Waking Up From the Fantasy

There are times when political parties, so enamoured
of their own 'hype' isolate themselves from reality.

Talking to themselves and their mindless followers
they create a version of the electorate which does
not correspond to the facts.

The Public's response to the Golding Administration
was far different than what those in the safetly
of Belmont Road perceived, until the summer of 2011
when the lies, the spin, the cheers of their minions
could not drown out that most Jamaicans knew Bruce
Golding and his government were liars.

The quick exaltation of Andrew Holness did not have
much effect.

Firstly, the public found him an arrogant little
prick, who actively tried to fool them. They didn't
like him, although he was totally unaware of it.

As many 'leaders' he believed the persiflage of his
sycophants, and had no more connection to the street
than a tourist at an All Inclusive.

The die hard Labourite is a person who has long since
retreated from reality into a world made up of their
opinions.

Their opinions are not based on 'the street' but their
peristalsis. They believe if they talk loud enough
and long enough what they think becomes true.

In December, Labourites so sure they would
win they took no note of how the public felt.
The expression on their faces as they wandered
into their Headquarters after the mammoth
loss spoke volumes.

This did not in any way shake the arrogance of the
JLP Leadership. They made assumptions and continued
in their belief the rejection of the public had
nothing to do with them or their policies.

They made no attempt to mask their contempt for
the average person. They assumed Jamaicans were
too stupid to comprehend.

As the local government elections came into view they
assumed they would win. This was based on nothing.

Everyone knew they would lose.

Areas which had been die hard JLP for decades
boasted orange flags. People were wearing orange
without the slightest qualm.

Yet, they entered the election with the certainty
they would win. Aand they lost.
Very badly.

It is clear that the JLP as it is constituted
will not win any election. Holness has to go
along with the stalwarts, and the level of arrogance
replaced by a heightened form of humility.

The 'die hard JLP' supporter needs to understand
they speak for no one.