Dear Editor,
It is now very clear that the PPP has this unceasing interest – more like a sick obsession – in smothering dissenting voices to manage thinking. A close look reveals a continuum of activity and an array of weapons – some pointed, some stealthy, some smart – dedicated to driving criticisms and critics, exposures, and resistance out of existence.
The chronology can begin with what was once an army of ghost writers recruited (and paid) to spew the party line, to denounce objectors. This was quickly laid bare, and since has been dying a lingering death. It has been a lengthy lingering. Meanwhile, no disapproving or disagreeable utterances are allowed in taxpayer owned, or subsidized, media outfits.
Next, this obsession with control and critical thinkers saw the stakes upped through a virtual declaration of war, and the exercise of what amounted to the nuclear option: that advertising chokehold as unleashed against Stabroek News.
Not so public, but just as nefarious, and definitely uglier, was the operation of a party-backed blogsite. Here men and women hurled invective and every manner (some unimaginable) of vulgarity at those who dare to differ. Most of the language is unprintable. The intent of this vitriol fuelled garbage was to inflict harm and bring fear; to muzzle.
Those decent citizens who believe that there is no bottom to the sleaze and sleazy operators are correct; but there is another subtler approach to the suppression plans and efforts. It is one which reiterates the extensive, implacable, and far-reaching nature of the ruling party’s mentality.
Party writers (some on the public payroll and public time) invade the limited space in the two independent dailies with three specific purposes in mind. They are 1) to share PPP propaganda; 2) to crowd out dissenting voices; and 3) to lay the groundwork for claims of political bias, if not published. However viewed, this is a ‘heads I win, tails you lose’ situation for the ruling party. It seizes every opportunity to capitalize. Even one critical comment less daily can be considered advantageous, if not a creeping victory.
Last, but more and more, slick PPP operators have commenced on a concerted programme where they brandish first the sword of suits, and then attempt to debilitate and to demolish foes through striking with it.
When all of this is scrutinized carefully and clinically, certain conclusions become undeniable. First, there is this deep-seated paranoia within the party over objections and dissonance. Second, there is a morbid fixation to silence. And third, there is a palpable willingness to use any and all means to intimidate and to suffocate. It has been through manipulated state media domains, through privately owned channels, and through the information highway. All along the courts stood like some besieged Horatio at the bridge. Now the question is: will it stand or will it fall?
Will it stand as the search for truth and backbone continues? Or will it fall to those with a documented history of twisting words, repressing opinion, and when all else fails resorting to cheap bullying into submission.
Editor, the aforementioned represents what has been lived in Guyana (no pun intended). I say it speaks for itself, whether taken singly or collectively.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall