A true celebration of liberation in the US

Americans celebrated not only a victory for the Democrats, but also their liberation from a neo-fascist regime that had systematically stripped them of their basic rights and brought a shadow of fear, insecurity and suspicion upon that entire nation.

How else then can one explain their relief, jubilation and the chants of “no more Bush” that spontaneously erupted when it became obvious that Barack Obama, in a history-defying act, had won the highest political office in the world?

If the Republicans had joined in the celebrations when Saddam’s statue was pulled down in Baghdad, now they have every reason to hang their heads in shame as they witness the jubilation of their very own proclaiming, their liberty from the most vile, mendacious, vindictive and mean- spirited administration that has disgraced the American political landscape.

In Obama’s victory the Nile and the Mississippi have met; the best of two continents have coalesced to produce a man for such a time as this. Half African and half white, a white superstructure on a solid African foundation, he embodies the qualities of 21st century leadership—a century in which issues can no longer be cast in black or white, but in various shades of grey. A century in which tolerance and understanding are required both nationally and globally, rather than the entrenched, inflexible attitudes characteristic of that neo-fascist Republican regime.

With his winsome smile, his charisma, his ability to reach both the uttermost and the “guttermost,” not to mention his outstanding oratorical skills, he is truly a breath of fresh air not only in America but the entire world.

Even as I write these words I am aware of the formidable challenges that he faces.

The need to repair the tarnished image of the presidency, to mend the soiled image of America and make the US a true world leader—powerful, no-nonsense, yet magnanimous and benevolent, willing to treat others as equals, to listen to their views and concerns rather than unleashing the killing machine at every threat, real or imagined.

To create an America that the rest of the world will voluntarily look up to with respect and admiration rather than with disdain and contempt.

Last but not least the economy, an issue on which many presidencies have floundered after the euphoria of victory.

Barack (meaning blessed) is a blessing both for the US and the world. In him the Africans who have suffered centuries of unspeakable injustices in the US have found their voice and champion, who would bring to white America not only the positive contribution of Afro-Americans, but all other ethnic minorities in that vast melting pot, so that out of many would truly come one nation—united in will and purpose.

There is hope that somewhere in T&T, in some far-flung village, our very own Barack is being prepared for that day when he would take his place on the national stag, dismantle the politics of race that has bedevilled us and really unite this country.

Then we can say without fear of contradiction “that here every creed and race finds an equal place...”. Then the Ganges and the Nile, the Yangtze etc would have truly met.

CJ Lewis, Trincity

Take lesson from McCain, Panday

I congratulate Barack Obama on a historic victory in the US presidential election. I think this change is something that both the US and the world need in these perilous times.

What impressed me as well was the concession speech given by defeated candidate John McCain. I wish the local media could take that speech and play it side by side with the concession speech made by Basdeo Panday approximately a year ago, so the population can see what an embarrassment Panday is to citizens of this country.

McCain showed what is the definition of a true patriot, giving the president-elect his support and also urging his supporters to do the same, knowing that they are all to be governed by the same president. It was classy and I have gained a lot of respect for McCain.

Panday on the other hand was disrespectful, indisciplined and unpatriotic. He needs to do some self-reflection.

Kudos to McCain.

Delana Fo Wong

Via e-mail

A triumph of the American spirit

Congratulations to Barack Obama for convincingly winning the US presidential election. I was supporting John McCain because I admire his loyalty and service to his country, as well as his willingness to tackle the status quo within his own party.

However, the tremendous historic significance of Obama’s victory cannot be denied. Once again America has shown the way in the world. Once again she has shown that the American dream is alive and well, that anyone can reach as far as they want to go in that country.

It is a characteristic that is responsible for America being able to harness the potential of people from every corner of the globe and which has propelled her to be the world’s only superpower.

In Obama’s win I see a triumph of the American spirit, and a recognition by the American people that they have to show the world the way in overlooking ethnicity and skin colour. For make no mistake about it, even in countries where there are wild celebrations over Obama’s victory, there are prejudices that will not allow them to achieve what America did on November 4.

Ronald Sammy

Palmiste

Obama about unity, unlike T&T leaders

Did you see how a true national leader reacts after victory in an election?

There was no “we beat them in the East, we beat them in the West...” etc from US president-elect Barack Obama.

His victory speech was about uniting the country, uniting Americans, not dividing the US and its people as T&T’s political leaders attempt to do after an election victory.

Maybe we can pray for a leader with similar qualities of maturity, patriotism, dignity and good sense, as possessed by Obama. Unfortunately there is none currently in the Parliament.

But we can take heart in the fact that Obama came almost out of nowhere in a short space of time to inspire young and old, black and white Americans.

We await our liberator.

AD Wood

Via e-mail

Byron Lee a true Caribbean man

All of us in the Caribbean community mourn the loss of the great Byron Lee.

As a true man of the Caribbean, Lee was more than just a musician. He was a leader, a visionary, a ground-breaker and, in many ways, a true ambassador for Caribbean tourism through the tremendous cultural impact that both he and his music had worldwide.

Lee was always proud of his Caribbean heritage, just as the Caribbean was proud to claim him as a favoured son. He was a Caribbean institution for more than 50 years and his high-energy performances at the annual CTO Ball became the stuff of legends, helping make them a hot ticket each year he appeared.

While the man is gone, the music and the legend will live on always. He will be sorely missed.

Caribbean Tourism Development Company

Via e-mail

Don’t risk using super unleaded

NP must be complimented for issuing its news release concerning the debate as to whether motorists should switch from using premium unleaded gasoline to super unleaded due to the recent price hike in the former.

It would be sensible to follow the car manufacturer’s recommendation as to which octane level gasoline should be used on a regular basis. For instance, if Nissan recommends a minimum 95 RON for its fuel-injected Almera, the customer should follow this advice.

Experience has shown that while there is nothing to be really gained from using a higher than recommended RON, using a lower than recommended one in the longer term leads to poorer engine performance, including rough idling, loss of power under load, less miles a gallon and eventual internal engine damage which may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

NP has clarified that it markets two grades of gasoline: super unleaded (92 RON octane) and premium unleaded (95 RON octane). These ratings are already lower than those available abroad. In the UK and Europe the corresponding levels of super and premium are 95 and 97/98 RON, respectively. For higher performance engines, there are even higher octane levels such as BP’s ultimate 102 unleaded.

After spending several thousands of hard-earned dollars to purchase a car, it might not be worth the risk of taking a chance using a cheaper fuel in order to save a few dollars in the short term. To be on the safe side, it might be best to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.

Rawlston G Gonourie

Via e-mail

Congrats to Stalin on doctorate

The president, central executive officers and members of Pan Trinbago extend congratulations to Leroy Calliste (Black Stalin) on the award of an honorary doctorate.

The honour now grants this great contributor to the arts the title of “Dr.” Stalin is very deserving of this honour and recognition which place him in a very exalted position.

Black Stalin never solicited anyone’s approval to communicate with and educate the masses, and it is our sincere hope that this does not stop.

His work was like destiny unfolding itself, such was the road he travelled.

On behalf of the entire steel pan fraternity, Pan Trinbago again expresses warmest congratulation to Dr Leroy Calliste for all his achievements to date and in the future.

Pan Trinbago

Via e-mail

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