Dear Editor,
I share some quick thoughts on three issues percolating currently. They are repeat murderers, licensed firearms, and a cabinet reshuffle.
I have expressed written alarms at least twice in the last few years on the then state of major crimes solution, or the lack thereof. The focus was on mainly murders. Stories abounded of assigned sleuths approaching relatives of those about to be charged to make a money deal to let them go. And so they went, after hundreds of thousands willingly and easily changed hands.
Additionally, citizens knew all too well of the reports of missing case files (deliberate); or defective ones (duly doctored to be in such a state). Whatever the reason and process that led to the freedom of alleged killers, there was the concern that they would kill again. Well, they have been doing so, as there are insistent media reports of some of those same men walking away and killing again.
Then, there are several news items informing of interest and determination in conducting a thorough review of the entire licensing firearm process, inclusive of issuance, holders’ records, and possible revocation, among other things. Having presided over the wholesale issuance of licensed firearms somebody from the vaunted opposition immediately jumped up in true jack-in-the-box pantomime style to warn that it ought not to be a “wholesale” withdrawal. Everything that these so-called governors did for decades now comes to haunt them (and us too); yet they object with the blandest (and blankest) of demeanors, as if nothing of criminal consequence occurred under their watch.
I did write on more than one occasion that licensed firearms were issued to almost everyone, including those willing to hand over a princely sum. Recipients included the terminally ill, the near sightless, the seriously suspect, and those clueless about the operations of a gun. The only citizens locked out from the official gun bazaar were critics and babies. I would not be surprised if a baby or two are licensed firearm holders. Yes, things had deteriorated to this troubling pass. While this process is underway the questions that arise are: How many licensed firearms have really been issued? Is it the 10,000 now being bandied about? Or is it 30,000 that once made the rounds? The larger questions are how many unlicensed weapons are in the midst? And then, what will be (can be) done about getting them off the street?
Next, there is the recommendation for a cabinet reshuffle. I agree. With due respect to the incumbent minister, I now urge the disbanding of the Department of Social Cohesion. I regret this, but very clearly, too many in this society (on both sides) are neither ready for nor accepting of this major, growing pains, game-changing step.
Editor, think of this: dare to challenge former leaders, or criticize one’s own group, and there follows the automatic label of racist or race traitor. There is no thinking, no objectivity, no concern with issues and social welfare; therefore, it has to be so. There is only hysteria. How can this nation go anywhere with such mentalities? Raise hand or voice to point to truth and reality (and embedded excesses), and the incomprehensible is sure to spring forth full born like Minerva from the head of Jupiter. And like Minerva, the disagreements come with weapons at the ready.
Thus, I say this nation neither wants nor needs or has any use for social cohesion. It is too demanding, too sensitive, too unrewarding. A fledgling coalition of fifty or so representatives continues to struggle for coherence, and a meeting of the minds. With this in mind, I venture to state that a nation of three-quarters of a million souls has its work cut out for it. A nation that is, for the most part, resistant and unrepentant, if not unconcerned. It thinks of social cohesion, believes it is a nice thing, but remains unmoving prisoners of the past, and with all the unshakeable burdens coming therefrom.
It is why I suggest scrapping of the Department of Social Cohesion. It cannot go anywhere. It cannot gain traction, in view of the intransigent mentalities prevalent. As a vocal cheerleader for social cohesion, I regret this part of my writing.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
