Mac Criticises Local Radio Call-in Talk Shows In Assembly

Friday, July 9, 2004

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Reader comments:

• The Hon McKeeva Bush has shown his stripes again for his dislike of an open press. From publicly insulting reporters, to attempting to persuade people into thinking that the radio shows are not impartial, he has revealed to us time and time again that he believes that there should be little to no negative discussions but about him what-so-ever. My father always told me to be afraid of a politician who doesn’t want you to talk about him because he is probably up to no good. And it would be a shame for the Hon McKeeva Bush to get that reputation too - Jerome Bush
  
   
• I totally agree with Jerome's letter and another thing when are Civil Servants going to be able to speak their minds without fear of intimidation? - P Milburn
  
   
• The local talk shows serve a vital function in our society by providing a forum that allows free, open and public discussion of issues that affect the people of these islands. Politicians would be well advised to harness this forum and use it to the country's advantage (NOT to their personal advantage, as so often happens).
  
  In any democratic society, the people have the right to scrutinize their public officials and pass fair comment.....without the threat of legal action. Just tune in to Larry King Live and hear how the Americans openly criticize their President & his policies....without fear of retribution. This is healthy and is the only way a democracy can function. We do not advocate secrecy and dictatorship.
  
  Kudos to the talk shows. They allow people to air their feelings and bring serious issues to the public's attention.
  
  Anyone who is not afraid of scrutiny welcomes these talk shows. Those with something to hide will criticise the shows and their hosts who so diligently probe for answers.
  
  The shows' popularity demonstrate the fact that they fill a pressing need in our society. For years, the talk show hosts have played the role of the complaints commissioner. They have listened to people gripe about Government maladministration, and they have ferreted out answers, many times to their detriment. Now we have a highly paid Complaints Commissioner who will be doing that same thing in his official capacity. Hopefully, he will be as vigilant and as determined to find the truth as the talkshow hosts have been. One might even say that the talk show hosts have paved the way for the complaints commissioner.
  
  Politicians, leave the talk shows alone. They are the platform of the people and the pulse of the country. You are wise to tune in and listen to what your constituents think. For many of you politicians, it’s the only time you hear your constituents' point of view after elections… until next the next elections.
  
  I love the talk shows. They educate the people on topical issues and they allow people to discuss what’s on their minds.
  
  Radio Cayman, the time has come for you to extend Talk Today's air time to 5 days per week. Joel & Barrie, you guys are our heroes! Keep up the good work. And never let them scare you! We, the people, are out there, waiting for the facts!
  
  To paraphrase Merle Haggard:" When you're running down the talk shows, you're running down the fighting side of me!" Talk shows have endeared themselves to the Caymanian people and any politician who takes on these shows do so to his detriment.
  
  Talk lives. Leave it alone. It’s the voice of the people. The hallmark of any democracy is that the voice of the people is heard - Direct Current

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