EDITOR, The Tribune.
I’ve not met anyone who opposes the government’s decision to expunge the criminal record of persons convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana. Why? It is the right thing to do.
However, the Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana’s proposal that possession of small amounts of marijuana be decriminalised misses the main issue, in my view.
The main issue is that we need to find ways to help people, especially our young people, to stop using marijuana, rather than facilitate them in doing so. Virtually all of us have seen the destruction that marijuana use has brought to the lives of so many in our country over decades. Why would any government even contemplate making it easier for people to destroy their lives?
Rather than talk about grand plans for decriminalisation, we should be talking about sensible plans for rehabilitation. My sincere prayer is that we will, and that the government will lead the way.
PASTOR CEDRIC MOSS
Nassau,
October 27, 2020
Comments
Porcupine 3 years, 6 months ago
Mr. Moss, I appreciate your compassion. However, looking at the myriad of ills we are suffering from in this beautiful country of The Bahamas, I would expect the church to be much more vocal on our leadership values, and failures therein. Most studies of corruption suggest that the rot starts at the top. We have old time Bahamian sayings that attest to this knowledge. The level of hypocrisy, of greed, of egoism, of duplicity, of dishonesty among our leaders, especially Christian leaders is the source of our problems. Marijuana, in my estimation is just like gambling. It is a response to helplessness, to hopelessness. These issues are symptoms, not causes, of ill. If people woke up, became aware and self confident in our abilities as a people, as a nation, the church would disappear. Those who lead, especially our pastors, are among the most ignorant hypocrites I have ever seen and heard. Is there any metric in this country, any, which suggests that are "leaders" are effective in leading the people to a better collective life? Pastors tend, in my view, to lead our people into darkness. Organized religion has failed humanity. Perhaps someday we will grow out of it.
joeblow 3 years, 6 months ago
... If the rot starts at the top, then it starts with those who have no fear of God and worship power and money alone. Then consider your last 2 statements. In failed states that have no religion, what is your explanation for the failure? Broaden your horizons and think, counterfeits only exist because of the reality of the real. Which means if you were to be objective you should acknowledge that there are fake pastors, but there are also those who mean well. There are doctors who are in it for the money, and those who are altruistic. Sleazy lawyers and those with integrity! Some politicians mean well other are in it for themselves. At the most common denominator, this has nothing to do with religion Porcupine. Think!
BTW, the writers suggestions are fair!
Porcupine 3 years, 6 months ago
Sorry, religion is the problem. Spend enough time traveling, or on a university campus and it doesn't take long to figure it out. There are literally thousands of religions in the world, and most followers believe theirs is the right and only one. Someone is wrong, wouldn't you say. How is it that the vast majority of Bahamians are Christians. Everyone intellectually arrive at the same conclusion. Or, was it brainwashing from birth? You decide.
joeblow 3 years, 6 months ago
... some of my favorite books were of messages by Sadhu Sundar Singh (a former Hindu). Learn of him and others like Ravi Zacharias and that will address the question of brainwashing from birth!
JokeyJack 3 years, 6 months ago
Wonder why black men seem to have no problem with other black men having their lives ruined with lifetime criminal records for no good reason? He says "Rather than talk about ..."
Really? Let's not talk about it? Let's not remove the yoke off of these young men's necks so they can get a job?
Nowhere else in the world am I reminded more of the fact that it was blacks in Africa who historically sold their own into slavery. What a sad reality is now upon us. Overcrowded prisons, making lawyers rich. The poor and downtrodden who wish for a moment of peace in their lives, God help them because apparently neither government nor church will.
hrysippus 3 years, 6 months ago
This far right fundamentalist pastor never seems to have anything positive to say. He is anti this and and anti that. Perhaps this is the way that he keeps his collection plate and tithes plenty fat, by peddling fear and hate. It is sad and so far from the message of love and acceptance taught by Jesus.
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