The Editor, Sir:

Though one of the most powerful and influential countries in the world today is apparently poised to elect a woman or an African-American for the first time in history, most Americans and their news media organisations are simply toying with the notion of breaking tradition and have not seriously considered the impact of such a radical change.

What would the consequences be of having yet another less-than- stellar, or even lousy, four-year performance in the White House, for example, if it were made by someone other than another, more-than-likely 'old,' white man? Tragically, the answer is it could be disastrous and worse than having yet another inept, inarticulate, arrogant and unpopular one. How so?

Consequence

If either of the Democratic candidates were to demonstrate a gross failure in office, it could all too easily be seen as the consequence of their having been female or non-white, and in a worst-case scenario, if either were to be unable to handle the pressures of such an office and break down psychologically, the blame for such a tragedy would likely go, rightly or wrongly, to gender or race, and in so doing, set back the chances of future candidates, regardless of their capability, perhaps for decades.

If either were assassinated in office, well, I shudder to think of the consequences that could bring, especially if the assassin had gender or racially-corrupt motives.

Indeed, though few have considered it, the potential impact of changing the tradition in respect to a president, especially in a country with a 230-plus-year history of electing a male from the racial majority, is hardly to be taken lightly.

I am, etc.,

ED McCOY

Bokeelia, FL

Via Go-Jamaica