The Editor, Amandala
Sir,
Pressure. Mr. Sedi Elrington says all governments follow the path of least resistance.
We NIPees used to scoff at the PUP song that the business of politicians…is to win elections. We used to think (when we were children), that political leaders went out among the people to find out about their needs, and ideas. And when they achieved power they did their best to do the best, the most moral thing. Ha!
Many historians say R.H. George Price ran an honest ship, BUT he couldn’t have been crooked even if he had wanted to…because H. Philip Goldson would not have allowed him to slip into hanky panky. Personally, I think Mr. George Price was fundamentally honest…but you know government.
In the New Testament Jesus told a story about a woman who pestered an unjust judge until he gave her “her rights.” Right or wrong, everybody responds to pressure.
Yes, it is all about pressure. So, when somebody, or some group has our government in a throttle, grab for the you know what…and show that wi ready to squeeze…hard. No patsy business, it’s the only language governments the world over understand…according to Mr. Sedi.
Usury. In Psalm 15 David asks: Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? And He answers: He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent.
I think the famous Mr. Bill Lindo described it, usury, as the greatest wonder of the world. I have read historians who suggest that hatred of the Jews by other Caucasian tribes is not rooted in religion or ethnic differences, but in Jewish control of money/usury (high lending rates). I understand that it was very easy for Hitler to fire up the Germans against the Jews, because (according to them) the group controlled too much of the money and was lending at usurious rates.
The cost of money in Belize is outrageous, compared to rich countries. When you check out the offerings (mortgage rates) on television to customers in the USA, it’s like money is near three hundred percent cheaper over there. Of course, there are many ingredients to factor into the price of money (include national weaknesses).
On the aside, sometime ago Jewish leaders got the name of the fish we know as Jewfish, changed to Junefish (I think). You have to wonder if fishermen of old (who thought the Jews usurious) watched the giant fish open its great mouth and suck in everything nearby into its voracious maw and said my, this is the same way these people swallow our wealth.
National Bank. Dr. Leroy Taeger insisted, when he was a panelist on the Kremandala Show, that the only hope for Belize is to establish a national bank. It is very clear today, even to the dumbest fool, that he was/is one hundred percent right.
I cannot understand the suggestion to divest our core share in the oil well. Are we serious about poverty alleviation? If we divest our core share, the money will disperse…mostly into the voracious maw of the moneylender who wants to control everything…and yes, make him stronger. Tell me, how will that help the masses?
As long as people hanker for frivolous things, like mansions, luxury rides and yachts, and vacations at glitzy resorts, there will be room for private banks. But lending money for development, and basic needs, belongs in public hands. And if we are very progressive, we will compete for the windfall from those who gamble, or want to spend their money on trinket things.
It is clear as day that the oil money should be seed capital for our national bank. If I were king, I’d name it the Leroy Taegar National Bank, and I’d be so “touches” about the loot therein, and what it is used for, I’d elect, on national ballot, its president, every four years.
(Signed) Colin