Lies, statistics

Arvind Mani , Nadi

FBC TV’s 4 The Record programme last night was a comedy of errors by National Federation Party stooge,  Kamal Iyer.

A stooge is “a person who is forced or paid by someone in authority to do an unpleasant or secret job for them.”

In this context the “someone in authority” is Biman Prasad who declined to attend.

Mr Iyer was obviously unprepared and, consequently, quite nervous. He seemed like a sacrificial lamb sent to the slaughterhouse than a candidate promoting his party’s manifesto.

He was unintentionally entertaining and barely enlightening.

I think die-hard NFP supporters were cringing and wringing their hands at his dismal performance and those sitting on the fence would now lean towards FijiFirst because the only thing Mr Iyer was consistent about was the inconsistency of his party’s stand on many issues.

They have three different figures on minimum wage and Mr Iyer made the lame excuse that he cannot speak for the other candidates, just the leader!

I was very disappointed at his lack of professionalism – he used the word ‘bullshit’ twice and kept talking over the general secretary of FijiFirst Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. It would have been a gracious gesture if he had apologised for using a profanity twice and the hosts should have taken him to task for it.

He also needs to have a better understanding of the English language.

When Mr Sayed-Khaiyum had once accused Mr Prasad in Parliament of political impotence because of his soft stance on egregious comments made by some Opposition Parliamentarian, Mr Iyer construed that as physical impotence.

As to how Mr Sayed-Khaiyum would have known that is beyond me.

Mr Iyer also used a rather interesting phrase – the General Secretary of FijiFirst was ‘lying through the skin of his teeth’. The correct expression is ‘lying through his teeth’.

As my high school English teacher taught us, “By the skin of one’s teeth” means nearly or barely as in the sentence, He escaped from the lion by the skin of his teeth.  I would like to think that our politicians can speak better English than the clown in the White House.

Mr Iyer came up with some wild figures (he made the accusation that two hardware store owners made $70 million from Cyclone Winston).

He made claims the NFP can convert the TELS loan into grants, pay $100 per tonne for sugar cane and $5 as minimum wage. When he was asked repeatedly where the money was going to come from, he had no clue.

And it would have been better if Mr Iyer was addressed as Mr Iyer and not just Kamal by Indra Singh.

The other host, Geraldine Sen has this very obnoxious habit of interrupting the guests when they are talking for which she has been chastised by previous guests but has not learnt her lesson.

Perhaps it is time for a new host who has good active listening skills.

Both the hosts need to show respect, control the tone of the debate and maintain a sense of decorum.

I long for the days when politicians were statesmen, had charisma and dignity, when they were eloquent and witty and you looked forward to be dazzled by their brilliance and not baffled by their BS as is so common these days.

Which reminds me of what Will Rogers said so wisely: “Suppose you were an idiot and suppose you were a politician but I repeat myself.”

Rabuka’s reef

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

Sitiveni Rabuka’s reasoning and analogy for returning to politics is an absolutely hilarious joke! (FS04/11)

To say that he came back because he felt Fiji had hit a reef and that he needed to get it off the reef and into safe harbor is nothing more than a parable told horribly wrong!

One has got to be gullible, naive, soft and pliable to believe that nonsense!

Unbelievable!

Rabuka’s thesis

Gyan Prasad, Nasinu

Everybody talks about A-G’s thesis with all sorts of interpretations despite not having read a single word of the thesis.

Why doesn’t anyone talk about Rabuka’s thesis? The irony of it all is that it was submitted to Indian supervisors.

Campaigns

Shariff Shah, Savusavu

While other parties are promising what cannot possibly be achieved, the FijiFirst is going around with their normal daily lives and talking from a realistic stand point.

If the FFP is so desperate to win this year’s election they too can lie and make outrageous claims such as :

– bringing back the GCC

– $10/hr as minimum wages

– unlimited loading on our roads without exemptions

– zero vat on 25 or so basic food items and the list goes on.

But what FFP has done cannot be matched. And that is a fact.

No amount of lies or racial discrimination can prove otherwise.

To all FF candidates who are standing for the November 14 General Election, please refrain from pointing fingers or even mentioning about other parties.

It’s just not worth it. Don’t waste your valuable time and effort in doing so.

It is clear as daylight that FFP is going to win. You are gaining tremendous support day by day.

Firecrackers

Dhirendra Prasad, Lautoka

Diwali is the only time when we had the opportunity to play with firecrackers.

Then what is the fuss about it now. The adults of today had their time of fun. It does not mean they deprive the young of today to enjoy Diwali with thunder and lightning (firecrackers).

Of course, the adults of today need to be responsible for their safety and security.

Stop complaining about firecrackers and let everyone enjoy this Diwali. Firecrackers have been part of Diwali for centuries and will continue to be as such.

Just as our young ones are able to tolerate us, we as adults should also be able to tolerate them as well under our guidance.

Remember, Diwali does not belong to any one organisation. Everyone can enjoy within its principles of love and peace with purity of heart.

There is no Diwali without firecrackers. Quietness has never been Diwali and will never be. Happy Diwali to all. Celebrate with caution.

Roundabout rights

Vijay Naidu, Suva

The extremely busy roundabout at the junction of Ratu Dovi and Nokonoko Roads in Laucala Beach poses very serious risks to pedestrians trying to cross to go to either the Centre Point complex or to the Vivras Plaza.

Dozens of workers risk life and limb as they cross the road on their way to work each morning and when they finish work each afternoon.

The never-ending traffic comprising all kinds of vehicles including enormous 16-wheeler trucks.

These vehicles do not even bother to slow down as a courtesy to each other.

Pedestrians appear to have no place in this maelstrom when as citizens of the country their interests and safety should also be given serious consideration.

Such a consideration would include options such as traffic lights and/or pedestrian crossing close to the roundabout itself, or best of all an overpass pedestrian bridge.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj