Constitutional Reform: A Must Before 2030

Truth: The failure of our political leaders to notice the decay of our democracy was no mere oversight; rather it was an omission of a selfish nature that comes with the territory of the Jamaican political leadership that puts self before constituents and nation. 

The idea that the system is for the powerful few and not the majority has sent the constitutional reform discussion into the void of ‘soft issues’ or ‘that cyaa eat’ grey area of the Jamaican consciousness.

The Internal power struggles of the past couple of weeks in the two major political parties cannot and should not be passed along as simple politicking, especially after an unfortunate fiery climax in MP.Raymond Pryce’s North-East St Elizabeth constituency.

Peoples National Party

Another unpleasant example included Dr Bloomfield losing his candidate selection race then being reinstated after a strong showing on an internal poll, the Peoples National Party’s General Secretary tried to explain that party delegates did understand the party constitution and its regulations – that the candidate selection was an “indicative” ballot due the constituency being “provisional”. The action of the party would have offended any laypersons grasp of democracy.

It must be seen for what it is; a complete disregard for democratic principles, corrupt processes and glaring mistrust in our political system and institutions.

Renewed Effort

With the shady inner workings of the political parties on full display and in the light, there must be tripled effort to improve our governance structure through constitutional reform.

The recent calls by private sector has only reinforced the need for the parliament of Jamaica both the governing administration and the opposition to embrace and concentrate on constitutional reform.  The modernization of Jamaica’s democratic principles and processes has not kept abreast with the rest of the developing world or those nations we aspire to be by 2030.

As the Partnership for Jamaica Agreement states that signed parties must “reaffirm and recommit to the principles of social dialogue and partnership, specifically to further the process of deepening democracy and participatory decision-making.”

As citizens, private sector, civil society, church and other internal forces, must bring pressure on all individual candidates for elected office and their affiliated political organization to commit to the execution of constitutional reform before 2030. 

It is ultimately the hands of parliament that must be moved to set controls upon themselves and repower the majority.

Loud and Clear: There Goes Joe

There Goes JOE

VP Joe Biden went "Rocky"on Young Congressman Paul "Granny Killer" Ryan's, Tuckus.

Style Over Fashion

The pure dismissive heat that VP Biden smile's and laughter invoked, was felt through the screen of my television and I was assured then that he understood the situation completely: the mission was to "Call Them Out" and as he said "Fact Matters". Joe Biden's words "Came out right" and he was a hard hitter. 


Paul Ryan was locked in an unmovable state of "National Emo/Goth Depression" he seemed like a overworked gloomy Giant Corp executive  and it wasn't digestible by any standard. Ryan was stunned by the tenacity of the VP and found himself sometimes tripping over his defenses and kept landing into his glass of water for refreshment (maybe it had a drop of rum for his head ache).

Mission: "Call Them Out"

There was no page left unread after that debate was completed, which got complicated at times but the important point is who got in the most hooks and anchors and that was VP Biden, he sent across his message well, he related to the normal people (the 47%) in the streets who saw Ryan as a "Politician", the best moment came when he was caught as a "Politician", for  those who didn't know that Paul Ryan sent letters to the Obama Admin for stimulus money, now they do, but Ryan called the stimulus a "Waste of Tax payers Money". 

The issue of Foreign Policy and especially "Wars", was a major sticking point for the Ryan/Romney (yes, Ryan/Romney) Ryan was tutored on Iran and the Nuclear process which he attempted to "Fear Monger" and insinuate an Apocalyptic situation.  We are not sure where they stand on the 2014 withdrawal of all U.S. troops in Afghanistan but we do know they believe that the U.S.A should have more troops in the line of combat while the Afghan Military does nothing in their own country, there was no answer to VP Biden question: "Would you rather American Troops do the job than the Afghans?" -Congressman Ryan reminded us in his rebuttal that "the Calendar works the same each year" - Um. Yes Congressman it does - unless you decide to enact a policy to change winter into summer, the Congressman that became a GOD.

Speaking of God and Religion, the social issue of Abortion was raised not as a Policy but as a question of personal faith which saw both candidates get into a sober mood making their answers as " heavyhearted" as possible but VP Biden wanted to confirm his faith and believes but separated it from his policy stance "I wont force my doctrine on anyone else" then proceeded to hit Ryan on his co-authored "Person-hood Policy" which would criminalize Abortion for all cases , Paul Ryan attempted to spin away from his record "stating that "Abortion should be allowed for special cases".


