Feeling left out

November 19, 2002

Dear Sir,

This is an open letter to Minister Webb.

Ms Webb, I am not black, a woman nor Portuguese. I am a lower middle class white man. Am I now to suffer from your policies, because a few white men (who are no relation to me) made a lot of money a a few years back? When is it my turn?

I voted for the PLP in 1998 because I thought you wanted to represent the people, all the people of Bermuda. I live in Pembroke East Central. It is time to vote...

DISAPPOINTED

Pembroke

What does she mean?

November 19, 2002

Dear Sir,

Please allow me space to ask Minister Webb what it is that we should be teaching our children? What do I tell my two sons? Is it "You have no prospects of success here?" Or "you'll be OK as long as you don't aspire to Government Service?" Do I tell them these things because they don't look like you, Ms Webb?

The funny thing is that they probably look more like you, Ms Webb, than they look like the rest of Cabinet. But that's really not what you mean, is it? You don't really mean that they have "to look like you", do you? What you really mean is "They can't be white", isn't that what you mean?

BILL PANTRY

Smith's Parish

A definition of racism

November 19, 2002

Dear Sir,

Racism is indeed alive and well in Bermuda. My family has been the target of racism on many occasions and I fear that this will continue for the foreseeable future.

When our community, from our leaders in Government on down, feel that it is acceptable to choose one group or individuals over another based on any other criteria than merit, experience, ability, financial need or the like, and instead allow the choice to be made or even swayed by the colour of skin, that is racism. I worry about the future of my children in our homeland, hampered by their white skin.

They are already taunted at school, harassed on the buses, and will be at a distinct disadvantage for scholarships. When the time comes for them to seek employment, will there be any chance for them to get fair treatment?

WORRIED PARENT

Sandys Parish

Why is it that...?

November 18, 2002

Dear Sir,

Why is it that opposition parties, especially those formed by being recently voted out of political office, suddenly experience a "road to Damascus" conversion, and just as suddenly are able to furnish all the answers and solutions to all of society's problems?

Why is it that opposition parties, especially those formed by being recently voted out of political office, having had more than enough time whilst in government to perform, but failed to do so, start criticising new regimes even before they have been given a fair chance to grapple with society's ills left them by those criticising?

Why is it that opposition parties, especially those formed by being recently voted out of political office, find it impossible to give credit to new regimes for their accomplishments, even when these accomplishments are patently obvious?

Why is it that opposition parties, especially those formed by being recently voted out of political office, expect the public to hold new regimes to standards far beyond those expected of them whilst in office?

Why is it that certain members of the public tend to so quickly forget the experiences of the past, becoming impatient with new regimes to standards far beyond those expected of them whilst in office?

Why is it that certain members of the public tend to so quickly forget the experiences of the past, becoming impatient with new regimes, just because their perceived political agendas may not have been immediately satisfied?

Why is it that new regimes, especially those formed after spending an eternity in the political wilderness, find it difficult to articulate their accomplishments, sometimes made against all odds, even when these accomplishments are significant and numerous?

Please tell my why?

TREVOR W. FYFE

Hamilton Parish