The Editor, Sir:

This is in response to the article by Andre Wright

Hi Mr Wright,

Your article, which appeared in the Sunday, November 9 issue of the Jamaica Gleaner Online, is well written and provides a good balance to the euphoria associated with the Obama mania sweeping the globe. As a Jamaican-American from the Manley era, I am apt to think in more sober and realistic terms.

I rejoice in being here to see history made with the election of Obama, the first African-American, to the US presidency, and plan to support him with my prayers, as I did in the case of presidents Bush and Clinton, but I am inclined to think, as you have outlined in your article, that the harsh realities facing America and the world at large could very well serve to undermine his promise of change and hope. After all, is this not one of the lessons to be learnt from the Manley years? I believe idealism is best served when it's backed by pragmatism.

Keep up the job of keeping us informed with news that is interesting, critical and balanced.

I am, etc.,

NEWTON GABBIDON

ipmiorg@aol.com

New York City