The Editor, Sir:

I thank God for sparing my life long enough to see a black man on the verge of being elected President of the United States of America. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that such an event would occur in my lifetime. But if ever there was a man for the season, it is Barack Obama.

This urbane, handsome and decent man, with a winning and disarming smile to match, has had to campaign against frightful obstacles that have been placed in his way. He has been called a Muslim, an Arab, a terrorist, a socialist and even a Marxist. He has been threatened with assassination and has heard 'Kill him' shouted at his opponent's rallies when his name was mentioned.

Desperate

But Obama has soldiered on, portraying an image of calmness and composure, pushing his policies day after day while his opponent has projected the image of an angry old man desperate to win.

They have tried to besmirch his character for things he might or might not have done long in the past. Yet, when Sarah Palin's teenage school daughter was found to be pregnant, Obama did not lay a charge of immorality on her, rather, he called upon his supporters to lay off the subject deeming it a private matter. Imagine if Obama's daughter had found herself pregnant out of wedlock and still a minor. It would have been the end of his campaign. This man must have led a very decent life. His opponent has not been able to dig up any scandals about him - no girlfriends, no corruption, nothing.

I see Barack Obama as the man for the moment. His election will complete the work of liberation begun by Abraham Lincoln, believed by many to have been the greatest American President. Obama's election will change not only America but the world. With the accession of a black man to the most powerful post on earth, the world will never be the same. Nothing will again be out of reach of black people and those dwindling numbers of people who used to think that way will be forced to change their thinking. One more giant step will have been taken towards full equality for all people. His election will be a liberating force for all Americans.

I do believe Barack Obama is a gift to the American people. I hope enough of them feel that way and elect him by a landslide.

I am, etc.,

L.A. ROY BANARSEE

summitrb@cwjamaica.com

G.P.O. Box 1061

Kingston

Via Go-Jamaica