An End To Racial Politics

Royal Gazette Opinion, Thursday 7 July 2005

Imagine if every MP in the UBP was white.

Suppose for a moment that, when questioned about the lack of black faces in his party, Grant Gibbons shrugged his shoulders and said that blacks aren’t discouraged from joining, they just never choose to do so.

Now imagine that in the run-up to the last election, deputy leader Michael Dunkley held a party rally. At that rally he called on those present to ensure they voted for his party “lest we allow the blacks to escape from the plantation”. Suppose that two years later, Mr. Dunkley still refused to apologise for his comments.

If that was what today’s UBP was like, most would regard it with contempt and disgust. Mr. Dunkley would be ostracised for his comments, and rightly so.

So why can the PLP get away with it?

The PLP has 22 MPs and not a single one of them is white. At the last election, their advertising claimed that the only thing new about the UBP was its suntan. Deputy leader Dr. Ewart Brown said returning the UBP to power would be voting to return to the plantation.

“They said some of the things we did in the campaign were negative and not what Bermudians wanted to see, but during the heat of the campaign, things happen. Tensions rise, emotions flare. It gets like that,” said Dr. Brown, defending his comments back in November 2003. But if his plantation comment was just something he said in the heat of the moment, why was he still refusing to apologise for it this week?

I'm unused to hearing racial slurs being thrown around by my politicians, although I'm acclimatising fast. Where I come from, anyone making such a comment, black or white, would find their political career coming to a rapid end. Why is it acceptable here?

There are some people who say that it’s the two-party system that's to blame. That it isn’t suited to Bermuda, that it's too confrontational. That’s nonsense. The problem is the parties, not the system. The PLP’s identity comes from being a black party and the UBP, despite its best efforts, still can’t quite shake off its image as the white party. The result is that it’s almost impossible to debate anything without race coming up.

The problem is exacerbated by too few people who are prepared to switch their vote between the parties. For the two party system to function properly, the electorate must be willing to vote according to their assessment of the competence of their candidates and the policies they are putting forward. Yet too many UBP supporters would never dream of voting PLP, and too many PLP supporters would never vote UBP.

The prospect of spending the rest of my life listening to PLP and UBP politicians and loyalists bicker about race fills me with despair. But I can see no end in sight.

Many Bermudians pride themselves on being Christians. Last time I checked, one of the tenets of Christianity was forgiveness. But I don't see much forgiveness among the members of the PLP. All I see is a desire to perpetuate racial division for electoral gain.

The UBP suggest a memorial to slavery and Derrick Burgess calls it an “insult”. They put forward economic empowerment legislation and Renee Webb slams it for not mentioning the word “black”. In the House last Friday Dr. Brown said that if the UBP truly valued racial equality they would sit down and face the past, accept it, and not try to fix it “with band aids and perfume”. So what, specifically, does he want them to do?

It’s time for blacks to tell whites exactly what it’s going to take for them to be able to forgive, to allow the country to move on from (but not forget) its painful past.

Both parties must prove that this is an issue they want to solve. The PLP need to prove that they are not trying to perpetuate the Island’s divisions for political gain. The UBP need to prove that their initiatives are not simply a cynical ploy to curry favour with the black swing vote in order to win power.

The PLP and the UBP must unite to form a bi-partisan group to tackle the legacy of segregation in Bermuda. They must forswear the use of race as a political weapon. They must work together to build trust between black and white communities; to identify and eliminate institutional racism wherever it may exist; and to develop economic empowerment initiatives.

“Upon my selection as Premier, I committed to extending the hand of partnership to the Opposition. Efforts to deliver on that commitment have not always met with success. But I meant it then and I mean it now,” said the Premier in his televised address in May.

I challenge the Premier to prove it. I challenge him to extend the hand of partnership to the UBP on the issue of race. And I challenge the UBP to accept it.

Comments

[Lost in Flatts on 07.07.05 at 09:44]

Limey:

I read your article in the RG today, and must say was duly impressed. I feel that you've touched upon so many things I've noticed since returning to the island, and its comforting to know that it's not just me. The two-party system is causing far more harm than good, and while I don't have an easy solution, certainly something radical needs to be done. The 'race card' that sits just below most PLP MP's cuffs needs to be removed from the deck if any meaningful debate about actual issues and advancement of Bermudian society is to occur. And it would be extremely helpful if Dr. Brown were to be taken to the Human Rights Commission over his comments. Racism on the island borders on dangerous, and the fire that's tearing apart Bermuda is being fueled by these politicians. We have so many other problems that we actually can solve, but focus all of our energy on something that there is no solution to. Or if there is a solution, as you asked, please lets hear it, and then move on.

[sleepy on 07.07.05 at 10:04]

"Imagine if every MP in the UBP was white."

But they are all white Phil. Can't you see? That majority of 8 black members and 3 black Senators is just a figment of their imagination.

[Onion on 07.07.05 at 10:30]

Limey,

Nothing we've said to you in our previous blogs has made one difference to you. You chastise blacks and the PLP for their "lack of forgiveness" and because they don't bend over backwards in awe and appreciation at the UBP's wishy washy attempts at reconciliation. Someone on a previous blog asked you why you don't see a whole chorus of UBP members enthusiastically joining Dodwell on this campaign? Uh, becuase maybe they see it as a waste of time? Too little too late? You were also asked why these UBP members have never gone out of their way to lay out welcome mat for blacks in their clubs, social circles, businesses etc.

You talk about being unused to hearing racial slurs being thrown around by politicians where you come from. Firstly, is it a slur when the comment has merit? Is it a slur just because you don't like it? Secondly, even if comment had no merit, a racist policy perpetuated by a party/government is FAR more damaging than a few mindless comments made in the heat of a campaign. Thirdly, and most importantly, you come from a country that has actually put in place the racist divisions that exist today throughout the Commonwealth. The elitism, the classism and the racism that you see in every Commonwealth country is a blue-print of what we have all learned from our "Mother Country".

It is easy for you to wash your hands of our reality as perhaps your only exposure to the issue is in some debate at the Cambridge Union - "The House Believes Racism is no longer that bad". A lovely moot point to debate just to flex a few intellectual muscles.

You come from a county where politicians love to talk about racism once in a while just to show the public that they are "socially conscious" and well-rounded on the issues and they have a soft spot for the Pakistanis, West Indians and Africans that might be in their constituency. It's the politically correct thing to do. Whites are still very much in the majority and so race will not dominate the political agenda as in Bermuda.

Margaret Thatcher never made a speech talking about "send them back to the plantations". But she did help to keep an Apartheid South African governemnt in power and economically viable. She never would dare apply sanctions to that evil regime and she continued to encourage British business relations with the likes of de Beers - a brutally racist diamond empire with a tradition of treating its black workers like slaves.

