Not fit to drive

November 26, 2008

Dear Sir,

To the driver of the tinted glass white Mazda: You clearly haven't read about the unfortunate teenager who died in a road accident yesterday. Or perhaps you did, but decided that the story was irrelevant because you are immortal. How else does one explain your reckless manoeuvre on the North Shore yesterday which nearly resulted in a multiple collision? You overtook me in your flashy tinted glass white Mazda just as a lorry was approaching in the opposite direction, barely managing to squeeze through. Later at the roundabout I saw you behind the wheel on your cellphone laughing your empty head off, clearly oblivious to how close you came to injuring, perhaps killing, at least four people, including my young son. Were you aiming for a gold medal in road death? Needless to say I have reported you to the police. You are not fit to ride a tricycle.

USE YOUR HEAD

Hamilton Parish

Do the honourable thing

November 16, 2008

Dear Sir,

This is an open letter to the Mayor and Corporation of Hamilton

Greetings Mr. Mayor et al., where there's a will, there's a way! Here's my solution regarding the permanent installation of the statue of my sister and heroine, Sarah "Sally" Bassett, on the grounds of the City Hall. If you remove some of those Desmond Fountain statues of children at play there will be room enough on the grounds of the City Hall to accommodate the statue of Sarah "Sally" Bassett.

In case you are unaware, absolutely none of the statues of those children are reflective of the predominant Black African Bermudian population (63 percent), nor are they representative of anything of historical significance. They are simply portrayals of ordinary minority (33 percent of Bermuda's population) white children within constant view (in-ya-face) of the majority of Black African Bermudians who have a history of spending more time strolling through, congregating/socialising near the fountain pool at Nellie's Walk in front of the City Hall, or sitting on de wall than any other ethnic group on this island.

The child, in the fountain pool, with the bucket in hand, can be positioned at either side of the feet of the statue of Sarah 'Sally' Bassett – giving the impression/appearance that he is attempting to 'out de fiya'. This would be symbolic of a show of remorse (taking upon himself the sins of his ancestors – 'and the children shall lead') for the unspeakable act of violence inflicted by them on an innocent Black African enslaved woman (an extension/offspring of the first mother of hue-manity) who hated slavery. I, too, would have abhorred slavery. As I sit in my clothing on this side of slavery's curtain, I cannot say precisely what I would have done to free myself and my loved ones – whether I would have chosen the path of Sistah Harriet Tubman or Brotha Nathaniel Turner. Sometimes when I give my thoughts free reign on this matter I shudder. What a horrible way Sarah 'Sally' Bassett met her death. Think about it! Put yourself in her place!

Mr. Mayor et al., I encourage you to do the honourable thing and select a prominent place on the grounds of the City Hall where the statue of Sarah 'Sally' Bassett can be permanently positioned. The fountain pool may be a suitable place to put her. At this location she will be visible to all passersby and will, therefore, serve as a constant memory jogger to persons who may succumb to amnesia of Herstory. Herstory is Bermuda's story. This will be a great place for people to pause, make a closer study of the statue, read Herstory, capture/embrace the varied moods and energies of her spirit and then quietly walk away – mindful of the fact that: "If we fail to learn the lessons of his/herstory we are doomed to repeat the same worst mistakes."

I know that this isn't what we want. I also see her as a teaching aid to combat historical illiteracy. Further, she'll be entitled to a spot on Bermuda's map featuring historical attractions that locals and tourists alike are invited to visit.

The grounds of the City Hall is accessible to all. Make this location the permanent home of Sarah "Sally" Bassett so that all may get to meet and know her, and see her every time we travel through Church Street. Please do not hesitate contacting me if you have any questions.

PEGGY BURNS

St. David's

Peddling race

November 18, 2008

Dear Sir,

This is a public request to our Premier as it relates to his most recent snide comments on white Bermudians. He stated that "had white Bermudians been voting in the last US election, they would have plumped for McCain". In reply, Mr. Premier, I say (and on behalf of my children): "Judge me by the content of my character and not on the colour of my skin." You peddle race for your political gain, you are a hypocrite and need to take a look in the mirror.

CHERYL POOLEY

Smith's

It's Obama's character

November 18, 2008

Dear Sir,

I would like to publicly address this letter to the Hon. Premier Ewart Brown.

