Dear Editor,

The 2012 US presidential elections are being closely monitored , mainly because polls show it is neck and neck, and racial issues again become part of the game. I read Tony Miles’ comments in the Jamaica Observer of October 30, “America might well favour Romney”, and I was very confused with his points, especially about racial issues.

Yes, most top earners in sports and entertainment might be non-white, but this says very little. The top-income earners who are wealthy entrepreneurs are mostly white, and are mainly ultra-conservative Republicans. They live in a world of their own, with their own agenda. The Republicans continue to lead in fund-raising, with more than $40 million more than the Democrats in the final stretch. They will have far more resources to campaign and advertise their message.

For most outsiders, it is amazing that the race is even so close, when the contrasts are crystal clear. Obama has the intellect, sincerity and hope for a better America, a better world, a brighter future. With Barack and Michelle Obama, America is getting two for one, both very smart and classy, both astute, well-educated and humble – truly an inspiration. Having said that, it is clear that race continues to be a factor in the elections, although Obama has major support even among wealthy celebrities in Hollywood, many of them white. His appeal continues to cross racial lines, but many white Americans, especially the more powerful, are still very uncomfortable.

Many wealthy white Americans still cannot accept the fact that a black man is actually president of the USA. Obama’s re-election would send a very strong message, despite the fact that he campaigned with far less resources, that America is clearly on the right path.

Time magazine said it best in their endorsement of President Obama: “Mr Obama has impressive achievements despite the implacable wall of refusal erected by Congressional Republicans so intent on stopping him that they risked pushing the nation into depression, held its credit rating hostage, and hobbled economic recovery.”

I watched all the presidential debates, and while I agree Obama failed to deliver what was expected in the first, the contrasts were still quite clear; his delivery was presidential, with the experience and intellect to back it all up. Many felt the first debate gave the Republicans the momentum they now enjoy. Debates, however, don’t necessarily win elections. America has clearly shown signs of stability, and is on a path which a change could disrupt, according to former Secretary of State Colin Powell, another Republican who endorsed Obama for the second time, now is not the time for change in America. He commended the president on his policies and achievements, considering what he inherited. In this election, the point of winning is not by total votes, but by electoral votes, and Obama leads in the critical areas. I believe he will pull it off, perhaps by an even bigger margin than what the polls predict. God is not asleep. As disastrous as hurricane Sandy was to the East Coast , its timing is interesting. It presents an excellent opportunity for Obama to remind America of the full scope of his leadership, even in adversity. So let’s see what happens – the world will be watching!

P Chin

Canada

chin_p@yahoo.com