Recently a black caller to the talk show charged that some blacks were as "racist'' towards other blacks as were some whites. Although the term "racist'' is inappropriate for the arrogance, or lack of respect, of some blacks towards others, I was reminded of Proverbs 14:20 and 28:3. "The poor is hated even by his own neighbour'' and "A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.'' As a result of both our colonial status and our history of racism, Bermuda is an authoritarian society where democracy finds it difficult to develop. This means that those with any kind of power are likely to be arrogant, and those who perceive themselves as having none, or little, are likely to be easily intimidated. Blacks are not immune. Why else did so many within the black community vote for a political party for thirty years that clearly had no respect for black people? With the obvious irrelevancy of the UBP, reducing the number of MPs will aggravate, or increase, Bermuda's tradition of authoritarianism both putting too much power in the hands of too few, and increasing the intimidation of the many, even if they are PLP. With Proverbs 14:20 in mind, particularly if they are PLP! PLP supporters have waited too long for an increase in democracy to now throw it away because of apathy, ignorance or delusions and thereby increase the arrogance of those with power and the fear and sense of intimidation of those who perceive themselves as having no power.

As an older black Bermudian I am already concerned that those of us in my generation, who, earning little, scraped together, and saved to invest in the only investment that we knew, that is, an extra apartment, are now having that taxed, while the younger generation of blacks, earning a great deal more and knowing more about investments, are not having their incomes either taxed or controlled, while our rents are being controlled and with a law that already works against the owner of the apartment. In any case, I have no desire to increase the power of those in the PLP, particularly when in such important issues as taxation and education they are proceeding as if they believe that the UBP had the correct policies. They did not, that is why they were voted out. Yet most PLP supporters are making no noise of protest, not even about the frustrating and poignant case of the Club-Med workers. It is as if they thought that those in the PLP were immune to the principle of power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. To follow UBP policies in such important matters reflects that sense of insecurity which blacks too often have in the presence of whites. To increase the power of insecure blacks will be to encourage the attitude of arrogance and lack of respect and will simply increase the truth of Proverbs 14:20 and 28:3. The outcome of our support of the PLP will then be far worse than the outcome of those blacks who supported the UBP.

EVA N. HODGSON Hamilton Parish Ignorance is bliss August 31, 2000 Dear Sir, I suspect that most Bermudians are unaffected by the political debate over changes to Bermuda's Constitution...simply because most Bermudians have no idea what is in the Island's Constitution! Is the Constitution taught in the schools? Can the public download it from the Internet? In the United States, the Constitution is a living document, and most citizens can cite its key points and important amendments, such as the Bill of Rights.

Knowledge of the Constitution and Oath of Allegiance are mandatory requirements to graduate from high school and to receive citizenship.

Changing the number of members of Parliament is unlikely to improve Bermuda's political representation. Making the Constitution known and relevant to the average citizen will.

BERMUDIAN Warwick In a class of their own September 1, 2000 Dear Sir, As the second summer of the reign of the PLP Government winds down, I feel the burning desire to point out perhaps the most profound political irony Bermuda has ever seen. Forgive me sir if this observation seems rudimentary, but I cannot understand how the Government can continue calling itself the "Progressive Labour Party''. It has continuously proven that it is not a "working man's'' government. Or shall I say each Member of Parliament has individually shown us that they themselves, have no intention of being classified as members of the working class.

We have seen every type of snobbery and elitism illustrated in the past 22 months. By this point everyone knows that Government Members drive larger cars, travel first class around the world and feel no obligation whatsoever to answer any questions as to what they actually do. Now our Premier only drinks champagne, arrives late at almost every function to which she is invited and is lobbying to get on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Surely, that will help Bermuda's tourism, housing and illegal drug crises.

So what has the Government done for Bermuda since they have been in power? We have had our land tax increased. We now have legislation permitting limousines. We have a lot more racial slurs being used in the House of Assembly, but not to worry, we also have CURE legislation that no one understands or desires. And now, the Government wants to radically change Bermuda's constitution. But don't ask them to hold a conference to discuss it or explain it to those of us who are terrified of the inevitable consequences.

