Dear Editor,

I watched a movie once where there was a line, “Money can’t buy breeding.” Apparently, neither can position. But like the scorpion and the crocodile, where stinging is the nature of the scorpion, notwithstanding its well-intentioned promises to desist, our poor politicians can’t seem to help themselves: empty promises, inconsistent stories, ludicrous oversights, raucous behaviour… I should stop before nausea sets in, because I’m sure the point is clear.

And yet I don’t wish to seem condescending and disrespectful of our political leaders (if only they felt that way too). Learn this: David is anointed to be the next king of Israel; it is clear that God has rejected Saul. To add fuel to the fire, Saul, unprovoked, is bent on slaying David. David gets multiple chances to retaliate against Saul, and to slay him. And what does he do when these opportunities are presented? He refuses to lay hands on Saul on the grounds that you should “touch not the Lord’s anointed”. He could not afford to set a precedent of disrespect for the office he was set to assume. Little wonder that he enjoyed the protection of God in his position as king and was allowed to pass the reins to his son Solomon. All this despite two sons he raised who strove for his throne.

It would be instructive for our politicians to review their approach to politics in this country, and to see how they can make honesty and decency a part of the legacy by which they are defined. The Scriptures are what I understand best and can recommend as an effective guide for the change we all desire to see. I offer you Jesus Christ as the perfect example who, though He had power unlimited, was never dragged off His course in a bid for self-preservation; despising the shame; enduring the cross; so that in the end, all who so desire may live and not die. Politics is not about you and your ambition; it’s about those you serve. God knows, we could use a change in our politics. Enough already, people!

Charles Evans

charock01@yahoo.com