffe

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