Sir,

I am deeply shocked and offended that you have yet again made statements which in any other part of the world would be considered racially divisive! You stated that white Bermudians would have all voted against Barack Obama. How can you make such a statement? I am a "white Bermudian" as is my husband, we both whole heartedly wanted Obama to win and I can tell you that there was a poll published recently which showed that 80 percent of those in Britain and 70 percent of those in France who were polled, would, if given the opportunity to vote in the US elections, have voted for Obama.

You should understand that responsible voters cast their votes in favour of persons who demonstrate integrity, intelligence, wisdom and a genuine concern for all their fellow men and women, regardless of colour or creed. Barack Obama carries with him the hopes of the majority of the voters in USA and it seems an even greater percentage of the populations in Europe. I only wish that I had been able to cast a vote, I would have been first in line. It is not his colour, it is his character that matters – after all these years, how can you not have learnt that vital lesson? Sadly disappointed in you yet again...

PAGET VOTER

You're no Obama, Dr. Brown

November 19, 2008

Dear Sir,

Premier Brown's statement that white Bermudians would not have voted for Obama is not only personally insulting and deeply misguided, but is further evidence of the vast difference between our leader and the President-elect. I am a white Bermudian at school in the US, and I voted for Obama, as did my sister, and brother. Dr. Brown bases his statement on evidence that because white voters in Bermuda voted for the UBP (may I also say that I know white voters who voted for the PLP), if they were to vote in the US "using the same lines", they would have voted for McCain. Under this analysis, the Premier directly aligns himself with Obama, and the UBP with McCain, based on absolutely nothing but race. If it were true that Dr. Brown's political views coincided with Obama's, Bermuda would be a much better place.

Barack Obama ran a campaign that was focused on the issues, on changing a country. Showing his grace, intelligence, and moral character, Obama did not concentrate on race. Despite the fact that his election would be a historic step for black Americans, Obama never once tried to divide the country into black and white. He never tried to turn one race against the other, or to deepen the divide for his own political gain. This is something that Dr. Brown, and all of Bermuda, both black and white, could learn a lot from. If Obama's victory showed anything, it was the potential to erase colour lines and the chance for the races to move closer together, at least in the US. On Election Day, I stood in line with people of all colours to support a man who brought unity to a nation in crisis. Barack Obama brought together rich and poor, old and young, black and white, and America is a better place for it. Now it is our turn. Bermuda needs a leader who is working for unity, not one who continually insists on perpetuating false stereotypes.

MEGHAN MULDERIG

Smith's

Sickening and embarrassing

November 20, 2008

Dear Sir,

On many levels Premier Brown is so wrong. How would he know how white Bermudians would have voted if in the US. Obama did not win because of his race; he won the election based on merit and intelligence. We know what tactic was used by Brown, don't we? He is constantly playing the race card and should take a lesson from President-Elect Obama, who is always speaking of ways to unite communities, so that we will all accept each other as human beings. It is sickening and downright embarrassing, as a Bermudian, to have a leader spew the nonsense that continuously comes from Brown's mouth. His agenda definitely is not about uniting us a community. So, Bermudians beware of what is happening to our Island.

N. WALDRON

Paget

ID cards are not so bad

November 18, 2008

Dear Sir,

I see they are finally tightening up on new bike riders to get a licence and make tests much tougher, but it is only good if it is enforced and not forgotten in a few days like so many things in the past. One must not forget that there are several thousand bike riders already out there who are breaking laws every day of the week, and if these people are not taken off the road the new riders will soon forget about their tough tests and break the laws like everyone else.

It's pointless to even mention the abuse on the roads, it just goes on and on. You think it can't get any worse, but it does. The "couldn't care less" attitude is escalating at an alarming rate, and it really is a miracle there are not more deaths.

The vicious attacks on innocent victims who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time is completely out of control, and as the economy gets worse so will the violence. If and when these criminals get caught the punishment has to suit the crime. The have to be sent to a place where life is like Hell ... at the moment there is too much softness in the justice system. It will not be long before we are all huddled behind locked doors and afraid to go out. I am surprised that the American authorities have not yet put Bermuda on the "undesirable list" to visit.

I.D. cards – in some respects they would be a good idea, but everyone has to carry one. In 1939 at the start of the Second World War everyone in the UK had to carry an ID card, for obvious reasons.

