Dear Editor,
Geralda Dennison in her letter “I don’t think America is ready for Obama” (08.01.24) praises Barack Obama’s candidacy but feels America is not ready for a Black President. But Obama’s Black (and many non-Black) supporters harbor Dr. King’s dream “of one day having a Black man in the White House”. And I hope it does become a reality because it will uplift the hopes and aspirations of all African-Americans and indeed all of America regardless of color and ethnicity. But like Ms Dennison, I don’t think it will happen this year even though Obama is a terrific candidate who would make a fine President and help to bring racial healing in America after centuries of abuses of non-white people. I think America is heading for its first woman president.
For the record, on the issue of color and ethnicity, all American Presidents except two have been White Anglo Saxon Protestants (or WASPs as they are called in America) of English stock. Only John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan have been of Irish stock. Only John Kennedy was of a Catholic background.
I don’t think people should vote because of one’s color, faith, and ethnicity. The best person for the job should be chosen. I agree with Dr. King that people should be judged based on their character. And I hope one day, America will be able to transcend color prejudice to elect a non-White as President. We already have one Black Governor, one American Indian, one Hispanic, and one (Asian) Indian Governor. The White House is not impossible.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
