Dear Editor,
We know for sure, that there are ‘Holy Cows’ or ‘Untouchables’ in our society apart from those who some claim are in government. These so-called ‘Untouchables’ have been in the opposition all their lives, so much so that they know nothing else but to oppose. They have not been able to depose so they have sought to perfect and to fine-tune the art of opposing. Poor souls!
The sole qualification to accede to the realm of the ‘Holy Cow’ or ‘Untouchables’ is to incessantly criticize everything under the sun, particularly as it relates to the government of the day.
Elevation to the category of the ‘Holy Cow’/‘Untouchables’ is to assert one’s ‘independent thinking.’ In Guyana to be an ‘independent thinker’ is to demonstrate your ability to be persistent and forceful in attacking the government of the day. In this way, you establish your bona fides as an ‘independent’ and an institutional critic.
But please, don’t get me wrong; as far as we in the PPP/C are concerned we have never had and still do not have a problem with criticism or attacks through the media or otherwise. No not at all! Any ruling party will have to look out for the critics, cynics and pessimists, but it becomes a tragicomedy when ‘Holy Cows’ who are known opponents of government feel that they are not to be criticized or touched.
Recall Desmond Trotman’s outburst in the National Assembly when he said that he will not cooperate with the police in connection with the view he conveyed in the National Assembly during the 2013 Budget debate to the effect that there is a criminal cabal in the PPP that needs to be dismantled. Now that is what you call an untouchable. So you see, the ‘Holy Cows’ or ‘Untouchables’ want to say anything and get away with it.
But lest we forget, ‘every dog has his day.’
You see the thing is, when you pride yourself on being a ‘Holy Cow,’ you have to expect the unexpected. Interesting, isn’t it?
The trouble with ‘Holy Cows’ and ‘Untouchables’ is that they believe they have a transport to do or say whatever they wish. What a contradiction! These ‘Holy Cows’ don’t like people in government having their say, but they want to secure that just for themselves. This is called double standards. Why? Because these ‘Holy Cows’ are political animals and as such they believe they have every right doing what they are doing (sic!). Remember the mantra, “No Place for Donald?”
It’s ok for certain ‘Holy Cows’ to be paid tax dollars forever and ever and no one else should be in that Most Favoured Position (MFP). They love to take jabs at government about accountability and transparency but they are puzzled and cry intimidation when it is applied to them.
Basking in the opposition sunlight has good times and bad times. I know what I am talking about. Been there; done that! It is worse, however, when you bask in the opposition sunlight as a ‘Holy Cow’/‘Untouchable’ and write day and night to attract attention to yourself, then you have to watch out for those ominous clouds that appear overhead from time to time.
The mixture of a pretence at academia, politics and journalism can be a pretty messy concoction, and that’s precisely the problem with the pasture where the ‘Holy Cows’/‘Untouchables’ graze every day.
Yours faithfully,
Clement J Rohee