You come from a country that might decry the actions of Mugabe (rightly so) but that has never apologised for assisting in setting up and suporting a racist Ian Smith regime that brought about the land inequalities in the first place.

Furthermore, you as a white Englishman might see that all is fair and dandy in UK race politics. In all my time in the UK I don't think I met one African, Asian or West Indian that held that view.

It is easy for you to comment with disdain on Bermuda politics but let us see how fair and open-minded the British would be if all of a sudden 50% of the population was non-white and/or came from somwhere else. You can guarantee that more than just a few British National Party candidates will be getting seats in Parliament. I believe it has already happened in one constituency.

If you believe that a few "plantions comments" vs a powerful system of racism and segregation, founded in the UK and perpetuated in the colonies, is a fair comparison then you are politically naive and you should stick to writing about the latest video games.

[ace on 07.07.05 at 10:50]

Onion,

WHAT IS IT THAT BLACKS LIKE YOURSELF WANT?

What can be done, said or even paid to reach a point where blacks and whites can work together and move on?

You accuse Phil of not listening, yet you avoid the tough question above very effectively.

I'm not going to engage in a debate about racism again, it is a never ending circular argument on this blog.

Let's discuss a solution instead of the problems.

[Terry on 07.07.05 at 11:00]

Ace, Sir/Mam, I think the Limey is testing our fortitude. I have read, and said that enough is enough. Some people think that this is a way for communication but does it have anything to do with resolution? There are a lot of things I could say about the Wars we are engaged in and the Local Politics and how to deal with them. But one seems to get shot down. In fact if all the posters would meet at Dennis's Hideaway and have a beer or water and discuss things we would find that most of our thoughts are the same, just differant views and these can be consolidated into something really progressive.

[Onion on 07.07.05 at 11:09]

Ace,

"WHAT IS IT THAT BLACKS LIKE YOURSELF WANT?"

Actually I don't really want or need a damn thing from you.

I am responding to Limey's continued assertion that PLP is at fault for having no whites whilst the UBP is a happy and harmonious party because they have some blacks. This is such a superficial analysis and most Bermudians don't even see it so simplitically. He still cannot answer the point I made about why the welcome mat is not put out beyond the political sphere.

I am also astounded that he and some others have gotten stomped on the "plantation" comment and have the gaul to say this compares evenly to a racist regime.

We cannot move forward with token effects put in place merely for political expediency. Don't say you welcome me into your political party but don't welcome me to your home, social club or board of directors.

Don't claim the PLP are racists for not having blacks in their midst knowing full well that many whites will not join for fear of what their colleagues and family will say. It's just like the girl who falls in love with a black man but cannot bring him home to marry because her family will disapprove. That happens in politics too.

The late David Allen and Dr. Ball could have told you how they were ostracized by the white community for joining the PLP. They were pioneers and helped build the party tremendously and they are highly respected in the party ranks! AND THEY ARE WHITE!!!

But of course Limey, only being in Bermuda for 2 years, has no clue about any of this and stubbornly believes all of Bermuda's political history can be summed up in his two years on the island.

[Lost in Flatts on 07.07.05 at 11:18]

Onion - So if you're not Bermudian your views on Bermuda mean nothing? Limey should be ignored due to the fact that he is from the UK? Despite his very clearly demonstrated concern and interest in the island?
Okay fine. I'm a fifth generation Bermudian, who has had the good fortune of spending enough time off of the island to be able to see, with some perspective, the racial tensions that currently permeate Bermudian society. The fact is that the white population of Bermuda do not know what to do, and cannot say anything without it being labelled racist. The black population is angry, with some right, but do not know how to focus that anger. Its just a 'race issue'. All I've heard lately is 'make ammends for past actions' and 'must acknowledge the past atrocities'. What Bermuda needs to do is stop talking about the past and start thinking about the future.
Regardless of all that though, you have as much right to disagree with Limey and his views as he has to disagree with you. If you're going to engage in sociopolitical debate, be aware that there will be another side.
Finally, anywhere else in the world, Mr. Brown's comments about returning to a plantation would be considered both without any merit and most definitely a racial slur. However, in Bermuda, it comes as no surprise.

[Onion on 07.07.05 at 11:27]

Lost in Flatts,

I never said Limey had no right to have an opinion. Limey, not I, has "played the race card" (everyone loves this phrase) by labelling Dr. Brown's comments as racist and has used this as an excuse as to why whites do not join.

I have also taken Limey to task for rarely taking the UBP to task on the policies of their founders. It is interesting that you state that Dr. Brown should be taken to the Human Rights for his comments. I take it you want justice? You want a correction of what you percieve is a wrong? You want him to be held to account for his "racist" actions/words?

Interesting.

[I'll let my silence do the talking here]

[Lost in Flatts on 07.07.05 at 11:42]

Onion - I completely agree that there have been many wrongs, and justice is the answer. Without justice it is clear that many Bermudians cannot move on, and that is fine. The problem lies in where that justice is supposed to come from. I have not heard one single constructive idea from anyone, white or black, that is a step in the right direction. Political rhetoric aside, not one suggestion has been made that can help to reach justice. It's incredibly frustrating to see Bermuda torn apart from the inside and noone is actually doing anything to help.

And briefly, you insinuate that it is only the Limey who could miscontrue the comment, "have you ever heard of any people who have voted their way back onto the plantation" as a racist comment. I challenge you to find one person (yourself excluded) that does not deem that a comment deliberately intended to invoke images of racial segregation, and thus, racist.

[Fire on 07.07.05 at 11:43]

"It is interesting that you state that Dr. Brown should be taken to the Human Rights for his comments. I take it you want justice? You want a correction of what you percieve is a wrong? You want him to be held to account for his "racist" actions/words?

Interesting.

[I'll let my silence do the talking here]"

Onion, Brilliant!

These guys can't get over one comment - even want to go to Human Rights - but they want us to shut up and forget about every flippin' thing in a heart beat. Laughable.

[Onion on 07.07.05 at 11:48]

Lost in Flatts,

Let's just say Dr. Brown's comments were wrong. My point is that on the one hand you want blacks to just forget about everything that they have experienced through our segregated history, yet you cannot get over one comment.

[ace on 07.07.05 at 11:53]

"Actually I don't really want or need a damn thing from you."

You simply won't address the question of what it will take to bring both races together. Your post is long on slamming the UBP, Great Britain, and Phil, but very short on addressing the main point of Phil's post, which was essentially my question to you.

Frankly I don't think you know what it will take...no-one on this island seems to.

You say you don't want anything from me. Well, that is odd given that according to you I am white and Bermudian and from everything I've read I need to atone in some way. Help me out....HOW?

