The Editor, Sir:

Like many Jamaicans with or without American interests, I have been following the American Democratic primaries very closely.

Much is made out of the extensive experience that an elder statesman or woman have compared with a much younger opponent. But how critical can many years of experience in the military and elsewhere be anyway? What is more important is the willingness of a consensus builder to work with his/her advisers and committees - not to know it all. In addition, the best president of the United States of America will be the one who will be able to articulate and influence a common dream for our future - not just the American young - but the whole world as well.

This world needs a president who will listen. So far, that seems to be Senator Barack Obama, for he gives hope, not just to Americans - young, old, but even to America's enemies, most of whom just want to be heard.

I am, etc.,

STEAD WILLIAMS

sweng@cwjamaica.com

P O Box 242, Stony Hill

Kingston 9

Via Go-Jamaica