Dear Editor,
In his letter captioned, "Dialogue is not feasible
with this Phantom squad issue pending" (23.1.2004) Mr
Tacuma Ogunseye, in seeking to justify his jaundiced view
of your editorial captioned, "Dialogue needs
energizing" (19.1.2004), as one of the worst in
recent times in terms of timing, content and intent
offered that the government is not prepared to demonstrate
respect for the nation and international community by not
ordering Home Affairs Minister Gajraj to demit office
until an enquiry has pronounced on Bacchus's allegations.
In the letter he tells us how the US government played
the major role in ending the resistance in Buxton.
So let us see how other countries deal with complaints
against officials and the perception of evidence by these
countries.
President Bush of the USA left his shores and took his
army and soldiers thousands of miles away and devastated
Iraq on the grounds that Iraq had weapons of mass
destruction. Even if Iraq had such capabilities it did not
pose a threat to America or Americans. Many innocent women
and children were slaughtered and the country was reduced
to ruin. No one has asked for Mr Bush's resignation or for
him to demit office. Why? Do the Ameri-cans feel that
there was justification for the damage due to actions by
al Qaeda - an eye for an eye? But Iraq had noting to do al
Qaeda. No weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq.
Prime Minister Blair of the UK sent his troops to Iraq.
The UK was not threatened. The UK detonated cluster bombs
which caused civilian casualties. No one asked Blair to
resign.
Prime Minister Blair is also fingered in the suicide of
his scientist Kelly. A high judicial enquiry was set up.
Blair was not asked to resign but has said that if the
commission found that he lied he will resign. He was not
asked to resign before the commission sat. And he is
responsible, through one of his ministers, for the
appointment of the commission, who is also a judge, whose
appointment was made by the Cabinet.
What about Israel? Prime minister Sharon is fingered in
a bribery scandal. He said there is no way he will resign.
Prior to his becoming prime minister he was slated as a
war criminal. He is still Prime Minister.
What about Prime Minister Bird of the West Indies -
charged with allegedly raping a Guyanese teenager. He did
not resign. He was acquitted.
Yours faithfully,
Fizul Bacchus