[Alcofrolics on 07.07.05 at 11:54]

From reading the lengthy list of comments to all of the postings on this subject it seems to me that the two stances on this issue can be summed up:

UBP supporters: have taken offense to specific racially inflammatory remarks, and want an apology from the Deputy Leader of the PLP for these remarks that HE made. They would also like the PLP to change their current policies and actions to ones that are more inclusive of the entire population.

PLP Supporters: want the UBP to apologise and / or provide unspecified restitution (be that monetary, economic incentives, educational aid, etc) for the actions of their ancestors (or as Onion puts it “the policies of their founders”). Without this, none of the racial inclusion policies and attempts to narrow the divide between black and white that the UBP have instigated within their own party have any meaning because of the actions of people at least 25 years ago, and going back into history.

I can understand the frustrations of both sides at trying to convince the other of the value of their point of view, when both sides are looking at the issue from such completely different angles. One is trying to move forward and build a better Bermuda and the other appears to see only the past.

No-one suggests forgetting the past. What happened and the legacy slavery has left is indisputable, but what occurred in the distant past cannot be changed, what happens now and in the future can.

It is good to remember the past, to learn from it, but for a government to base its actions and policies around the actions of, in some cases, long dead men is futile at best and negligent in their duty to Bermuda at worst.

[Lost in Flatts on 07.07.05 at 11:54]

Okay, I see where this goes. Thanks for reading the larger, first paragraph of my previous post. I do not want black Bermudians to get over segregation in one moment, or a heart beat as fire put it. I just want to see Bermuda moving forward, instead of being rooted in the past. Not moved forward, moving.

[Terry on 07.07.05 at 12:02]

Onion, I knew David Allen and Dr. Barbara Ball well. They were both Radicals. They were used, and wanted to make a statement. Remember 1965? Do your research and draw a line. If the truth hurts, don't wear it.....

[Onion on 07.07.05 at 12:20]

Ace,

Here is what I'd like to see.

1. UBP must acknowledge and accept that terrible wrongs have taken place in this country and although an enormous amount of progress has been made the legacy has still left some inequalities in this society. Whites must not become overly defensive when this discussion comes up. They should not feel guilty. But telling blacks to just get over it and move on is a bad move. Would you tell a Jew to get over the Holocaust?

But if integration is seriously on agenda then it must be shown to be genuine.

2. PLP must refrain from making reactionary and inflammatory remarks as this can cause people to simply act based on emotion. They must move forward and carve out their own identity. If they have a "social agenda" then let's see it. They must not respond so defensively to every criticism sent their way. They must get out of this "the UBP did it too" mentality. They must ensure they have a firm understanding of the business environment of bermuda so they can make informed decisions affecting everything from international business, property crisis to sustainable devlopment.

They must hold their ministers to account for any misdeeds. Public inquiries should be held to clear the air and remove any doubt with respect to dubious dealings.

We must get rid of things like "Black History Month" and call it "Bermuda History". Black and white kids must learn about Dr. EF Gordon and Sir Henry Tucker, Sir George Somers, the great black ship builders and sailers of the Bermuda sloops as icons of THEIR heritage. We must learn about the English settlers but the slavery must get equal air time - for ALL.

These are just a few random thoughts.

[Serene on 07.07.05 at 12:28]

Greetings Limey,

After much deliberation and reading today's article "An end to racial politics," I was prompted to log on, considering that some of the suggestions mentioned are quite poignant and blanketed. To truly understand the effects of racial inequality political or non-political such discontent arrives and continues to arrive as a result of years of frustration and unacceptance.

Has racial polictics become a mere scapegoat for political acceptance or empowerment of such individuals? The answer is simple...yes!

There was one pivotal statment that caught my attention and I am sure that others would agree: "....anyone making such a comment, black or white, would find their political career coming to a rapid end." So, much futile energy is spent pointing fingers at one another. This game of he said/she said is quite taxing.

On the other hand, I must disagree with your suggestion that the problem lie between the parties and not the system. The problem is both parties and system. The evolution of the UBP and PLP was an innate classifaction all in itself. Both parties were always separate and will continue to remain that way. If we spent time disecting the so-called "system" I am sure that many blacks would attest that this was not a system designed for them at all?

Consequently, what I find disturbing as a Bermudian (black, white or indifferent) is that too many blacks continue to harbor on our past, when so many of us have advanced and gained acceptance by establishing who we are as individuals in society. Alternatively, whites aren't any better! There are those who continue to use our past as an excuse for hiring blacks or meeting a quota. In some cases, whites try to make-up for lost time (apologizing, offerings, etc. etc). What is done is done! You cannot erase history!

An eye for an eye mentality will eventually leave us all blind.

[ace on 07.07.05 at 12:47]

Okay...now we are getting somewhere.

I'm curious though...why have you dumped the entire legacy of slavery and racism on this island on the UBP? It is simply a political party and slavery and racism existed long before the party came into being.

[Lost in Flatts on 07.07.05 at 13:51]

Onion,

I wholeheartedly agree with your suggestions, it's that kind of attitude that actually will get us moving forward. Now if only the politicians could start thinking this way.

[Onion on 07.07.05 at 14:04]

Ace, that is not my intention to blame the UBP for this. But the founders of the UBP are inextricably linked. Do you dump the comments of one minister on the PLP?

Why does Limey refer to Alvin Williams whenever he refers to PLP?

I'll tell you what. Today Bermuda has just qualified for the first time in our history for the World Cup of Cricket to be held in the caribbean in 2007. We just beat USA. We flogged USA. We thrashed the USA:-)

We will be competing against the likes of Australia, West Indies, India and England. Let all of us use this as an opportunity to celebrate together shall we?

USA v Bermuda
7 July 2005
Waringstown (The Lawn)
ICC Trophy
Result: Bermuda won by 113 runs

Toss: USA
Umpires: S Modi, B Doctrove

MoM: Janeiro Tucker
Latest update at: 5:49 PM

BERMUDA
O Pitcher b C Lambert 12 I Awan 7 0 64 1
D Borden ct M Johnson b I Awan 6 H Johnson 7 1 31 0
S Mukuddem lbw b A Ali 9 C Lambert 5 0 37 1
I Romaine ct M Johnson b B Bartley 44 A Ali 2 1 10 1
A Steede ct M Johnson b R Staple 9 N Javed 7 0 59 1
J Tucker ct I Awan b N Javed 132 R Staple 10 0 34 1
D Minors ct L Romero b S Massiah 41 B Bartley 10 0 45 1
L Cann ct B Bartley b S Massiah 4 S Massiah 2 0 20 1
C Foggo not out 2


Extras (b 5, lb 6, nb 17, w 24, p ) 52
Total (8 wkts, 50.0 overs) 311

FOW: 1-26 (D Borden) 2-54 (O Pitcher) 3-54 (S Mukuddem) 4-88 (A Steede) 5-150 (I Romaine)
6-268 (D Minors) 7-291 (L Cann ) 8-311 (J Tucker)

