Dear Editor,
We in Guyana here certainly have much to learn from the electorate and current and future governments in the United States. Certainly, Americans united and in unison expressed that desire to effect a change in the government. Race, age and experience proved to be no barrier in that they chose a black and very young man with little but strong experience in government.
The world today, though overjoyed, is also very proud of Americans and the maturity that they have exhibited through last week’s elections. Many have arrived at the conclusion that similar change can be arrived at here in Guyana come 2011 at the next elections. But deep down, I still believe that the words “Yes we can” can only work in America. You see, the Americans’ mentalities are different from those of Guyanese. There they know no black man or white man, but the American man.
And so, we in Guyana must not only celebrate because a black man is in the White House. Our celebration should not end. We have to celebrate the fact that the world now sees America turning over a new leaf. The world will look at America with new eyes. Sometimes, though, I believe the world expects too much from President-elect Obama.
Finally, there is a historic transition happening right now in the US − the transition of power from one party to the next. The last transition like this took place as President Bill Clinton handed power over to George Bush. Now, this transition is happening at a more rapid speed as America buries its head in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. President-elect Obama has no time to bask in his big sweep at the elections, and he has been meeting over the past days with his advisors and most notably with the transition team which was put in place earlier this year. He is also meeting with President Bush. And that is what I think our politicians in Guyana need to take note of. Last Monday, he did meet with Mr Bush and stepped for the first time in the Oval Office. First Lady Laura Bush gave the incoming First Lady a tour of the White House. This comes after months of a heated, harsh and attack-filled campaign. But, as expected, they have put their differences aside in the best interest of their country. President Bush has publicly vowed to provide the smooth transition of power to Mr Obama. They met, they talked, and they exchanged greetings and put the American people before any other thing. What true models to follow here in Guyana.
We must not forget Senator John McCain’s speech as well. He gracefully congratulated his opponent who had won the presidency, and vowed to work with him and his government wholeheartedly to put America first. How Mr Obama praised Senator McCain in his acceptance victory speech that night: “Senator McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he’s fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him; I congratulate Governor Palin for all that they’ve achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.”
Though George Bush would go down as the least popular president in American history according to a CNN survey, he is gracefully bowing out and allowing all the fame and spotlight to fall on his successor, Mr Barack Obama.
When will our leaders, both those in government and in opposition, put Guyana first instead of their selfish ambitions? When will the PNC and PPP stop the tit-for-tat politicking and attacks they so constantly throw at each other? Now it seems as if AFC has joined the bandwagon.
I think the words of Senator McCain’s speech echo the answer and solution to the bickering between our major opposition parties, and that is love. Senator McCain said, “Congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love.”
I urge you to read the full texts of the speeches of President-elect Obama and Senator Mc Cain and every speech of past winners and losers of U.S. elections. In every speech, one thing is very evident and that is the immense love they have for their country; a love that will motivate them to work with each other for the common good. And that is the secret ingredient to every American success.
I tell you, that picture of the current and future Presidents and First Ladies on Monday at the White House is one that we would never see with our local leaders.
Watch and learn PPP, PNC and AFC.
Yours faithfully,
Leon Jameson Suseran