What we have seen is a travesty of the values that any so-called "Labour'' Party should be aiming to uphold. Is this not the height of hypocrisy? Perhaps no more so than accepting Queen's Honours after vehemently opposing the practice for 30 years.

In a recent opinion article in The Royal Gazette , MP Dale Butler detailed the ways in which we should be celebrating the upcoming Labour Day festivities.

One of the suggestions is that we rename streets and buildings after working class heroes in the community. All I have to say is, I hope he is not looking to our present Government Members to find such people. Then again, who would be surprised if that's next? Let Labour Day be a time for humility and communication with the "working man'' rather than the unapproachable arrogance we have seen exemplified.

DISHEARTENED City of Hamilton Give jobs to the `byes' August 31, 2000 Dear Sir, Where is the Minister of Tourism and Immigration? I read with dismay recently that the charter boats for snorkelling are having to put up with cruise ship `observers' on board to the extent that Bermudians are being displaced off the boat. With a short summer period this severely cuts down on the income these Bermudians can achieve.

Now I see nearly every morning cruise ship passengers lining up for taxis with golf clubs in tow! That means the golf courses are losing revenue when they could be renting golf clubs to these cruise boat tourists, the caddy masters (those wonderful ambassadors for Bermuda) lose out when they can't service the passenger with rental clubs, the `observer' seems to get a free round of golf (same as the snorkelling `observers') and to top it off, the `observer' cleans the sets of clubs before returning to the cruise ship, thus further denying the caddy masters any interaction with the passengers and the possibility of a small tip.

The Minister of Tourism needs to look again at the contracts the cruise ships operate under. Surely they are not allowed to supply on board to their passengers items which could easily be rented in Bermuda? Are their `observers' not getting paid by the cruise ships for the time they spend on shore snorkelling or golfing with passengers? Aren't the `observers' doing Bermudians out of a job at which the Bermudians are specialists? If `observers' are getting paid for work done on shore in Bermuda, then should this not be denied and be required to be covered by the necessary permits from the Department of Immigration? It's no good the Minister trying to increase the number of tourists if those same tourists aren't able to enjoy the hospitality and knowledge of Bermudians as they don't encounter any? There used to be many friendships made with tourists at the golf course, or out on a sail boat which have been lifelong.

That's how you get repeat visitors -- that's how you get good word-of-mouth recommendations to other tourists. In short, Minister, skip all the fancy trips, just let the tourists that do come interact with us byes and we can turn the industry around for you.

MARGARET BARNES Smith's Parish A poor reflection September 2, 2000 Dear Sir, Reference article Page 8, The Royal Gazette Friday, September 1, regarding lack of shade in summer heat for carriage horses in St. George's. It is a well-known axiom that the degree of civilisation found in a community/country is readily assessed by the ways in which its animals are cared for and treated.

The fact that St. George's cannot now "afford'' the oft promised adequate shelter for its poor carriage horses is an appalling example of the lack of caring by the people of Bermuda in particular those who are responsible for the effective management of the laws protecting animals. (Dr. A. Madeiros clearly excepted).

Perhaps Nancy Hooper as secretary to the Corporation would care to disclose (or The Gazette can find out) exactly what was the proposed cost of the promised canopy for year 2000? The lack of use of the shelter available off the Town Square is another disquieting and disgusting example of the callous, disregard for the horses' welfare by the drivers/owners -- how many Bermudians have seen the dreadful stabling provided when the horses are off the streets? The fact that horses anywhere in Bermuda are forced to negotiate the ever-increasing traffic congestion, narrow streets in 90 degree heat and humidity given the display of uncaring impatience (road rage) exhibited by drivers of scooters, cars, trucks and buses only endorses the fact that large numbers of people in Bermuda show little care and respect and knowledge about the basic welfare of defenceless animals.

Even New York City exhibits better care of its carriage horses! CONCERNED NON-BERMUDIAN RESIDENT Somerset