USA (Target = 312 in 50 overs; Current rate = 5.45; Required rate = 8.34)
G Roopnarine ct D Minors b S Mukuddem 10 R Steede 7 0 45 1
R Staple c and b S Mukuddem 10 S Mukuddem 8 0 30 3
S Massiah ct D Minors b D Leverock 26 J Tucket 7.2 0 51 1
M Johnson ct D Leverock b R Steede 7 D Leverock 10 1 39 4
L Romero ct R Steede b D Leverock 30 D Borden 4 0 28 1
C Lambert ct D Minors b D Leverock 33
B Bartley b S Mukuddem 52
A Ali ct D Minors b D Leverock 4
I Awan ct S Mukuddem b D Borden 1
H Johnson not out 4
N Javed ct A Steede b J Tucket 0
Extras (b , lb 5, nb 4, w 12, p ) 21
Total (all out, 36.2 overs) 198

[Douglas on 07.07.05 at 14:20]

Onion wrote:

"We cannot move forward with token effects put in place merely for political expediency. Don't say you welcome me into your political party but don't welcome me to your home, social club or board of directors."

Anyone interested in a real-world meetup? I'll buy the sodas, and we can meet at my club. Or is this a stupid idea?

[loki on 07.07.05 at 15:10]

"These guys can't get over one comment."

But, Fire, it's not just one comment. A number of racially insenstive, divisive and seemingly intentionally inflammatory comments have been made by PLP MPs and Ministers. It is, to say the least, disconcerting that neither the party nor the Premier has distanced itself from these remarks. It's a little simplistic to reduce it down to supposedly bleating over one remark.

[TJL on 07.07.05 at 15:30]

I noticed something today - the greatest example of integration on our island, from top to tail, is traffic court. The golf clubs and the bars and the streets may still exhibit de facto segregation, but the cops will hand out tickets to everyone. Perhaps it would be an idea to offer an "alternative to a fine" program, whereby instead of paying $215 dollars you and your fellow violators have to sit in court for a day and discuss social issues facing Bermuda. If nothing else, at least you'll be exposed to points of view you wouldn't otherwise have been...

[Onion on 07.07.05 at 15:54]

Good idea. A street sweeper can rub shoulders with Ross Perot.

"So Ross did the Magistrate make you pay your $250 fine today or did he give you time to pay?"

[H Reardon on 07.07.05 at 16:08]

Nobody seems to really get it. Politicians have one main goal--to get elected (or stay in power). The best way to do that is to shore up your political base, and the easiest way to do that is through fear mongering and class warfare. You see it in the US at every election--the Democrats try and shore up their base of over 60 year olds by saying the Republicans are going to take away their social security. The Republicans target the middle class and say the social programs of the Democrats are going to take food out of your kids mouths. As long as politicians get miles out of racially motivated rhetoric in Bermuda, you will continue to see and hear it.

Back in 1994, David Duke, a former grand wizard of the KKK ran for Congress out of a very white district in Lousianna. He almost won because he understood how to motivate his base. Fear mongering statements about whites losing their power in the US and becoming a minority got him significant support. Had he actually won, I would have expected to see a increase in racially charged statements in future elections.

It has backfired in the US in many more occasions. In the mid 80s in Oklahoma, a former star athelete was running for a position in state government against the incumbent. The incumbent was leading but not by a wide margin. He then began running ads with a picture of the star athlete and his 10 inch afro taken during his college days and a caption "is this who you want as your representative in Oklahoma City?" The athlete won the election by a wide margin. After winning that election, the athlete eventually moved on and ultimately became the third ranking member of the US House of Representatives--J.C. Watts (R-OK).

[Socababb on 07.07.05 at 18:15]

Dear Limey,
Having read your article, Once again, I'm reminded of the old adage of "one can see the pin in another's eye, but cant see the arrow sticking out of one's eye". Before you asked Dr.Brown to apologise for racist comments he made, you should asked the British Government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to apologise for supporting the then country of Rhodesia which at that time was led by the despotic and dictatorial Mr. Ian smith or better yet ask her to apologise for supporting the ignoble and aparaheid regime that was recently South Africa. Why should Dr.Brown apologise for a system that was created by the Colonial powers of which Britian..your country Dear Limey was the chief architect. I could go on and on. They should apologise for dividing up Africa in such a way..that black brother is pitted against Black brother..Black tribe against Black tribe..I could go on except to say to Dear Limey..Physician heal thyself. Even the Devil could spout christianity. Any way, Britian is a nation of atheists anyway. Socababb

[Oscar Meyer on 07.07.05 at 18:57]

When Brown says, "Don't vote yourself back on the plantation," he means vote PLP so that you don't end up in a position of inequality again. If Dunkley says, "Support the UBP lest we allow the blacks to escape the plantation," he would mean vote UBP so that we can keep blacks in a position of inequality. The only thing the two have in common is the sensationalist language. The meaning of the two statements are worlds apart. One is a call for equality, while the other is a call for oppression. Trying to equate the two allows a UBP supporter to criticise the PLP while not dealing with the real issue at hand, which is whether or not the UBP sincerely represents equality and should thus be trusted. If you don't want to put those questions on the table, then you have no right questioning why blacks allow Brown to get away with the comment.

In reading this I'd have to say that he dismissed all contrary points of view as complete rubbish. He didn't even bother present the alternative points of view! He still characterised the PLP as being the black party that can't forgive whites for the past, and the UBP as the born-again integrated party that is deserving of forgiveness. Every possible justification for not supporting the UBP based on what is happening here and now in the white community was tossed right out the window.

The memorial WAS an insult, as is leaving out "black" in the economic empowerment legislation. Neither UBP proposal allows the public to face up to the reality of what happened then and where we are now. We are not looking for trivial, half-ass symbols or recognition. We actually want you to see our past, present and future, for what it is.

The UBP will not get the black support it once had until whites start acting like the UBP markets. Until whites as a group start to fess up to the reality of the then UBP, and where we are as a people, we will forever be speaking the different languages. As long as you rewrite Bermuda's racist past and present, we simply will not get along. Forget the notion of justice or compensation - most blacks aren't even looking for a payout. All we want is some honesty, respect and understanding. And as far as we are concerned, you don't want to hear our version of events. You never have, and by the looks of it, you never will. You just want a magic pill that will solve all OUR problems without causing YOU any amount of pain or sacrifice.

It's not the party, it's not the system, it's not just business either. It's the people, stupid. If you want a solution, then start by looking in the mirror and ask if there is anything that you have done then or are doing now that breeds so much distrust.

[The Limey on 07.07.05 at 19:05]

Kudos to Kim Swan for making a constructive suggestion as to how to tackle institutional racism in Bermuda: set up a joint select committee to investigate it. Wonder if the Government will take him up on it?

