The Editor, Sir:

When one observes the 'leaders' of our country, it is no wonder Jamaicans are incapable of settling feuds. Basic problem solving and debating skills are absent from our society.

The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that the persons chosen to represent us as councillors and members of parliament have no regard for one another and can be seen on national television having 'debates' (though unworthy to be called such) that become so heated they lead to shouting, childish name calling and, in some cases, representatives walking out of the House/meetings.

This, I must say, is more than unacceptable, and if this is how Jamaicans are to settle disputes or argue a matter - then 'o what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to cuss den leave!' Are the future leaders of the country to believe that this is how we are to debate/argue?

Inappropriate conduct

I am certain that points can be made, very clearly, without the broil of what we saw on the news recently. The conduct of our parliamentarians and councillors, though seemingly comical at times, is inappropriate and will not advance any debate.

Much to the delight of the media and the public are these persons in 'honourable' positions creating 'passa passa' in what should be a formal, professional setting.

It is such a shame that these people who should be 'playing by the rules', setting examples and being persons of high standards are the same people who contradict themselves every day. Watching the political happenings has become like a soap opera or a literature text.

There is always some twist, some hero with a flaw, some new scandal or some representative screaming at the top of his/her lungs at another person. Do they not know that they are being watched, not only by cameras and reporters but also by the youth?

Where will the youth of our country look to find role models? Where will I find my role model? Certainly not from our representatives.

Is there not a code of conduct for our politicians? Are there no argumentative skills for them to follow? I reiterate, it is such a shame that these people who should set examples have become everything but examples. The irony of this dire situation is not at all humorous, but disturbing.

"The right to swing my fist ends where the other man's nose begins."- Oliver Wendell Holmes.

I am, etc,

RANI SITTOL

5th-form student of

Meadowbrook High School

dr_s91@hotmail.com