The Gloves came off and Ryan went down, after his futile attempt to mislead the world was designated: "A Bunch of Malarkey" then the uppercut came from the ultimate Flipper Zinger: "Oh, Now your're Jack Kennedy" we were just hoping that Paul Ryan would tap out but he stayed for punishment and it didn't end well. The next move belongs to President Obama to put this election to Bed at the next Presidential Debate. Its time for the USA to use their "common sense" to vote for the future of the world and not just the future of the U.S. - Its their Votes but Our Future.

P.S.

Politically Speaking

Check Out, Nate Silvers Political Calculus: http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/author/nate-silver/
   

The Top Mid-Week Talkers: The Mitts and Fables that were Told

The Mitts and Fables That Were Told

How Mitt Romney, Possibly Lied his way to The Presidency?

The Mitt Willard Romney we all have come to dislike and discount as a president was unmistakably not present at the first U.S. Presidential Debate for 2012 and the Barack Obama that mesmerized the entire worn in 08 and worked to reverse the mistake of the Bush era policies that caused a Global crisis was seemingly on a Presidential stay from the Debate at hand.  

From the off set Mitt Romney knew that he had to be on the offensive position and but President Obama on his heels with unmeasured attacks on his economic record and play with the liability factor that a sitting President must face. The issues of debate were centered around the Economy, the single most important issue in this election and the issue that Romney hoped would carry him directly to the White House but unfortunately for him the battle is an uphill one and the Presidents policies aren't seen as unpopular as he thought.

The President tried sticking to Romney the unlikable Facts of his running platform, most questionably his stance on Taxes, Romney has ran quite strongly on his plan that would lower the tax bracket to 20%  rate that would give the US a 5 trillion dollar deficit according to the non-partison - Tax Policy Center - but in the debate he said "I don’t have a $5 trillion tax cut. … I’m not looking for a $5 trillion tax cut. … Let me repeat what I said. I’m not in favor of a $5 trillion tax cut. That’s not my plan.”

For more Debunking, Check: http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/10-most-shameless-romney-debate-lies-debunked

Secondly, Mitt Romney as Governor of  Massachusetts crafted a successful bill that has over 90% of the children in his insured, which is the Grandfather Obama's Affordable Care Act. Romney has repeated nauseously that he would "Repeal Obamacare" and has now added "and Replace It" with something much more similar to a private free for all, once again the "Master of Flip" didn't just repeat his conservative talking point but he lubriciously and quite hilariously, to the horror of Republicans replaced Obamacare with - wait for it- Obamacare or Romneycare - "there are good parts of Obamacare and I wont change the fundamentals of the bill"

Romney has Place himself between a Lie and a Lie, We hope that the Chattering class will point out the errors and forced truths that Gov. Romney has pushed without remorse and indignation and correct for the population to digest. Obama didn't totally lose the debate as he got Romney to Flip on camera and I'm sure there will be an assault from the Obama camp using these Flipping Moments to break the Romney advance.

This will be the moment when we look back and not just say "This is where Obama lost the election" but when Americans decided to elect a blatant liar for a President, a man without a Backbone and Malleable stature that will drag the U.S.A back to the days of Iraq Invasion, Wall St Apocalypse and Healthcare crisis.

Loud and Clear: My Big Fat Government and Me

My Big Fat Government and Me

By Necessity We are Married to Our Governments and their Handouts

The deteriorating 2012 Presidential campaign of Gov. Mitt Romney once again hit a snag on his way to the now increasingly far off and distant occupation of the White House.  Mitt Romney fumbled over a 47% (forty-seven Percent) hurdle on his crash landing to earth this week, as he was caught on a hidden camera at a wealthy donor dinner, saying (off the cuff) that the “47% of Americans who don’t pay takes are Lazy Freeloaders” who he “will not pursue” because they’ve already chosen to vote for Obama because he touts “Government Handout’s” (beware of the Socialist). Mitt Romney the “car elevator guy” who goes “speeding boating” on Labour Day and thinks “Corporations are people too”, has single handily delivered  47% of the Population (that he has disfranchise from his Campaign completely) into the Ballot Boxes of Pres. Barack Obama.

Even some in his own party who have seen the future blowout in his stumble has labeled his comments as “Stupid” and “unbecoming of a Presidential Nominee”. But dogged Conservative media and their political counterparts (no difference) has gone on the attack claiming that hypocritical the attack of Obama sympathizer and supporters on Romney’s (47%) statement, because the Obama campaign has explicitly been targeting the “Welfare Crowd” with his devious talk of those who have built their fortunate (supposedly alone), should “Pay their Fair Share” and “Equal Opportunity” for all those who have the motivation and desire to climb the ladder of success no matter their economic background or race.  Those phrases hit home with many of those in the 47% of Americans who don’t pay taxes as The Atlantic Wire reports that  "18 percent of people who do not work at all, or make so little that they don't even pay payroll taxes. More than half of that group (10 percent of people) are retired and elderly people. They live off pensions or Social Security benefits, which are not taxed." 

