Opposition presidential candidate process is one for the books

Jan 04, 2019 Letters

Dear Editor,

I was going along quietly minding my own business when it dawned upon me that, almost every other day, there is one arresting development after another relative to the PPP’s process for a presidential candidate.
Not wanting to miss the fun, I decided to pay closer attention and become an undesired opposition presidential candidate watcher.
First, there was an announcement that the candidate would be selected by secret ballot. Laudable, by any standard. But being the slow fella that I am, it took a while for reality to register. Secret ballots are a wonderful idea, a tried and tested process; but there is a crucial qualifier: They work well when powered and influenced by men and women of true impeccability of character, and those with immaculate histories.
When such is not the case, then any and all manner of mischief can be perpetrated under the veil of secret balloting. What started out as neutral and noble quickly mutates into a clandestine remote-controlled booby trapprimed with the capricious and the self-serving.
Since I have no money on any horse in this already bizarre race, I leave the principals over there to ascertain if the fix is in, secret ballot or not. As an aid, I remind of the example of J. Edgar Hoover of FBI notoriety and his secret files, secret life, and the secret dealings. If that is too imperialist, then try the Berbice Bridge.
Then, I got the shock of my life; two shocks, really; and simultaneously. This is overwhelming for a simple guy like me to handle. I take the easy one first: that is a presidential candidate? For what, pray? Surely somebody jests? Or take Guyanese for bigger and bigger fools with every succeeding day?
I mean there is comedy, then there is, well, the tragedy of a farce in the making. I am trying to get over this. Lack of respect; lack of standing; lack of anything that is remotely related to presidential timber. Who comes up with these ideas over there? This is going from oddball to screwball to goofball; they ll should be mothballed.
There would be full-scale revolt on the street. How low is low for Guyana with these increasingly grotesque developments? I will take Vindya, Anamayah, even the Bishop; or bring back Roger from his convalescence; or great-uncle Sam.
Incidentally, instead of deteriorating to cesspool depths, why not give the goat man a shot. I know he is long in the tooth, but the comrade paid his dues. Take a look at the PNC, which is proud of its Geritol brigade.
The second shock was when two of the PPP presidential aspirants reportedly pledged allegiance to their sponsor, godfather, circus master, whatever. I didn’t know that Guyana had king or emperor where obsequious men had to pledge allegiance to such. Tells how ignorant I am!
I am scratching my head (no hair) for this one is without precedent.
More seriously, this is appalling as well as embarrassing. I would have thought that presidential candidates (and presidents themselves) pledge allegiance to citizens of the country; and if that is too demanding, then at least to the abstraction of country alone for safety. Wow!
Anyhow, now that this ugly, demeaning standard has been committed to, I must ask: when is the pledging ceremony? I think this has to be public so that the proper homage can be conducted in full view of the media with kowtowing and kissing the feet of the master.
The Chinese emperors demanded it, so why not here as a sign of proper reverence (and knowing your damn place!). If there is need for a more majestic example of kissing feet, there is none better than Jesus. The difference is that he did it for his followers, not the other way around.
Still, I congratulate the PPP on this initiation rite; I wish the party had kept this secret, too, so as to reserve the humiliation and distaste to within the cabal. Talk about craven men and graven image(s). Lord! Help us, please. I must say that, thus far, I find the candidates as enchanting as warm flat beer and twice as aromatic. Look I am trying to be kind here.
Last, I trust that the newly minted oil expert in the midst knows that his goose is cooked (as in precooked). Maybe, next time around youngster; just play cards tight to the chest.Having said all of this, I must wonder: what next?

Sincerely,
G. H. K (ghk) Lall

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