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Letters to the Editor

MP's disheartening replyJune 25, 2009Dear Sir,

MP's disheartening reply

June 25, 2009

Dear Sir,

As a Bermudian concerned with the autocratic behaviours of our Premier (amongst other things), I felt comfortable in my right and my need to share my feelings and concerns with our parliamentary members. The following is a copy of my original e-mail and the sad and disheartening response I received from the newly appointed Minister Walter Roban. He requested I not e-mail him ever again, so I have chosen to communicate with him through the public media.

June 17, 2009

Dear Members of Parliament,

I am ashamed of the leader of my country. His dictatorial leadership style, his grandiose spending, his questionable ethics, his inflated ego, his lack of transparency, his stirring up of racial hatred are all hurting the fabric of our island.

The march on Parliament on Tuesday will pale when you see the turnout this Friday. This issue is not about race, nor is it about the PLP; there was no reaction like this to past leaders of the PLP. Premier Brown must go.

Sincerely,

Claire A Smith

Warwick

Walter H Roban wrote:

I am only answering you to make it clear that since you are part of the uncontrolled mob that descended on the Cabinet office yesterday in an abusive, disrespectful, and undemocratic manner that was caught on film yesterday. I ask that you refrain from sending emails to me.

I do not correspond to racist or bigots masquerading as democrats. Goodbye,

Dear Mr. Roban

I was not a part of the Tuesday demonstration, and I am not a bigot nor a racist. How easily you throw about such words without even knowing me.

You can try to spin the dislike of Premier Brown into a black white issue, but its not about this at all.

By standing by your leader you are condoning his behaviour.

History shall judge.

Sincerely

Claire Smith

Walter H Roban wrote:

Ms. Smith, you do not know me either so why do you assume that I was really interest in any of your email messages.

Refrain from send any further messages to me.

My public response to Mr. Roban:

Mr. Roban, was this your attempt to make me feel totally denigrated and disenfranchised? Your vitriolic response to my e-mail was so offensive, so hurtful, so shocking and so unnecessary. Have you no manners at all? You are a public servant and ought to conduct yourself in a civil and respectful manner.

Freedom of speech is totally useless if you're not willing to hear what the other has to say.

In the spirit of introspection and honest self-evaluation, I would encourage Minister Walter Roban to evaluate his words and attitude.

CLAIRE A SMITH

Warwick