(Tax Policy Center)

“It takes brass to criticize a man for doing something that you did” said Bill Clinton at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, responding to Paul Ryan’s claim of Obama raiding Medicare to pay for Obamacare, when in fact Ryan has proposed the same thing in his own budget Plan but it’s a steady trend in today’s Republican Party for them to oppose themselves in the name of countering Obama, hence Republicans cannot stipulate that Obama be more a 100% President when they have been the 2% Party; frolicking with Billionaires, Advocating for more loopholes and lower taxes for their Friends at the Top can go even higher and leave everyone else to hope that pieces of the ”Roof of Success” falls so we may also begin to build.

 "he (Obama) believes that when you've worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity...you do not slam it shut behind you...you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed." from Michelle Obama DNC 2012 speech

The Jamaican Revolution

Linking the this U.S. Presidential Election development to the Jamaican politico-sphere, with temperatures still a bit high over the allocation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) expenditures in Damion Crawford’s constituency being “too focused” on Education as a Long term development strategy. The usage of the Pork Barrel as the CDF has become known as, reflects a Member of Parliaments resourcefulness and inclusiveness as he contends with the issues dealt to him by almost every underprivileged and deprived constituent that seeks an extra “Handout” to go with his Food Stamps, Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATHE) allowances and other welfare programme.

The Peoples National Party released a list of CDFexpenditure on Education by MP’s in their Constituency and Damion Crawford’sexpenditure on education was at 58%, only in the bottom 6 of  a 42 majority Government, it was to repel notions that the Peoples National Party’s political representative and supporters have been bogged down in deep “Politics of Poverty” and that supporters and occasionally reps. are denied “Handout’s” they go into a state of rage and retaliation because “Government Dependence” at least that’s what Andrew Holness and his band of Capitalist Cadets at the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)  are trying to sell the lesser informed public and big business interest.

What about the Single Mother of 2 (two) who earns enough for one of her child’s education, PATHE hardly covers the other, Dinner is Tea and Crackers in the dark because she can’t afford her $1000 electricity Bill and needs something extra for other amenities? Is helping this woman, Mr. Holness, Poverty Politics?

Andrew Holness and the JLP like Mitt Romney and the Republican Party have shout their eyes, covered their ears while chanting “la-la-la”, every time the non aligned “middle class”, “better off” and “privileged”  portion of the population try and speak to them through the Media or Elections (chose of Ideology) that “Big Fat Government” isn’t the problem but “Big Fat Lazy Rich Politicians”, that they don’t have a problem with Government assistance done correctly and sustainably, that Government isn’t always the Problem or the Solution, that not everyone is fortunate enough to even have the chance to attend school much less become a former Governor or a former Prime Minister.

Most of us begin life in a Public Health Facility or to a Government paid Mid-wife in a home or church, attended Public Schools and most of us will be buried in a Public Cemetery and the cycle continues with our children and their children. We are essentially married to our Government not only in taxes and Debt owed per person but in that we have a responsibility to keep the marriage viable and alive for future generations of unlucky masses to be born in poverty and impoverished situations to have the opportunity to live with dignity, pride and self worth whether or not they are economically successful in life. 

The Sunday Sound Off : Politically Divided We Must Stand

Politically Divided We Must Stand

 The Generation of Ideology and Acquiescence 

SOUNDing OFF: From a Liberal Socialist standpoint "Jamaica's Politics needs Ideology and Acquiesce (reluctant agreement)" within its Political Framework. Although last election in Dec 2011, we confirmed that Jamaica is "REALLY Red Socialist Country" or an Orange one in this case. The Observer (Labourite Central) sounded: PNP Country as they reported the Electoral results that the Portia Simpson-Miller Led Peoples National Party was overly victorious.

The USA had almost 230 years to perfect the Union: Politically, Economically, Socially and Spiritually (for the believers). The reason they have succeeded (somewhat) is their ability to be open, diverse and sharply contrasting views on policies and issues that affect the nation, almost every voice is represented at some level in the discussion be them the 1% or the 99%, Pro-choice, Pro-Life, LGBT, Christians, Muslim, etc.

