THE EDITOR, Sir:

I have to agree with Mr Samuda when he said that "American president is for America, ... America first". However, if Obama becomes president and is able to fix the US economic situation then Jamaica will benefit. Americans will be able to take more vacations and demand more goods and services. Thus, Jamaica will benefit from tourism and export.

It will be a tough road for Mr Obama if he becomes president. He will be watched closely by the media and everyone else. Mr Obama has chosen not to make race his primary objective. He is for change in America but not everyone has a clear picture of what this 'change' will be. He is against lobbying - but will he succeed.

Self-interest groups

If you watch Eddie Murphy in the movie Distinguished Gentle-man, you may get an idea of what lobbying is all about. Washington is packed with lobbyists and self-interest groups. The Caribbean and Jamaica have none or few representatives in Washington. The banana situation with Clinton that Mr Samuda mentioned ( I am glad he did) was for the benefit of Chiquita - the result of lobbying. Israel benefits from any US president because Jewish Americans spend millions lobbying for their cause.

Jamaicans, don't build your hopes up. There is so much to the operations of the American government that you may not understand; but know this, 'Americans come first and everyone else comes after'.

Keeping watch

Also bear in mind that there is a strong anti-immigrant movement in America and it is getting stronger. Obama may be the president to enact the strongest immigrant laws yet to prevent anyone from saying he is favouring blacks or minorities.

We are all watching Mr Obama. He is a phenomenon, a history maker who cultivated and is reaping his success. We should all support him and see what he does. He can be no worse than this current president.

I am, etc.,

DEE LAWSON

dplsmith@hotmail.com

Atlanta, GA