[Denis on 07.07.05 at 20:22]

I'm a young Bermudian, I don't consider myself white nor black for I'm inbetween. Having a half Canadian background has provided me with alot of insight into racial issues considering Canada's take on multiculturalism.

I don't like the PLP or the UBP, watching the constant finger pointing just annoys me. If it were up to me I'd abolish both and start from scratch.

Last election was my first opportunity to vote. Being keen on having my say in Bermuda's future, I was eager to discover all I could about Bermuda politics and the choices in front of me.

I searched high and low for reference material. I read through the UBP's platform and was integueged by what they proposed and was eager to compare the PLP's proposal to make an informed choice.

Here's exactly my issue with racism in Bermuda. Despite quite of bit of searching on my part, I could find no PLP platform. They seemed to talk alot about having and releasing one, it just never seemed to materialize. I watched a political party get voted into power purely based upon being the 'black' party. Hell, I have black relatives that specifically vote for the PLP because it is the 'black' party. Were they informed about the issues? Nope. They knew their party by color.

This disgusts me. Bermuda should be the laughing stock of the entire planet. How does a political party get elected into power with no plan aside from being 'black' empowered?

Personally I think with all the recent stabbings, increase in crime, drop in tourism, tourist muggings and general downtrend of Bermuda's external image that the PLP is doing a GREAT JOB! Why? Because they never put forward a plan of what they'd actually accomplish to begin with so they're living up to exactly what they said they'd do - nothing.

How much has the PLP actually done to improve the race issue rather then bring focus to it? Last time I looked around there are more and more of our youth joining up to gangs and turning to drugs. Why does this happen? A poor future outlook gives youth little more hope then joining a gang for it appears to open more doors in the now. Getting high now is alot more enjoyable then worrying about what's gonna happen later. Each can lead you down a path that you can't quickly escape from.

Nobody seems to stop and look around at what all this finger pointing is doing. My black cousins are discouraged from even persuing opportunities because they assume that they will be turned away due to their color.

The PLP talks alot about helping blacks and being the black party. Tell me, what have they done? Have they developed any good role models for young blacks? Nope. If you havn't looked around reciently, young Bermudians triumph the thug role models of the States. They arn't out waving Martin Luther King Jr. banners and talking about equality. They arn't proud of their black Bermudian role models, instead they'd rather focus on Jamaican, American and other role models that arn't Bermudian.

The PLP talked about targeting "black" tourists from our mother africa as a major promotion to boost the islands tourism. Who does this benefit? Black african's who can barely afford to eat on a large scale want to come and see how well their decendants are doing on this rich little island? Ya, thats a winner.

We want to do something for blacks? Let's gather up a bunch of the youth we see sitting on the walls bored talking about no opportunity and SEND THEM to Africa. Let them tour around and see what real poverty is like. Let them see slavery that still exists today. Let them see what it's like to TRULY have no hope. Let them come back and tell their school and classmates what being black is really about by seeing it in the eyes of those who are truly still less fortunate. Let's gather up another group and send them to the REAL GHETTO and see what being a thug and being in a gang is really about.

I get so tired of the bickering back and forth, back and forth. Bermudian's have 100x more opportunity then about 99.9% of the rest of the world. We're handed jobs where your only qualification is to be "Bermudian". Color will remain an issue as long as we continue to make it one - that is a fact.

Future Bermudian's won't blame slavery for our problems and crippled island. They will blame YOU and YOUR generation for it's bickering and wasting of all that our BERMUDIAN forefathers worked very hard to build.

As my black Canadian friend likes to tell me - "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail".

[Kim Swan on 07.07.05 at 20:30]

I feel the majority of Bermudians would like to move forward and make real inroads toward eliminating Institutional Racism. Polarisation, an unfortunate reality in Bermuda is easy prey during an election period. What we are seeing at this time, caused in part by the Opposition causing the subject to be discussed, and the Govt thrusting independence on the table, is the polarisation blossoming from a dormant state.
Those of us who really want to see real progress need to step away from the fear of moving forward and embrace each other across party lines to resolve racial differences ...... the limey wrote an extremely creditable and bipartisan op ed ....... there is enough blame to go around , but more importantly, I feel there is enough of a collective will on both sides of the political divide to tackle Bermuda's race ills in a meaningful way .......
Thanks for the time
Kim Swan

[Two Cent Charlie on 07.07.05 at 20:39]

Denis,

You bring a lot to the table. If Kim Swan is reading your post then I am certain others are as well. As a younger Bermudian, you make some very good points that our leaders need to be extremely concerned about.

Thanks.

[Fraz on 07.07.05 at 21:53]

Denis: nice post mate. You too Limey.

[Tired Of Politics on 08.07.05 at 01:59]

Wow, were back to Race issues in Bermuda.. Well.. I suppose as a Bermudian I should throw my 2 cents in here to avoid people thinking this is a white expats only forum... This is an issue that I feel strongly about and I dont know how objective I can be... but, I would agree with the original posting and add to it that I feel race relations are crushing us as a community and dividing us as a people for the benefit of a select few in government to keep them in power.

Lets face it the PLP has a track record of using race to divide and being indirectly or directly racist with no excuses given at all. They give me the feeling that BECAUSE they are black, being racist is okay because after all Racism is only a white thing right? Wrong... How was such a racist like Renee Webb EVER allowed into power? All agendas of the PLP are about giving this that and the other to black bermudians, attracting black expats, black tourists etc..

Why do we care what color people are if were trying to END racism and division in Bermuda? I feel that the actions of the PLP as a whole and many of its supporters only in fact FEED the fire in this aspect. I could count on one hand how many of my friends and aquantences I know (as a white Bermudian) that pass a questionable race related comment, and they are frowned upon heavily for their opinions.

Yet, how many times to we hear a black man call a fellow black man a derogatory word I dont dare go near or call a fellow white bermudian "white boy" or some other derogatory wording aimed at the fact that you are white. I think that the current government needs to drop much of it's useless agenda items such as independance and stop adding to the divide they enjoy so much as it keeps them in power... Why cant we instead see them tackle more important issues like ending race divisions, stopping violent crimes and creating TRULY affordable housing for not only a select few low incomers, but also middle income people? Wouldnt it be a wonderful world...?

I too am with Limey, in saying that the thought of listening to this race NONSENSE continue in Bermuda for all eternity makes me want to hand my Bermuda passport in at immigration and tell them to give it to someone who enjoys this sort of environment... :) I have lived in Bermuda all my life since I was born. I wonder often exactlky how much further downhill we can take and divide this island???

