If conclusive proof of the negativity of the PNM mindset were required, then the following should prove conclusive.Predictably, in the absence of any issue of substance against the victors of 24/5/10 and in convenient amnesia at his own demonstrated absence of same, the newly elected leader of the PNM in opposition is again seeking refuge in the politics of mass distraction.
That he has had the effrontery to attempt to compromise the principles and integrity of Austin Jack Warner is nothing but evidence of political desperation.
This bankrupt strategy of a bankrupt dispensation proves yet again PNM contempt, in or out of power, for the national interest.
What is most offensive about this obviously transparent demonstration of pointless mischief is the fact that Rowley confidently expects to deceive and confuse an electorate whose sole interest is in the demonstrable performance of their elected representatives, among which Jack Warner is without peer.
In the current climate the target selected by the new leader of the opposition is as malicious as his ex leader's persecution of CJ Sat Sharma, as a result of which and much else, they were both returned to opposition and soon hopefully before the courts.
Rowley has already recognised that Jack Warner is no Patrick Manning and as such is a far more formidable protagonist than Sat Sharma!
Given his own recent transparent compromise on personal ethics and integrity, in which he confirms Basdeo Panday's claim that "politics has its own morality", the kindest comment on Mr Rowley's attack upon Warner, who was recently elected to office with the largest majority obtained by any candidate on 24/5/10, is "ambition should be made of sterner stuff".
Rowley's attempt to compromise Warner's overwhelming popularity as a unique politician who demonstrates a unique willingness "to walk the talk" is as pitiful and ludicrous as Imbert's criticisms of Warner's attempt to unsnarl the horrible failure which he, Imbert, made of our traffic flow.
Jack Warner, with his international connections, is a politician for whom Rowley's ex PM would have traded him without hesitation.
Whatever a toothless and tarnished Integrity Commission may eventually conclude, therefore, will dampen nor diminish neither Warner's work ethic nor the enthusiasm of his supporters.
Kamla will have shot T&T in the foot, and her own government in a more vital area, should she even consider forcing Warner to choose between FIFA and her cabinet.
Austin Jack Warner is figure larger than life.
His rise from impoverished country boy with a speech impediment to Vice President of world football's governing body, while simultaneously proving the most successful elected representative of the ruling dispensation in the land of his humble birth, is the stuff of legend.
Despite rubbing shoulders and bending the elbow with the movers and shakers of the developed world, Jack has not only retained the common touch but his generosity is as legendary as his rise to fame and fortune and both are credit to his capacity for hard work, long hours and a proven ability to overcome all obstacles.
Is this man of the people, one who puts his money where his mouth is, one that the nation can afford to discard in either of his proven capacities, especially at this point in time?
There has been an ongoing attempt to impugn Warner's integrity with allegations of corruption appearing regularly in letters to the editor.
Be that as it may, unless it can be credibly proven that Jack Warner has utilised his power and wealth under either of his 2 "hats", except in the interests of the less fortunate, his constituents, or the national welfare, then his success, as far as any can legitimately be concerned, from the likes of a flip flopping leader of the opposition to columnist Andrew Jennings and all in between, must remain Austin Jack Warner's own damn business!
Anything less amounts to T&T "looking a gift horse in the mouth".
No greater justification for total excision from the national psyche of the malign and enduring legacy of Eric Williams, which is still misguiding areas of public opinion through the PNM, so influenced into so misruling T&T, than those few otherwise intelligent but misguided souls who cannot recognise an effective and altruistic politician when they see one.
Nor is this the first manifestation of the evil of that legacy. The measure of a successful politician or ruling dispensation can be effectively gauged only upon the contribution made by either while empowered so to do.
Anything else is looking gift horses in the mouth. A classic case in point is the UNC which ruled from '95 to '01. It is now accepted as gospel truth that the Panday UNC was hopelessly corrupt.
Several show trials were initiated by their successors without yet a conviction on any charge in T&T for robbing either the national patrimony or any private citizen. Let us now examine that popular perception.
Based on an oil price of $9.00 per bbl the records show a list of enlightened legislation and a level of infrastructural and social improvements unmatched by any ruling dispensation before or since.
But that is not all, whether corrupt or otherwise, upon their illegitimate removal from power a "hopelessly corrupt" UNC surrendered to their minority supported successors a budget and a treasury both significantly larger than that which they inherited upon assuming office in '95!
Since the oil price remained at $9.00, the UNC never increased taxes, the cost of living remained stable and violent crime was significantly reduced under their truncated watch, then in the interest of the society I pray that the new dispensation, via the likes of Austin Jack Warner, will prove at least as constructively and productively "corrupt" as was the UNC in power!
Clearly Rowley would dearly love to discredit Warner, as Manning so effectively discredited a deposed UNC. Will he succeed?
That like so much else will depend upon how soon the PNM mantra, the Williams legacy and the public mindset which resulted from both, can be totally and irrevocably excised from the national psyche.
Rise the beloved country!
T.G. Mendes
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