Dear Editor,

There was a short-lived, 12-issue British music magazine called Careless Talk Costs Lives published from January 2002 until November 2003. It was also the name of a propaganda campaign by the British Government during World War II. Many a loose lip or unguarded talk have not only given an advantage to the enemy to sink ships but I’d like to expand the World War II meaning to include having your ‘ship’ implode by your own recklessness.

One of the things I learned growing up in the Blue Mountain hills was that careless talk, even if unintentional, could be the death of folks. I don’t like it one bit when those in our society who are respected for their stature in their respective fields go off on an inane tangent and spurt baloney.

Too often, many in our society believe and make decisions based on bunkum, especially if it was reported on TV, radio or in the newspapers. Then, an otherwise dignified and well-respected person, who may have been a model citizen who contributed to national development could, in one big loose lip moment, be reduced to a figment of their true reputable self.

When US Vice-President Al Gore said that he took the initiative in creating the Internet he became an object for ridicule and an instant laughing stock for his inartful response to Wolf Blitzer’s question on CNN.

Another reason I loathe the spurting of nonsense by those who should know better is it belittles discourse in a time when we should be inspiring high order discussion on matters of grave importance to our future as a country.

Lately, there have been too many big loose lip moments in Jamaica. We certainly need balance in discourse and common sense in reasoning. I hope we take a moment to think before we make careless and sometimes costly comments whether about Goat Islands ants, children carrying water to school for flushing, childish name-calling, and unbecoming, awkward responses to reporters. Let us have more honest, thoughtful, measured, dignified and informed comments from our leaders in all sectors.

Sandra M Taylor Wiggan

sandra_wiggan@yahoo.co.uk