THE EDITOR, Sir:

It is beyond my comprehension as an intelligent, fair and well-informed man, why and how Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller and David Beckham are so popular and are so beloved in their respective fields. Having thoroughly examined their careers and without any predisposition of prejudice and unfairness, I am yet to see them work and worth that would have justified their being propelled to these almost god-like characters with which they have now been bestowed.

They have been given a most generous, if not free, passage to the pinnacle of their respective vocations. At best, in terms of aptitude and performance, I could only assign an average grade (C+) to these two individuals, and, I challenge anyone to show me the facts and track record that would warrant a higher appraisal.

Marketability and self-sell have played out most incredibly in the lives of Mrs. Simpson Miller and Mr. Beckham and have so substituted for talent and productivity. When the dust, hype and all the fanfare has settled, history will, accurately, record these persons as having indeed made some contribution in their respective fields but the praises and adoration afforded to them in retrospect, was grossly inflated and unfounded.

Too many really talented and performance-oriented persons in politics and football have, unfairly, been denied our recognition and glorification, for us to be so caught up with two superficial icons. Hype without substance and performance cannot be sustained and slowly but surely will fall into the shadow. Twenty-five years from now, when written history accounts for the work of these two individuals, they will not be grouped among the greatest in their respective fields.

I am etc.,

R.O.P.

Richi2sweet@yahoo.com