-Tired of Politics

[jake on 08.07.05 at 10:06]

Note to the Limey in Bermuda Blog Community:

I disagree with Phil's article so much that I have had a hard time putting it into words. It was probably one of the most one sided treatments of the racial issues I have seen in some time. Not only was his analogy flawed, but his predisposition toward the UBP and its message was transparent.

My question is this: what value is it when you write an article and the people who already agree with you are the only ones who agree after they read it? Kim Swan (black UBP member), Tired of Politics, Fraz, loki - all white Bermudians.

I would like to ask a question. Do you think that the majority of black Bermudians (the ones who support the PLP overwhelmingly as Phil's investigation into the census supports) have any validity to their sentiments? Are we all mislead by Ewart Brown and Renee Webb (who I would never concede are "racist" as is so regularly stated on this website).

Do you all consider me to be a racist too for the comments I give here?

I am curious about what you think about me - who talks with you at least three times a week.

I welcome your thoughts, as that article made me wonder if there was any point in continuing these discussions.

[TJL on 08.07.05 at 10:44]

jake,

I for one can honestly say that my views on the subject of race in Bermuda, and particularly how it relates to government, have been affected significantly by the discussions on this website, particularly by posters such as yourself. And for the better. Don't give up hope, and don't stop posting - you may feel like you're beating your head against a brick wall, but there's more empathy and scope for change out there than you think.

[Tired Of Politics on 08.07.05 at 11:08]

Jake,
I dont think bad of anyone unless a reason is given, you seen level headed, you explain yourself well and your objective in what you do say... I think that forgetting anyone elses opinions on the matter, I am for one VERY tired of the whole BLACK/WHITE politics that go on in Bermuda... I feel like a kindergarden teacher in wanting to shout out, "CANT WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?" I firmly believe that CONSTANTLY bringing up the topic and adding fuel to the fire in terms of further division (independance) is wrong. I think we need something that bring us TOGETHER as a people. There are few places left in the world as divided as Bermuda in this sense i find... I wish it was not that way. I think we are arguing the same desire in a different way...

-Tired of Politics

[Lost in Flatts on 08.07.05 at 11:12]

Jake,

I think everyone here not only respects your opinion but wants to hear it too. One of the biggest problems with the whole racial debate in Bermuda is that those of one view only talk to like minded people, and very little discourse takes place between them.

I, like Denis' post earlier, find it hard having been away from the island, to understand why a majority of people would vote for a party that don't actually have a platform. And further, a party whose track record, if a business, would have resulted in firings and bankruptcy years ago. But I'm not naive enough to think that there's not a good reason they maintain such high support. If that reason is not simply that they are viewed as the 'black' party while the UBP is viewed as the 'white' party, than I'd like to know what it is.
Given that I think that this is the reason, and that noone can change that view, for Bermuda to move on United we need a REAL 'united' party, not the UBP, not the PLP, but a party that represents the country's best interests, rather than one that only worries about being re-elected.
But getting back to your post, you and I are on the same side if we're posting and talking about issues, even if our opinions or backgrounds differ. We're interested in making Bermuda a better place for ALL of us to live.

[Onion on 08.07.05 at 12:05]

Jake,

The fact that Limey has UBP MPs blogging on to congratulate him on his article pretty much says it all. His article is one that tickles the ears of someone that is already of a pro UBP mind-set. Impartial? Impartial my ass.

Denis,

You make some good points. However, just be mindful of the fact that if you did have white Bermudian cousins a lot of them would probably vote UBP just because they are the "white" party. It is not just PLP voters who do this. Many blacks also support the UBP and have done so since it's formation. Few whites support the PLP.

Also, a lot of those black boys you see sitting on the walls getting high have been doing that for generations and neither party has come up with a solution.

Tired of Politics,

I don't know where to start with you. You sound like you live in la la land.

You write:

"I could count on one hand how many of my friends and aquantences I know (as a white Bermudian) that pass a questionable race related comment, and they are frowned upon heavily for their opinions.

Yet, how many times to we hear a black man call a fellow black man a derogatory word I dont dare go near or call a fellow white bermudian "white boy" or some other derogatory wording aimed at the fact that you are white."

This is a very myopic statement. In fact it is a stupid statement. I am black and I don't use the N word, neither do any of my black friends. What is your point? Because your "acquaintances" (who I assume are white) don't make racist comments then NO white people in Bermuda make racist comments about themselves? Go to Robin Hood and listen to whites make fun of one another's Anglo or Celtic ethnicities. Listen to some Portuguese call eachother Portagee.

You fall into the same trap as many bloggers on this site in that you look at things too superficially. Renee Webb states she wants to see more business go to "people who look like me." Ok, she failed diplomacy 101 and on the face of it this is racist and she should be hung drawn and quartered if you like. But lets delve deeper. What would make her say this? Could it be that for generation after generation the establishment has only sought to take care of its own? That UBP politicians have for years awarded contracts to "people who looked like them"?

Could it be that for years the banks would only send legal work to law firms with partners "who look like them"?

Could it be that for years the major businesses in Bermuda have only promoted people to executive positions "who looked like them"?

Could it be that when you walk through RBYC and M. Ocean and look on the wall and see the pictures of past and present members you only see "people who look like them"?

Could it be that when you went to Casemates and Westgate and look at the faces of population you never see "people who look like them"?

So it is fine and dandy to caught up in words spoken by inexperienced politicians and label them as "racist". But the real damage, the real divisiveness, the real racism is in the actions and the policies of those who have the real power!

Limey mentions Christianity of Bermudians and the principle of forgiveness which he feels seems to be missing from black people's hearts. The Bible alse mentions the principle of "repentence". To repent in the Bible means to make a complete about-face from your sinful ways and turn back to God. Has everyone on both sides of the spectrum repented? Has everyone actually CHANGED their ways? I think not. It is futile to seek forgiveness if you do not repent. "Ye return like a dog to it's vomit."

Tired of politics mentions that the PLP have used race to divide Bermuda. I'm sorry, did I miss something? When was Bermuda not divided?

Some of you just don't get it. I think I speak for Jake, Oscar Meyer and others on this site when I say that the only thing we are looking for his fairness and balance. No-one is defending the PLP's record. No-one is accusing the UBP of being the great evil. But we will never move forward if people are incapable of seeing and accepting their own mistakes and short-comings.

[Tiger Bay on 08.07.05 at 12:40]

Gawd onion you type with grand speed and volume.

[The Limey on 08.07.05 at 12:57]

When they said REPENT REPENT
I wonder what they meant

Leonard Cohen, 'The Future'

Coincidentally, I was listening to this on my way home last night.

[The Limey on 08.07.05 at 13:26]

jake/Onion

My intent in writing that piece was to do two things:

1. Try to demonstrate how offensive Ewart Brown's comment was to me (and many other whites).
2. To suggest a way forward.

It's an opinion piece. It's not meant to be impartial. But it was a honest statement of the way I feel.

