The Editor, Sir:

Mr Seaga in his article in The Sunday Gleaner points to the importance of the American economic health to the Jamaican economy. It is prudent, therefore, to have more than a passing interest of the presidential election process in that country and who eventually becomes president.

Dawn Ritch, in her article, concluded that Obama was neither white nor black and concluded he was an "imposter".

The substantial question to be asked at this point should not be the race question, although historically important; neither should the focus be on individual personality.

Who is good for business?

My question is which potential presidential candidate is good for business and for America, the pillar and nucleus of the global capitalist system. It is also an indirect way of asking which of them is good for Jamaica, taking into consideration the outlook for the American economy over the next three to five years.

In America, business has traditionally preferred to have a Republican in the White House and in a recent Senate tally, the chamber of commerce gave the Republican McCain an 88 per cent favourable rating compared to Democratic candidates Clinton, 67 per cent, and Obama, 55 per cent. The National Association of Manufacturers rated the Democratic candidates at zero while McCain received 100 per cent.

Real political power

According to Marx, "He who holds economic power has real political power." Notwithstanding this, however, Obama has been able to raise an impressive $1 million per day from individuals.

A look at the some draconian anti-immigration policies being supported by Republicans will definitely affect the bottom line of businesses by driving up costs. And in fact, the down side for America is that business would move to Mexico and, hopefully, Jamaica and other Caribbean countries.

Take for example, one measure contemplated in Arizona to suspend licences to businesses caught with illegal immigrants and on a second offence, licences are completely taken away. Agriculture, tourism and some manufacturing that depend heavily on immigrants would suffer immensely.

Unless there is a turnaround of the hard-line Republicans, that party could be seen as bad for business and subsequently, McCain, missing out on the White House.

Obama, Clinton or McCain which one is good for business/ America and Jamaica?

I am, etc.,

Michael Spence

Micapen2@hotmail.com

PO Box 630

Liguanea, Kingston 6