The Editor, Sir:

The next United States presidential election may be the most important in modern history, depending upon whether Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama realises victory at the polls. The critical issues of gender and race are at the forefront of the upcoming presidential race.

It seems to me, however, that the issue of race ought to take precedence over gender issues because race is not gender specific - it is all encompassing and affects every sphere and stage of human life.

African-American senator

I find it mind-boggling that in this new millennium, Barack Obama is currently the only African-American senator in the U.S. Congress - with predecessors few and far apart. Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell are the only two African-American individuals to ever hold the powerful and prestigious position of U.S. Secretary of State. While Obama, Rice and Powell have distinguished themselves and become great symbols of pride for African-Americans across the globe, racial prejudice in Americaremains pervasive.

Breaking the racial barrier

A black man breaking the racial barrier to become president of the United States would signal that America has reached the point, albeit late in the day, of accepting the fact that race is irrelevant to a person's ability to handle the job of president. Ideally, at this point in time, I would love to see as president, Barack Obama, and vice-president, Hillary Clinton, because this would be a huge shot in the arm for both race and gender issues.

I am, etc.,

PATRICK A. GALLIMORE

pagalley@hotmail.com

Kingston

Via Go-Jamaica