The respect we do not have!

Dear Editor:

In the last year, we have seen many glaring examples of why our country is staring into a deep, dark abyss. We, as a nation, are trying to keep our heads above water, struggling against this morass due to our disrespectful behaviour. The highest offices in our land are faced with vitriolic attacks with too much frequency and ferocity. We should not allow our country to descend down this dark road.

I remember a journalist calling the Honourable Prime Minister and speaking to her in a very condescending and ridiculing manner, without her knowledge that the call was being taped. I remember the journalist then had the unmitigated gall to play this call on prime time news. What disrespect!

I remember the Honourable Attorney General and his wife experiencing a harrowing accident just recently. I remember the messages of hate and abuse that followed in the various forms of social media, messages that spoke to the adulteration of human kindness in this nation and bitterness in our thoughts. What disrespect!

These offices previously mentioned are two of the highest in the land. The Office of the President is the highest. We should think that one would dare not disrespect this office. However, we are descending quickly as a nation and everybody is an easy target. Here we have a totally inappropriate radio personality trying to belittle this office for cheap publicity. What shame! With freedom of expression comes great responsibility. One has to be mindful of this responsibility and respect the power that comes with it. Please Ms. Price, you are fighting the wrong battle. Think about the example you are setting and retreat from your position. Surely you cannot be this myopic, or are you blind to the consequences of your actions? At a time when the nation needs proper examples, you are clearly not one Ms. Price. What disrespect!

Valerie Samuels
San Fernando