Date:10/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/10/stories/2008111055971000.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Obama’s victory

Hats off to Americans for electing Barack Obama, an African-American, as their President! Mr. Obama captivated and mesmerised the people with his elegance, eloquence and enthusiasm. Fortunately, the Bradley effect did not come into play. Mr. Obama has fuelled high hopes and expectations. Living up to them will not be easy for him.

Amaresan Pattusamy,

Tiruvannamalai

* * *

Is there a lesson in Mr. Obama’s victory for us? Americans voted for the candidate who was the best in their view after listening to both John McCain and Mr. Obama for months and ascertaining their views on everything from defence, economy, and the war in Afghanistan. Why can’t we too vote for the best candidate instead of the same divisive politicians time and again? We should hear and understand them, filter their rhetoric and assess them on the basis of their track record. There is a lesson for the young too. They should convince their parents and grandparents to rise above caste politics and change the way politics is practised in India.

Rita Mathur,

New Delhi

* * *

Americans voted for Mr. Obama not because he is an African-American but because he stood for change, which they badly needed. A large number of voters have demonstrated that they can rise above racial prejudices.

We have a lot to learn from the U.S. election. We never think of a united India; on the other hand, we speak of Telangana pride, Marathi pride, Tamil pride and so on. No one talks of Indian pride. The mindset of politicians, and voters must change. We should stop thinking that we belong to a particular caste, community, religion, etc. Until we do that, our democracy will remain hollow.

K. Venkata Rao,

Secunderabad