February 9, 2009

"ALICE in Wonderland" (Mid-Ocean News, January 30) is so very specific in her unjust accusation of me that I would like to respond. I write enough Letters to the Editor from which she might have quoted to indicate what I argue rather than depending in her own biased and prejudiced perception.

I have written that a significant percentage of black PLP supporters will support the PLP no matter what they do because most of the white community will not take responsibility, even TODAY (in the present) for our deep racial divide.

And if, like Alice in Wonderland, they make a passing reference to past evils and injustices they show absolutely no interest, TODAY, in the present, in addressing the consequences of that evil or in repairing the long term economic damage done to those who have been disadvantaged as a result of that evil.

I would be very interested in knowing that she sees within the majority of a struggling black community that suggests to her that they are enjoying the privileges and social advantages or status that has always been bestowed on the white community and justifies her perception that they are now "having a turn". In my experience and that of many others very little has changed in the economic condition of the majority of the black community. With very rare exceptions the economic disparity is as great as it ever was.

As for unity, well, I am far more concerned about the economic disparity! I confess that I do believe in the dialogue aspect of the Big Conversation which has been so maligned, for several reasons. One of which is that it is a far more efficient method for the exchange of points of view than Letters to the Editor.

However I am forced to accept that people like Alice in Wonderland and others like her are far too contemptuous of blacks to join in our dialogue at the Leopards Club.

They certainly are not prepared to subject themselves to strongly expressed views from any black person who they believe must always be in a subservient role and speak to them as a superior.

Unfortunately the majority of black people are in the position of knowing that even if they have any concerns about what is being done by the PLP leadership, under party politics they have nowhere to turn since the majority of the white community who hold economic power is TODAY, in the present, as unconcerned about justice for black people as they were during slavery and Government sponsored segregation.

The concern of most white people who express themselves publicly about transparency etc. is all about themselves and the potential reduction of their privileges, advantages and social status etc.

Let me make it very clear that I have never argued that past wrongs should be righted by present wrongs particularly since most present wrongs TODAY, still give preferences and privileges to those with economic advantage and power as has always been the case and most blacks are as disadvantaged and powerless today as they have always been.

Those who were most disadvantaged, powerless and excluded in the past are still, for the most part, the most disadvantaged, powerless and excluded.

EVA N. HODGSON

Crawl