President Bill Clinton, a Democrat.

Why? "Because things are better.'' On reflection it seems that things are better in Bermuda too.

It is true that we have had political turmoil and political tragedy. It is also true that the Country is deeply concerned over such things as fast food franchises and education. But, basically, this little Island is in pretty good shape.

We say that because of the foundations of Bermuda which are solid and give every appearance of remaining so. Democracy cannot thrive without law and order and public concern over crime led to the reorganisation of the Police Service. The results have been startling and have been achieved despite slings and arrows. Bermuda is now a safer place.

If you look at the Today pages in this newspaper at all the happy faces of our young people who are achievers in their schools, you know that the future is going to be in good and well prepared hands. It is our impression that today's young have grown up in an integrated society and without the political anger of the older generations and are more intent on achieving for themselves than on stirring the pot for others. They may have to be in order to succeed in the computer age.

Sport is booming in Bermuda both on a competitive and a recreational level and the plans for the sports complex at the National Stadium are well along. Yes, we have had our share of scandals in sport and so has just about every other country in this age of illicit drugs but the scandals have not diminished the interest of young people or their enthusiasm to compete. We have never had a finer Olympic team than we had in Atlanta.

Bermuda's retailers have had a difficult time in recent years but we think it has made them leaner, more competitive and more price conscious. There is no doubt that merchandising is in a state of great change in Bermuda but we think that in the end the change will be for the better. Our banks are of international standards.

Tourism has suffered but we see real signs that it can and will come back. The talk about the problems and the awareness that our visitors have not been totally happy is the beginning of solutions. Some of the hotels have begun to do their part by refurbishing. Bermuda is beginning to respond to complaints about both price and service. The solution will take time but we think it has begun. Now we need action on transportation and entertainment.

Bermuda has been through a hard time, a long and difficult period of national disruption but we think that is coming to an end. For one thing, the politicians know that their voters are fed up with their antics and want Bermuda to be governed with sense and sanity. We think the people will see a big change when Parliament reconvenes.

Countries like individuals have bad patches. There are real signs that "the tide is turning''.