Of course there is validity to the sentiments of black Bermudians. I don't think either of you are racists and I welcome your input to this site. But we see the situation in different ways. No amount of debate here will change that. So I don't think it's productive to discuss that any further.

However I am interested in discussing solutions with you.

I think we agree that (to a greater or lesser degree) Ewart Brown's comments were not helpful. We agree that race is a very sensitive issue. So can we not agree that both parties should desist from using race as a political weapon, going forward?

If the UBP and the PLP agreed to work together in tackling racism and economic empowerment in Bermuda, I think it would send a very powerful message to the community. Do you agree that this is something we should push our politicians to do?

Or is there a better way of going about it? How should we move forward?

[The Limey on 08.07.05 at 13:55]

On the topic of solutions...

Oscar said: Until whites as a group start to fess up to the reality of the then UBP, and where we are as a people, we will forever be speaking the different languages. As long as you rewrite Bermuda's racist past and present, we simply will not get along.

Fair enough. But how many whites have to do this for it to count? And what is "reality"?

I think the root problem here is that reality is genuinely perceived differently by those on both sides. I'm sure there are some aspects of Bermuda's racist past that most of us here could agree to condemn, but there will be others where we differ in our interpretation of events. How can we reconcile this?

I think perhaps Bermuda will only move beyond racial politics once Bermudians can agree to lay aside these issues. That's not to forget about them, or dismiss them, but just to recognise we are never going to agree. Collectively there are some things that we will have to agree to disagree about, though I acknowledge this may be hard for some to swallow.

[Tired Of Politics on 08.07.05 at 15:10]

Onion,
Thanks for the vote of confidence ;) If la la land is wishing that I didnt live in a racially divided country that votes in many instances based PURELY on race and not agenda, sure I live in La La land...

To respond to this comment, "This is a very myopic statement. In fact it is a stupid statement." I think you fall in to the category of dismissing anything that isnt in line with your own beliefs... I have a scenario here for you that I would like you to answer in reference to your example of Renee webb and delving deeper...

Say you have an ex girlfriend, she cheats on you a few times and then leaves you... A crappy deal.. so would you then get revenge on that wrong doing towards you by cheating on your next girlfiend and taking out all the bad the last one did on her? Thats how i feel race issues are here in Bermuda...

I'm a young Bermudian, about 30, white and I feel like issues that had NOTHING to do with me are haunting my generation because of the mistakes of the past generation. There is still an underlying hatred by many blacks towards the white population of Bermuda. My comment about my friends was to suggest (I'm not saying that im right necessarily) that I dont feel this same underlying "HATRED" exists. And yes before you bring it up, I relaize that white people havent suffered hardships like black people did in the past.

The PLP in my humble and according to you diluded/stupid opinion, are plain CORRUPT (yes like others before them...) however I feel that the black community is so bent on keeping the UBP/white people out of power that we will be STUCK with this governement and the racial politics that go along with them forever... I feel like their is no end in site.. thats where my comment of wishing to give up my passport some days came from ;) I hold 2 other passports to countries that DONT have these issues (maybe due in part to their size and demographics) Sometimes I cant help but think that the grass IS in fact greener on the other side... (queue whatever comments you have in store for me..)

I would agree with any person that in the past things were done PLAIN and simply WRONG in terms of race issues and true inequality did exist. However in todays world I would NOT agree to that statement. Opportunity exists for all hard working and educated individuals on this island.

Im watching my words here carefully before you open up verbal fire on me again.. but.. as i said to Jake, I think we are all on the same page on this thread in some sense of wishing to see better times for this little rock we call home... I just think we all have different angles on the topic that might blind both sides from certain pertinent issues that cause the overall problem...

-Tired of Politics

[question on 08.07.05 at 16:23]

Yet another sad showing by UBP supporters... way to go guys.

Limey, i'm a bit disappointed with your comments. It seems that you are always able to have a counter-response to jake/onion/oscar and other PLP supporter's comments such as myself.

So since you are not going to counter many of the UBP arguments, I'll help you out with it.

Since I am a young, "mixed" bermudian male, i'm gonna try and go toe-to-toe with my boy Denis.

Denis says:
I don't like the PLP or the UBP, watching the constant finger pointing just annoys me. If it were up to me I'd abolish both and start from scratch.

I agree that probably in out lifetime, UBP and PLP will be parties of the past based on the fact that they carry to much baggage; however, I feel that many of the founding principles of the PLP party will continue to exist in future successful political parties.

Denis says:
Despite quite of bit of searching on my part, I could find no PLP platform.

Well, to all of you who agreed so much with denis on this point, i'm sorry to tell u all that u are wrong.

If denis took any REAL time out to look for a platform from the PLP, i'm sure he would of been able to find it. I wonder if he has ever heard of a site called www.plp.bm? Here's a tip denis, next time u do some research on a political party, try their official website for some information about their platform (along with the newspaper ads and posters and everything else that you seem to have missed). That goes for everyone else too.

Denis says:
This disgusts me. Bermuda should be the laughing stock of the entire planet. How does a political party get elected into power with no plan aside from being 'black' empowered?

Oh yes Denis, i can't tell you how many people i've talked to away in university in Canada who say they don’t want their country to be like Bermuda... oh please, get real. Our country is perhaps THE envy of many countries worldwide... So you think that the PLP only won because they were black empowered? If that is the case, why didn’t they win in other past elections? I think that the PLP won because Bermudians realized the UBP were not living up to their promises… so, a change was made. And the PLP was REELECTED in 2003 because Bermudians felt that they had accomplished what they said they wanted to do. Oh, and again, they did have a plan… I guess you missed it because you were hiding from it or something.

Denis says:
Personally I think with all the recent stabbings, increase in crime, drop in tourism, tourist muggings and general downtrend of Bermuda's external image that the PLP is doing a GREAT JOB!

So all of this is a result of the PLP’s work. Denis, you have much to learn. Here are a few reasons why. The one thing is education. Back in the UBP’s day, they closed down a technical school that was training young, black Bermudian’s to be successful carpenters, plumbers, masons, electricians, etc. I ask you Denis, do you know how to do any of the above? I know I don’t, but if a school like that existed, I probably would… and so would many other young black males… This was not intentional, it was by design. In addition, by creating CedarBridge Academy, they were not making things better. I will elaborate on this if anyone needs me to.

Denis says:
How much has the PLP actually done to improve the race issue rather then bring focus to it?

Like I told Limey in another topic, if you do not think that the PLP has been trying to correct the unfortunate imperfections of past governments in addition to trying to move ahead, I suggest you read the reports on their first 100 and 500 days in office. But I guess from all that research you’ve been doing, u probably read that already, right? (I hope u r sensing the sarcasm)

Denis says:
My black cousins are discouraged from even persuing opportunities because they assume that they will be turned away due to their color.

