Day 85: Jamaica

[minionofmidas]

Another third world country where old ideological differences have faded into the "Golden Straightjacket" background (with relations with Cuba as the one remaining ideological test), and replaced by populism... especially now that Seaga has finally retired.
Not sure if that's really a bad thing though... Jamaica's 70s and 80s elections were well-nigh civil wars.
Oh, and prime minister PJ Patterson will retire soon, and his successor (as PNP leader, anyhow) has already been picked. A woman. I forgot her name.

[minionofmidas]

"Golden Straightjacket" ?

I've heard the phrase, but can't recall what it means...

Neoliberal economist propaganda term seeking to imply that their policies are, by and large, inevitable. Also used to describe a situation where voters do not face a real choice, since all the major parties are vying to be the same as the other one except better.

[minionofmidas]

Worst Country in the Western Hemisphere for gay rights I can think of a few forumites who would like the social climate there. coughJakeStatescough

Well not the social climate as such - much too promiscuous for States, much too much weed for Jake, I'd guess - but you're right on gays. (Well, I'm not sure about single worst. Some of the smaller and more god-fearing caribbean islands might be even worse.)

EDITED for remarkable spelling errors.