Digesting Jamahl Simmons's commentary

I think political mountains are being made of molehills when it comes to recent twitter statements from the (former) PR man for the PLP.

Recent tweets included:

If you are excluded from the society what do you care if society burns? You aint a part of it anyway. It might even be fun to watch it burn

and

What would happen if we stopped shooting each other and started putting bullets in the heads of those who hate us and won't hire us?

I think the inference from some quarters that he's inciting violence is misguided at best based on the above. Rather, he's pointed out a reality for at least a few Bermudians who may feel without hope in this economic and societal climate, and that for them, even if it's an illegal or immoral option, breaking the law via theft (or worse) becomes a realistic possibility.

These statements are the kinds of things that could be real sentiments of the out-of-work out-of-hope individuals, and should be taken into consideration by the powers that be when enacting policy. A country that has greater employment is one that is likely to have fewer instances of crime.

Government needs to ensure that they're trying to improve the jobs situation, through policy, education and dare I say it, better PR.

And all this, is without even going into the allegations laid out and commented on from Politica's inaugural report. That alone, is certain to invite deep discussion on the island for the next few days.

At least, until the "This too shall pass" moment comes around again.