The Gleaner headline of December 27, 2008, 'Repent! Churches ask politicians to say they are sorry', caught my interest. 'Fresh Start' is a campaign aimed at healing the deep divisions within our island. It is slated to begin this month and is the brainchild of the National Transformation Programme (NTP).

The perspicacious Reverend Merrick 'Al' Miller is spearheading the drive to challenge national, political, civic and religious leaders to accept responsibility for several of our country's grave woes. He hopes to initiate the process of healing so badly needed in Jamaica today.

In spite of Reverend Miller's boldness, genuine concern and best efforts, I seriously doubt that politicians will take any personal responsibility for our nation's decrepit morals, pervasive corruption and rampant crime. After all, some are clean, hard-working patriots trying to serve their country.

Perhaps this explains the NTP's wording of their encouragement for party leaders to, 'request forgiveness from each other and from the nation for the part that their noble parties may have played in contributing to the prevailing negative and deteriorating societal conditions'.

Fruitless

Even this gentle nudge might prove fruitless, because the majority of politicians are experts in Bodacious Unbridled Loquacious Lyrics (BULL).

Some politicians present a façade of being 'amia-bull' while underneath lies a cold-hearted, calculating soul. They will go to 'incredi-bull' lengths to get what they want. These individuals view their constituents as being totally 'controlla-bull' as long as they remain dependent on some sort of assistance. The 'incontroverti-bull' reality is that, such dependence makes victims of the poor in our society and, sooner or later, the victimised poor make victims of the rest of us.

While campaigning, many make grandiose promises, even though they are not 'sustaina-bull'. Some of us find it 'unfathoma-bull' that people continue to be taken in by such talk. Sometimes politicians appear to be 'dependa-bull', but I always wonder if that is subject to the prevailing sentiment of his or her party. I suppose it's 'understanda-bull' that they side with their colleagues.

The power that is entrusted to politicians makes them 'formida-bull'. It's sad that some of them abuse this honour - such a betrayal of trust is 'unconsciona-bull'. I do not therefore believe that it is 'feasi-bull' to expect any meaningful contrition from politicians. The characteristic of party allegiance is nigh 'unchangea-bull'.

Some appear to be 'indefatiga-bull' and remain in politics all their lives. Perhaps we can count on some of those to perform the 'unenvia-bull' task of apologising on behalf of their colleagues. I expect that the newcomers would not feel 'responsi-bull' for the actions of their predecessors; though, by reason of close association, they may not be 'exculpa-bull'.

Burdensome problems

So, what are we to expect from our politicians? With all our burdensome problems, they have the 'unpalata-bull' task of managing our country. They sometimes interact with individuals under 'unfavoura-bull' circumstances. In spite of their best efforts, they must contend with several 'unstoppa-bull' crises and perform under 'inescapa-bull' stress.

The fact that politics has had a negative effect on our society is 'unchallengea-bull'. We all know how the guns first got into the inner cities but, since no one has ever come forward with 'damna-bull' evidence, those 'culpa-bull' remain 'unimpeacha-bull'. Now, we can only hope that someone will do the 'honoura-bull' thing and say sorry.

I long for the day when we have a truth and reconciliation commission; this is how countries torn apart by atrocities, crime and civil conflict begin to heal. Our little island is suffering and deserves every chance at recovery.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Comments may be sent to garthrattray@gmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.