Latest update November 24th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Elected dictatorship and elected oligarchy – battle cry of the ‘new opposition’

Jul 12, 2010 Letters

DEAR Editor,

I find it very amusing at the ‘new opposition’s’ constant spewing of new political terms for the Jagdeo Administration; in fact, it is almost like a puerile tirade. And then I thought that if the Administration was really a dictatorship, fairly tyrannical, then this ‘new opposition’ would be unable to deliver its sermon of invectives via the mass media.

But they do so quite often; for that reason, I surmise that there is not a dictatorship office here. Of course, fascism is another story, quite devastating to the mind. I will return to fascism when I have some time to reflect on ‘new opposition’s’ sordid humour, as I attempt to eke out some kind of pleasant comedic value from it, assuming there are pleasantries in its comedy.

Then, indeed, I see this new being ‘elected oligarchy’, meaning ‘rule by the few’, I suspect. Well, I do not wish to indulge in ‘elected oligarchy’ today, perhaps, tomorrow.

But for today, I merely want to say that if Guyana is an ‘elected oligarchy’, then Guyana is in good company, at least theoretically. How so?

Professor Joan Tronto of Hunter College/City University of New York considers the U.S. political system an American oligarchy.

Professor Anderson of the World Peace Academy refers to the U.S. as an oligarchy where the oligarchy is subverting democracy. Professors Phillip Green and Drucilla Cornell refer to the U.S. as a representative oligarchy. Harry New describes the U.S. Senate as a Senatorial Oligarchy. And Professor Donald Nonini of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, sees the U.S. rule as kleptokratic oligarchy.

Well, if Guyana really fits this new opposition’s label of elected oligarchy, then it is in good company, as the U.S has been doing well with its oligarchic practices for some time now.

Nonetheless, rule by the few is not new and characterizes most forms of government, but we need to ensure that rulers gain power through public backing.

Perhaps, I will indulge myself in these concepts once the sordid humour resurfaces, but there must be some pleasantries.

Prem Misir

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

West Indies ride on Greaves’ 115 to exert dominance over Bangladesh

West Indies ride on Greaves’ 115 to exert dominance over...

Nov 24, 2024

ESPNcricinfo – A maiden Test century for Justin Greaves headlined a dominant day for West Indies against Bangladesh on day two of the Antigua Test. After his 115 helped West Indies post 450 for...
Read More
Marian, Potaro, Waramuri and St John the Baptist advance into the semis

Marian, Potaro, Waramuri and St John the Baptist...

Nov 24, 2024

Adams, Ghani smash hundreds in runs-filled ERC T10 Tapeball 

Adams, Ghani smash hundreds in runs-filled ERC...

Nov 24, 2024

RHTYSC honours top LCSS Student with Claudette Foster Memorial Award

RHTYSC honours top LCSS Student with Claudette...

Nov 24, 2024

IBA President congratulates Steve Ninvalle on his re-election as GBA head

IBA President congratulates Steve Ninvalle on his...

Nov 24, 2024

Fireworks expected in Mayoral Cycle Road Race in New Amsterdam today as Mayor expected to lead ride off

Fireworks expected in Mayoral Cycle Road Race in...

Nov 24, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]