Mr. Chetwynd, I consider your open letter to Mr. Obama to be inspirational and far worthier of a presidential canditate than anything reportedly said by any politician recently. From personal experience, I can say that harbouring a grudge, even for a serious wrong, only harms oneself. To the supporters of Mr. Obama, I suggest that they examine his words and ask themselves, whether he is inviting them to move on from past wrongs, into a future which is not determined by the past, but under their own effort on an equal basis, or to demand privilages denied to others, their previous oppressors. The stated intention of Mr. Obama to increase Capital Gains Tax, even knowing that this reduces federal revenues available for public spending suggests that his ideal of “fairness” includes acting against the interests of many of America’s least well-off in order to damage the interests of the less popular “rich”. This is, however, a negative sum outcome. It is only rational, if one has elevated hurting the enemy to be an end in itself. Moreover, one which justifies accepting damage to oneself, or at least to those whom one purports to represent. It is not consistent with anything other than resentment and anger. These are not the foundations of a society moving foward, nor are they qualities which suit one to leadership. Worthy platitudes are the staple of all politicians and many demagogues have risen to power on beautiful rhetoric. It is not the rhetoric which will improve the society in which one lives. It will be the policies which are adopted. The rhetoric of Mr. Mugabe included references to hope and change. The policies which he adopted were preferential treatment for his supporters. The real grievances of a group of people cannot in my opinion be addressed by affirmative action. It sustains and encourages a victim mentalitiy, which is crippling. Favouritism is no favour to the favoured. The offer of favouritism and excuses for seeking it is an easy way to power, but it is a betrayal of leadership. So, too, it is the duty of a leader to confront a lie. Even if Mr. Obama did not interrupt the sermon of his minister, has he ever taken a public stance on whether the black community is being subjected to a genocidal attack by the US govt, using AIDS.
