The Editor, Sir:

There is a strong wind blowing across America these days. It is a strong, refreshing, and unpolluted wind of unity and change, originating with Barack Obama, one of the three Democratic candidates vying for the presidency of the United States.

Barack Obama, an African-American in his mid- 40s, has certainly electrified and energised the American political landscape with his inclusive message of unity and change. There is no doubt whatsoever that the message of this inspirational leader has transcended the racial and generational divide to such an extent that Americans of all age groups and racial backgrounds have been captivated and motivated into action.

By stressing the politics of unity, change and reconciliation a unique mosaic of peoples are emerging across America, particularly in South Carolina where Obama won the Democratic Primary overwhelmingly. I have never witnessed a greater array of peoples from all walks of life as I watched the event on CNN on Saturday night.

At Obama's victory rally, there were the rich and poor, old and young, black and white, Latinos and Asians all rubbing shoulders in an atmosphere of bliss. It was indeed magnanimous when Obama genuinely asserted: "I do not see white Carolina, or black Carolina. I see Carolina" He then articulated the vision that "The election is not about black versus white, the election is about the past versus the future."

We should all hope that Obama's clarion call for unity and change will resonate across the fifty states in America so that America can be restored to its former days of glory, international respect and admiration.

I am, etc.,

RUPERT JOHNSON

e-mail: r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca

Toronto, Ontario

Canada