The Editor, Sir:

Will an Obama presidency be good for Jamaica, African-Americans? According to an article in The Gleaner dated October 25, former Jamaican PM Edward Seaga was reported as saying that neither an Obama nor a McCain presidency will be of any significant benefit to Jamaica as it was during the Cold War. This may be true since the threat of communism has waned considerably in the region, the United States does not see any reason to pour money on Jamaica in order to discourage communism. However, the US has an interest in democratic economies remaining stable. If a country becomes unstable, it is more likely to shun democracy in favour of dictatorship and extremism.

Suffering economy

Right now the Jamaican economy is suffering more due to the recession in the US. If Obama wins, it is more likely that he will want to pursue a policy of growth and fiscal responsibility just like President Clinton. He will especially encourage growth among the middle class. If the US has more employment, less national debt and an overall prosperous economy, then countries like Jamaica will benefit from the spin-off.

Many people believe that countries like Jamaica and even African-Americans on a whole are seeking handouts. They are not. What they are seeking is a climate which is conducive to progress. If African-Americans get the opportunity to go to college, they will go, look at Obama. If they get the opportunity to play basketball, they will play. If they get the opportunity to play golf, they will play. You get the point.

I am, etc.,

ALVIN BUCHANAN

alvinb@htn.net

Florida

Via Go-Jamaica