The political parties have once again drawn their swords - but this time in unison - as they condemn what the PLP yesterday called "vile, offensive and racist" political cartoons doing the rounds.
Scores of residents are discovering the name-calling cartoons in their email inboxes as the election campaign continues to gather pace across the island.
There are at least 20 cartoons being circulated that poke fun at Premier Dr. Ewart Brown as well as other PLP members.
The cartoons include Dr. Brown's head adorning a Bermuda $50 note with the slogan 'yours for only 50 cents (in two months time), a pig flying through the sky saying 'The PLP will fight a clean election' and the Queen and Prince Phillip saying there was a constitutional crisis as Dr. Brown was 'revolting'.
It is not known who is behind the cartoons, but the PLP is, of course, pointing the finger at the opposition party and its supporters.
Meanwhile, the UBP insists the cartoons have nothing to do with them and say they will not tolerate politics being taken to this level.
David Burt, PLP chairman, said: "These cartoons are vile, offensive and racist. I call upon Michael Dunkley and Pat Gordon-Pamplin to not only join me in a condemnation of these vicious attacks but also join me in a call for the UBP supporters who are creating these offensive attacks to both come out of the shadows and pledge to never again produce this kind of filth."
He added: "Sadly this is another example of the UBP pledging to run a clean campaign and then letting their pro-UBP surrogates do their dirty work."
UBP leader Michael Dunkley said the internet was playing an increasing role in the election and he had also seen cartoons involving himself being circulated. He urged people to show more respect and tolerance for people with different points of view and different beliefs.
Mr. Dunkley said: "We don't know who is behind this or who is putting them out there, but we do not accept them or tolerate them in any way.
"I want to be clear that we do not accept or condone this kind of behaviour and ask all individuals involved to join us on the high road."
The UBP leader added that he would like to see a national focus on "the issues and the candidates and what they bring to the table. People have got to show more respect and tolerance. Let's keep it clean. Bermuda will be better off for it on December 19 and beyond."
Reader Comments
Posted: Sunday, December 02, 2007
Comment by:
KickinSand
I agree with both parties, this is not the kind of campaign that the people of Bermuda deserve. However, I would like to point out to Mr Burt, that there are just as many PLP supporters that are producing these kind of vial. I draw his attention to the UTube video that was posted on Progressive Minds website on the 28th of November and remained there for 12 hours. To say this kind of action is limited to one party is misleading at best.
Mr Burt, speak to your own supporters as well!!!