I can't remember why I had to renew one, but I still have it and I see that it was issued in 1951. The ID cards could be in different categories, like, Guest Worker, Long Term Resident, Seniors, etc. It would probably be good for people with Status going through Immigration at the airport who now have to wave a worn out, torn piece of paper which cannot be copied. It would also be good when Police apprehend a suspect and get proper identification. Anyway, something to think about. On a lighter note a job ad in your paper calls for a Custodian Technician which I believe used to be called "a Janitor". That's as bad.as advertising for "Geriatric Shoemakers" or in other words, "A lot of old cobblers".

SEEING IT AS IT IS.

Pembroke

Rewriting history

November 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

Many of the PLP seem intent on working 24 hours a day to ensure that racial division continues. The statue of Sally Bassett is a good example. Ewart Brown has called her a hero. He seems to be attempting to rewrite history. She was hardly a hero; she tried to poison her master and involved her daughter in the plot as well. I wonder what the reaction would be in the US if Barack Obama put up a bronze statue of a black man being lynched on the grounds of the capital. Think about it, they were both dark periods in our countries' histories.

E. PATTERSON

Devonshire

The example we set

November 20, 2008

Dear Sir,

The more things change, the more they remain the same. With all the rhetoric that has been floating around in the public arena recently. My puny mind takes me back some 40 years. As students we had to memorise all the speeches in William Shakespeare's book Julius Caesar. Caesar had elevated himself to godlike status. His most loyal sidekick Brutus, joined other Senators to petition Caesar for a repeal of on the behalf of fellow Senator Cimber. Caesar was determined not to listen. With arrogance he declared. "I am as constant as the Northern Star. Of whose true fix'd and resting quality. There is no fellow in the firmament."

Brutus got on his knees, hugging Caesar's feet, pleading with him. In defiance Caesar jeered. "Doth not Brutus bootless kneel? Hence! wilt thou lift up Olympus?"

Those words brought about the demise of the "Mighty Caesar" as he fell prey to the Zealots' knives. It baffles my mind as I listen to the movers and shakers, the pillars of our community. Spewing venom out of one side of their mouths. While out of the other they appeal to our young people to stay on track, be positive, respect the rights of others etc. Our youth today are afraid to grow up as a result of the example that we as grown ups are setting. Yes, we have freedom of speech but that freedom ends when we blatantly violate the freedom of others to speak freely. Words have a way of coming back to haunt us. We spend so much time grandstanding – "me Chief. You Serf" – as we flex our muscles. A whole generation is heading for the rocks. But why should anyone listen to Joshua? He is just a locksmith.

JOSHUA RICHARDSON

Pembroke

Here we go again

November 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

I find it most distasteful that my country needs help from workers abroad, work that cannot be done by Bermudians, and yet we continue to insult them and make them feel unwelcome, and that we are doing them a great favour by employing them. I also find the word expatriate offensive, it has the connotation of disloyalty, again insulting and now ID cards. It would be an interesting exercise to see all the foreign workers leave the Island for one week; it doesn't take too much imagination to know what would happen! They should be treated with respect and abundant gratitude, and regarded as welcome guests desperately needed to fulfil many positions that there are not enough Bermudians to fill.

With the new powers the Police now have, are we to expect to be stopped in the street and asked to identify ourselves, or will that be only on the job? David Burch made a telling reference to Gestapo tactics, why did he do that? He did that because of the familiarity of the ID cards to those dreadful horror days back in Germany, which came to his mind as it did to all of us who read our Royal Gazette that day, a sinister shudder for things to come. We only have to watch South Africa to know that with the wrong people in power it can happen.

What foreign worker would want to come here to work, when they would be insulted and subjected to "Go back where you came from" or after six years you have to leave, or if you are highly valued then you can stay, but remember not for ever; and now ID cards? This Government is once again stepping onto dangerous ground without any consultation with the people We the people, some who voted for the PLP, to represent us in all matters that affect this lovely island. There must be other ways to identify our valued foreign workers without making them feel so unwelcome. Otherwise, here we go again, another nail in our Democracy. How long should we tolerate these tactics that smack of a Dictatorship? How long?

DIANA WILLIAMS

Pembroke