The meaning of patriotism (Gleaner Editorial 07.08.10)

'Do you love Jamaica?' was the question asked by the online poll in an obvious bid to measure the pride and love that Jamaicans have for their country in this the 48th year of nationhood. This is a valid question and, although the results have not yet been posted, it is bound to get many people counting the ways in which they love or despise this country.

While Independence has put us in a self-congratulatory mood, amid the parties we ought to take some time for reflection. We have accomplished many great things through hard work and a tenacious spirit, but there have been countless bumps in the road. The fact that the black, green and gold of the Jamaican flag is a major fashion statement is not to be taken lightly. It indicates how deep-rooted the Jamaican culture has become in many corners of the Earth. However, 48 years on, we cannot claim to have achieved the objectives of our founding fathers who started the Independence journey. And as we become reflective, we also have the right to be critical of those things that have retarded our progress.

For sure, patriotism means different things to different people. For some, patriotism means an unquestioned loyalty to one's country, while to others the country offers an opportunity for them to garner wealth and power ruthlessly, yet there are others who believe that Government or some godfather ought to take care of all their needs. Then there are the disillusioned, including scores of young people, who feel let down by Jamaica because there are so few opportunities.

Just lip service?

If patriotism means unquestionable loyalty to one's country, then many people have simply been paying lip service to the ideal. For example, how much love do business people have for Jamaica when they dodge the taxman and fail to pay customs duties?

How much do they love Jamaica when citizens engage in importing guns and ammunition knowing that they will be used to kill innocent people? Is it love that causes people to engage in the kinds of antisocial behaviour that scars the good name of Jamaica? How patriotic is it to manage the economy in a reckless manner with the only emphasis being on election victories? It's a reasonable conclusion to draw, that one man's patriotism is another man's treason.

Indeed, one of the things that have held us back is the fact that we continue to see issues through the lens of the PNP-JLP political spectrum. It means every issue becomes polarised into right and wrong as we apportion blame to one side or other. We need the kind of inspired leadership that will help to convince the majority that the grave misjudgements of the past will not be repeated, and that there are indeed better days ahead.

If we want to wake up to a new Jamaica, we need to stop the finger-pointing at each other and admit that both parties have engaged in flawed policies to the detriment of the country. Instead of trying to convince us that one party has all the answers, we urge all parties to work together to achieve success on the economic, social and political fronts - then will we have a good chance at regaining the nation's vitality and restoring hope.


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