But Compromise is key in a Democracy that has sharp contrasting Ideologies but Democratic Bill Clinton and Republican Newt Gingrich somehow understood that and worked together to Balance the USA Budget and Lower the Deficit after years of economic neglect under Bush 41 by raising Taxes and cut spending - Clinton lost his Liberal cred for "Dont Ask, Don Tell" (DADT) - repealed by Obama - and "Defence of Marriage Act" (DOMA) - weaken by Obama stance on Marriage Equality - "The Clinton Triangulation"  .

Although Ideologues and career politicians can cause hiccups with "Politicking and Stalemates" (Poll Hounds), the outcome of these "Stalemates" depend on 3 things -One side winning or losing, Compromise or both sides losing (in that case the Nation Loses) - If One side wins or loses, there will be an imbalance of sorts within that policy maybe its a Tax policy crafted for "Trickle Down" without poverty relief/welfare (vice-a-versa) but the ground leveled at the foot of "Compromise".

Most Jamaican politicians aren't ideologically driven in any matter, they are "Power Hawks", frankly borderline "Hypocritical", the need and political impulse to get into Jamaica House trumps any desire to be faithful to any ideology or belief that may cause said desire of Power to be dashed. We bare witness every Budget Debockle ( I mean Debate): When its time to stand and face the population of unemployed and hungry party loyal's who elected them, when its time to prove that they are watching out for you the people and not the International Monetary Fund (IMF), when its time to garner strength from their Ideological background to create a balanced approach to Nation Building instead of Tax Baby Tax or Cut Mother Cut (like a single parent Austerity family).

There's less trust placed in "Power Hawks" than normal Ideologically framed politicians (if there is such a thing) because of  their consistency relating to Economic Policy, Social Issues and other critical concerns voters may relay on to make the choice at the ballot box; an individual feels secure knowing that there is someone of the same persuasion watching out for them in the "Politicosphere".
Micheal Manley(The Social Bill Clinton of the Peoples National Party), no matter what you think of him, was someone Jamaicans trusted in; he ran and won on "Giving Power to The People" (remarkably similar to Portia's "People Power") and "Better Must Come". Micheal Manley reforms were Democratic Socialism to say the least, Policy after Policy his direction for the Nation was clear, "People Centered Society" and "Big Government" (as Conservatives would say) some of these Policies included: See full list at wikipedia.org

• The lowering of the minimum voting age to 18 years.

• The introduction of equal pay for women.

• The introduction of maternity leave.

• The introduction of subsidised meals, transportation and uniforms for schoolchildren for those in Poverty.

• A significant increase in spending on education.

• The introduction of subsidies on basic food items.

• The introduction of a National Youth Service Programme for high school graduates to teach in schools, vocational training, and the literacy programme.

• The introduction of protection for workers against unfair dismissal.

Micheal Manley has been called an "Economic Failure" and blamed for the Decimation of the Jamaican Economy by trampling on "Private Enterprise" and indulged in "Incorrect Spending" that drove the debt up and pushed growth down. The SOUND  truth is that he wasn't a Economic Master, no Politician or Economist is; but he was a Solid Foundation and a Hero for Social Equality and Justice that is his Legacy, Presidents and Prime Ministers told him to abandoned his socialist trek and he didn't yield until he saw the need for "Compromise" and "inclusion" when the flaws and holes within his Socialist Policy Framework appeared and he toned down his socialism to allow some sense of Private Sector Inclusion.

The 1970s - 80s, Jamaica is seemingly only shrouded in Political upheaval and all other definitions of the period will not be entertained by the lopsided history buffs. Yet, we should be propelled to remember the worst period in Jamaican history as the one of the most productive (policy wise) taking into consideration that the Economic policies of the following Jamaica Labour Party Government were a radical swing from socialism to severe conservative capitalism that rose the GDP as high as 7%. 

Bill Clinton and Micheal Manley (Economic Hero and Social Hero resp.) both historically relevant men who were sent into politically, economically and socially hard times as leaders of 2 nations filled with hope and human resilience, they took separate paths and had different results, results that debunks the myth that a non-partisan or bi-partisan two party political system is the only way to ensure the stability of a Nation but in fact 'a consistent Ideology and slight Acquiescence' is all we need to RISE above "Stand for Nothing", "We cant do anything about it", "Stay home, its raining", "IMF is Lord and Master", "World Bank Dedicatory" and "The Polls say" type of Politics. 

P.S. 

