Need a solution with criticism of the DA given

I READ Ismail Lagardien’s Economics and Reality column of April 17, “DA awaits diversity evolving”, with much interest.

His well-researched and erudite criticisms are scathing about the DA’s policy on diversity, saying, “The DA, it seems, is waiting for diversity to occur naturally” etc.

His sarcasm regarding the DA, the use of the word “smug” when referring to Tony Leon and criticisms are his prerogative in a free and democratic society.

Thomas Paine said in his book, The Age of Reason, that Lagardien referenced and quoted from in his article: “I have always strenuously supported the right of every man to his own opinion, however different that opinion might be to mine.

“He who denies to another this right, makes a slave of himself to his present opinion, because he precludes himself the right of changing it.”

But then I did not quite understand Lagardien using the analogy that “if we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change”.

This presupposes that if nothing is done things will change?

Surely, we want to move away from the mess we now find ourselves in?

Is he saying by doing nothing the current situation will change? Will it be for better or for worse? This seems to be a contradiction in terms if read in context with his submissions.

It would be interesting to know what Lagardien proposes is the answer to this extremely complex problem facing South Africa, bearing in mind that criticism without a solution is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine!

Talbot Cox, Schoenmakerskop, Port Elizabeth