The Editor, Sir:

With regard to the September 18 article, 'Yes, call the dons! MacMillan supports their appearance in Parliament', the thought of allowing criminal extremists to influence legislation is just repulsive and very disappointing, coming from a former head of the Police High Command, and one who should possess a strong perspicacious attitude towards deviant behaviour.

Sophistry

It seems as if MacMillan is using sophistry in an effort to warm the hearts of these dons. His seemingly innocuous remark has obviously enraged his opposition colleagues and concerned citizens like myself.

The Jamaican Constitution recognises the inalienable right of the Jamaican people to life, liberty, security of the person, the enjoyment of property and the protection of the law.

Law-abiding citizens are being victimised daily by these criminal louts, and those who have been elected to serve continue to remain silent on this social, physiological and economic epidemic.

Traditional lawmaking is not just a nicety. it's a necessity, if we're to remain a democracy. In a country as diverse as ours, the careful review of new ideas is the only way all viewpoints and select interests can be heard.

It is what allows the majority to rule without sacrificing respect for those in the minority. When this process is abridged, we lose the transparency, accountability, deliberation, openness and acces-sibility that are fundamental to our country's legislative fairness.

We need to make sure we do not abandon the careful, thorough deliberation our country's heroes and fathers had in mind. For, in the end, democracy is a process, not a product.

I am, etc.,

SHELDON F. MOLETON

sheldonmoleton@yahoo.com

North Miami, FL

Via Go-Jamaica