Politically Speaking

- Folks I told you to watch out for this Political Interest story on MP Damion Crawford, has he is still refusing to give Constituency Development Fund (C.D.F)  handouts (eat a food politics) to his constituency, holding firm to his stance that Long term investments in Education and Health will make the difference within his constituency. We will have to see how the Peoples National Party reacts to the Political Revolution that is taking place. 

The Sunday Scrub: Running with Ryan

Running with Ryan: Paul “Granny Killer” Ryan on the Romney Ticket   

All off Board, the train has already left for the RIGHT….

The ‘Neo-Con Right’ is seemingly more excited about Romney’s new extremely -RIGHT- hand man than Romney himself, the “veep stakes” came to burning halt as Romney revealed his ‘Younger, energetic, Inspired, more conservative, and we could go on” Vice President running mate for the November 2012 election against the Democrat incumbents: Pres. Obama and VP. Biden.  This election will most certainly be framed around Ryan’s “Social Security Killing” contrasting ideology with Obama’s so-called ‘diluted socialism’ because of the outstanding fact that Romney isn’t known for sticking to anyone ideological standard or anything for that matter (except money).

The Paul Ryan Plan has earned the ire of the Left minded (Progressives and Liberal alike) especially those under the age of 55 who will lose the benefits of Social Security as he intends to starve Medicaid and Medicare of funding as a one stop way of cutting the budget. The name “Granny Killer” came about from a political Ad from a Progressive Organization showing Ryan pushing an elderly lady in a wheelchair of a cliff to interpret what his Budget Plan meant for the those hoping for a secure retirement.

Romney, Trump, Adolf (an Newt backer)  and their ‘Billionaire Buddies’ will be rolling in capital gains no thought of starving grandma. The Paul Ryan Plan will reduce the tax rate on Capital Gains to virtually 0% for those living off the most anti-capitalist earnings (capitalist should earn their money, RIGHT?), this type of trickle-down economics devoured the surplus LEFT by Bill Clinton (W. Bush looking at you) without a doubt we should have expected this choice coming from Romney who rehired the Bush era economic team (hello, captain oblivious) on his election ticket following the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression and yet in the midst of its recovery (been undertaken by Obama) he has the audacity to keep them around.

The Romney team has chosen controversy and radicalism with Ryan over sensibility and stability with my personal fad John Huntsman (for the moderates, out there) the decision was laden with the scent of a diversion strategy; for the next few weeks and beyond the absent years of Romney’s Tax Filings will be off the tongues of the Liberal Media, the “Lame Stream” Media or the cunning FOX that will repeatedly call any attempt to have a rational discourse about the Republican nominee’s unfiled taxes a “distraction” from the issues; unfortunately for them the issues concerning the public deals with closing the loopholes and ending corruption (lest we forget, Occupy Wall St.).

The LEFT will be caught up in the Ryan Effect, moaning over his excessive RIGHTWING policies and the superb contrast from Mitt Willard Romney in every respect of the word. This though - be it a saving grace for Romney’s Taxes or the lack there of – will inversely by his doing turn this election as a contest between Barrack Obama, Mitt Romney and Paul ‘Granny Killer’ Ryan – a three way contest with Romney certainly bringing up the Flip-Flopping rear (for an abundance of  better words). The Republican voters will be 20% out to replace Obama, 30% out for Romney and 50% Ryan.

That doesn’t mean the Romney-Ryan Ticket is one to dismiss - by all means – the momentum will be on the side of the Republicans going into the following months, capturing the Ryan Energy is the aim of the RNC (Republican National Committee) then catapulting Republicans to a high especially within the Tea Party and college republicans (the few) quarters until the attacks begin to bore holes in their fabled “Titanic”.

My suggestion for Jamaican-Americans (Jamericans) who are deciding on whether to vote for Obama or stay home (because of his Gay Marriage stance), is to not vote for Obama because of his stance on a Anti-Jamaican issue but vote for Obama because he actually has a stance on record and was brave enough to publically take it, which is vastly unlike his ‘Nominated’ opponent yet to formally take an official stance –well except for- his bullying Prep schooldays.   

Facts: Five Things about Ryan You should Know

P.S

Politically Speaking

This Election may have the lowest turnout due to repeated unwavering (confessed) attempts by the republicans in districts to restrict voter turnout by the traditional democrat voters. They claim to be protecting the ballot from voter fraud by implementing regulations requiring voters to have photo I.D.’s that aren’t free and unnecessary for some citizens especially the elderly. This election will be crucial not only for the contrasting ideologies and economic plans but if the world will take 5 steps back regarding racial divide and how the regulations forcedly applied affect the constituency and voting groups across the nation that claims true freedom and equality for all United States of America.