Dear editor,

It was Theodore Roosevelt who stated: “Patriotism means to stand by one’s country.”

That fact seems to have been lost on a lot of people, most of them in the political directorate in this country, when it comes to the matter of the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO).

There are so many people that have access to the airways, newspapers, and other such means that are chomping at the bit to see ZOSO fail. From the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), to some prominent lawyers and commentators, the sea of negativity is beyond belief. At a time when our country needs to take on the crime monster by all means legally possible, it is unpatriotic to be bad-mouthing the initiative.

It shows to me the great divide in the minds of many of these purveyors of doom and gloom, between loving Jamaica and loving a particular political party. When a gunman goes on a killing spree, unless it is politically motivated, he doesn’t discriminate between PNP and Jamaica Labour Party. That seems to have been lost on many offering views on this matter.

One can offer constructive criticism and advice. That’s a total different matter from what is been said in this country about ZOSO. It is disconcerting and disheartening to hear the constant drumbeat of negativity around ZOSO. This is a country that is in need of unity and purpose to fight crime, and any initiative that is geared towards curtailing crime should not be criticized on the basis of political interest.

What sort of sick, twisted mindset is willing to see even their supporters die just in order to reclaim State power? It’s deeply disturbing. Very, very disturbing.

Fabian Lewis