To hell with the rest of the world

THE EDITOR: During the dreadful days of slavery, the slave masters enjoyed wide ranging immunity from prosecution. They could murder, rape and oppress; they could torture, abuse and starve their slaves , all under the protection of the crown. Today we appear to have returned to the days of slavery, or, we might well ask, “Was slavery ever ended?” The United States under President Bush takes us back to those days by the demand for sovereign nations to sign an agreement that would exempt US government officials and military personnel from prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. Anyone would be justified in asking why the US seeks this immunity. There can be only one answer: the US has no intention of abiding to rules of civilised conduct, and under Bush the US intends to continue its quest for domination of world trade and commodities by all possible means, fair or foul.

The inherent chauvinism of the US blinds them to the outrageous tenor of their demands. They believe that they are in charge, and that the law must be totally in their favour and for their protection; and to hell with the rest of the world. My faith in human intellect was sorely challenged when I saw many who were thought to be leading US intellectuals, shamelessly aiding and abetting Bush in his totalitarian agenda. Is it that all human beings have their price and that justice and liberty are merely topics for abstract rhetoric? I was truly shocked to see that despite Bush’s treatment so many of our leaders were lining up for further humiliation at the July Fourth celebrations at the Country Club. They were willing to sup with the oppressor so long as the event made the society pages and the drinks were free. Such leaders portray our nation as being bereft of national pride, insult-proof and willing to genuflect at the feet of those who have trampled on our sovereignty and independence. But again, it would seem that history is repeating itself. Did slave trade not prosper because tribal leaders were willing to sell out their own people? The only excuse any proud citizen of TT would have for attending that celebration would be to demand an apology from President Bush.

DAVID  SUBRAN
Chaguanas