Expressing opinion is not interfering
Published:Monday | February 17, 2025 | 10:09 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
In a letter published on February 11 titled ‘Mind your own business’, Ed McCoy, a US citizen, said I had no business ‘interfering’ with the US system of government. I had stated my opinion that the electoral college is flawed and that the popular vote is what should determine the outcome of that poll. He went on to say that, unless I am a US citizen, I have no business weighing in on the aforementioned and should mind my own business.
A citizen of one country merely stating an opinion – even a criticism – of the United States or another country’s electoral system is not interfering with that system or that country. Taken to its logical conclusion then, I wonder if Mr McCoy also thinks it’s inappropriate for a citizen of a democratic country to criticise China, North Korea and Cuba’s communist system. If Mr McCoy chose to give his opinion and, in particular, a constructive opinion of one or more aspects of Jamaica’s electoral system and/or crime situation, or any other issue of national importance, why should/would any Jamaican citizen deem him to be ‘interfering with issues that are none of his business’?
In this social media world that we now live in, opinions from citizens all over the world are posted and exchanged online about every topic under the sun. This includes Donald Trump and many aspects of American life. Are those myriads of opinions about the latter also off limits, Mr McCoy? I think not.
PATRICK GALLIMORE