It is with some amusement that I view Jamaica's preoccupation with the US election and now ascendance of President-elect Barack Obama.

It is amusing because there is constant complaining about the state of Jamaica and laying the blame at the fledgling Golding-led government that has assumed power a mere 14 months ago.

The similarities are that both Golding and Obama will have assumed power of their respective countries at lowest ebb and in a time of many international crises.

The same people criticising Golding and whining about the state of affairs in Jamaica will in another year and a half be crying that Obama has not reversed the accumulation of negatives from Bush's eight years.

I believe that regardless of imperfections, Jamaica has the most capable leader and team to guide us through the present crises which cannot be alleviated without the cooperation of all well-thinking Jamaicans.

Mr Obama will soon have his hands full much as Mr Golding now has his. Let us pray for both leaders and both countries and do all we can to be good citizens.

- Stephen Smith

stavsig@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica

Big win for US

I believe this is a really big win for Obama, and an even bigger win for the United States (or would it more appropriately be a bigger win for White America?).

Given the racial history of the US, Obama's rise to being head of state suggests that his message of change, though not a direct issue in the campaigns, has either precipitated the demise of institutionalised white supremacy or has capitalised on a change that had already occurred, but needed the right person to access the available privileges.

President-elect Barack Obama is obviously the right person. And may I say that this does not bear the traits of affirmative action. Notwithstanding the residual traces of bigotry, the United States of America has come of age. Thumbs up!

- Charles Evans

charock01@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica

Congrats

Congratulations, Mr Obama. I also would like you to know that it's not just the Americans alone who were walking with you on your road to victory.

Jamaica and I supported you 100 per cent. We watched and prayed to see that you reached your destiny. Your name will live on for generations to come not only because you are the first black president, but because of your determination and your vision for change.

I also would like to hope that in the near future you will be able to grace Jamaica with your presence to show us that there is hope even when it seems impossible.

You're not only the president for the United States of America, but for the world, or as we Jamaicans would say, "To the world." Congratulations, Mr President.

- Donique Poyser

9 Shoe Lane

Kingston 16

Via Go Jamaica