And this is the PLP’s fault? If anything, they should see that with determination, they can overcome many of the obstacles that are in front of them to be at the top of the country. I know that institutionalized racism exists, and so do your cousins… and so does Dr. Grant Gibbons, your party leader (I’m assuming you voted UBP, correct me if I’m wrong).

Denis says:
The PLP talked about targeting "black" tourists from our mother africa as a major promotion to boost the islands tourism… Black african's who can barely afford to eat on a large scale want to come and see how well their decendants are doing on this rich little island?

Are you even thinking??? It is evident that you missed the point. They were not targeting poor African’s, they were targeting middle class and wealthy African’s… it’s the same thing that they do for other market segments in North America and Europe.

Denis says:
We want to do something for blacks? Let's gather up a bunch of the youth we see sitting on the walls bored talking about no opportunity and SEND THEM to Africa.

Denis, oh yes, the great slave-master mentality… “oh you think ur getting a raw deal? U should see how those slaves over there are living.” I do feel that black Bermudians are not taking advantage of all the opportunities available, but I also agree that it is not entirely their fault.

Denis says:
As my black Canadian friend likes to tell me - "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail".
Yes Denis, we know this. The PLP knows this… just because the PLP stopped short of slapping you in the face with this does not mean that they did not have a plan… DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!

[Onion on 08.07.05 at 16:39]

Tired of Politics,

I stated that you seem to live in la la land because you seem incapable of finding any fault in the UBP. That is not helpful to this debate.

Your comment about not ever hearing your white colleagues talk one another down in terms of race and about how you hear blacks calling one another the n word was selective.

As regards your analogy about the ex girlfriend, I agree no man should be angry with his girlfriend simply because his last one cheated on him. But if the present girlfriend still has cheating tendencies then he has a right to be concerned.

Yes, I want to move forward too. But Bermuda's history is built on racial division. It baffles me that some of you think the world is a box of chocolates now just because in 1998 the UBP got a wake-up call. The establishment took care of itself for generations. Things do not change overnight and there is still unfinished business. Persons who never got an opportunity for promotion, companies that were NEVER considered for contracts, law firms, accounting firms photographers, contractors - u name it - all deserve to be given equal consideration (something that they never received before).

Evening out the playing field is not racist (so long as it is done properly).

During the old regime I would be interested to know how many times you stood up for equal rights and an end to institutionalised racism. Did you ever complain about corruption in the UBP? Did you ever complain about the biased daily newspaper? Did you ever complain that Saltus and BHS had no black teachers for many years? Did you ever complain that Conyers Dill & Pearman only had one black partner for years (depsite the enormous amount of black lawyers) and AS&K was not much better (in fact they still have a poor record)?

But now the UBP is in the Opposition people like you have developed a social consciousness. I don't think Christian Dunleavy ever even wrote a letter to the editor prior to 1998. His excuse was that he was away in school. Well some of us have been politically and socially conscious for years.

The knife was put in our back and because it has been pulled out half way you want us to jump for joy. If I scream or yelp, I'm being offensive to you.

Limey just stated that what he wrote was an "opinion" piece. It was just how he felt. Well I find that very interesting because if all blacks were to say what they "feel" I'm sure all of you would be crying bloody murder. I thought the whole idea was to do away with allowing ourselves to be guided by "feelings" and make logical sense.

Dr. Brown's comment was so significant it led Limey to "feel" compelled to write what was clearly a very emotional piece. It portrayed about how he felt. Fair enough. But on the other hand, we are not allowed to show our feelings. Then we'd be accused of being too emotional, playing the race card, having a chip etc etc. And we have more than just the odd comment of a debutant politician to get our blood boiling.

I am also sick of race politics. But we canot move on until we agree to accept our fair share of blame - blacks and whites, PLP and UBP.

[Smiths on 08.07.05 at 16:46]

Question:

"I think that the PLP won because Bermudians realized the UBP were not living up to their promises…"

You are probably right...but don't you just get tired of the PLP maintaining the status quo?

As someone said in a letter to the RG recently..."Mr Scott...we put you in...and we can take you out".

Couldn't happen soon enough - and to a nicer fella!

[Onion on 08.07.05 at 16:48]

And for the record Tired of Politics, if you read above I have listed many things I would like to see changed in the mentality of the PLP.

Why don't you do the same for UBP?

[question on 08.07.05 at 17:01]

Smiths,

what exactly is it that you do not like about Premier Scott?

[Smiths on 08.07.05 at 17:14]

Exactly the same reasons I dislike Grant Gibbons.

Both have historically mislead the electorate and their respective membership. And PLEASE...don't call it electioneering.

The single difference between the two is that Gibbons is not a lightweight intellectually or politically.

[Full Fullish on 08.07.05 at 17:27]

Oh my lord....You know what, I have lived my life to be fair and treat everyone as equals, however I can only speak for MYself and MY actions. It is only that, that I can take responsibility for. This being said, it is all anyone can ask for of anyone else. While I fully acknowledge that wrongs were commited in the past, at what point do you suggest that we move forward from this. This movement should start with our "So Called Leaders". Race should have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with politics in a democratic society, and I'm speaking about both UBP previous tactics and current PLP ones.

Sure people who were wrong should feel angry about it, yell about it. But keep it the hell out of politics. Onion, you said yourself it was history. At least it can be said that the UBP are attempting to make ammends for the past, however people like yourself just won't let them. Did you ever once consider that sometimes things do change and it's time to let go of the old hates, instead of holding them as a grudge and constantly playing them forward to the next generation, and then the next? It's view points like this which constantly fan the flames of racial conflict and turmoil. It's viewpoints like this that ultimately undermine a society. It's also viewpoints like this that remind me of the same thing we're discussing, except now the shoe is on the other foot, is that what you want? Revenge?

As for your last comment of accepting the fair share of the blame, while I accept what happened before my lifetime, or before I was old enough to do anything about it as wrong (We can all look at history and judge what was wrong or right), I refuse to take on the unspoken flogging that you and some others with to dish out from the past, which I and most of my generation had absolutely nothing to do with. Sorry bub, not going to happen with me at least. All I'm going to do is offer to treat you and everyone else exactly how I expect to be teated, equally.

No I'm not an avid UBP supporter, however with the PLP constantly playing the race card, they are completly alienating the white voters. Comments such as "People that look like me" and many others, all that does is cause even more racial tension. Mind you with whites being the minority, maybe they just don't care what they say now that they are in power. Harsh statement, true, however from the outlandish comments that they come up with, what else can it be? It shows a certain type of desperation when a party has to resort to underhanded tactics to rally a vote. It's also pretty insulting to the people who's vote they are trying to get. It's a political form of Slieght of hand to take attention away from where it really should lie. It's cheap and it's dirty. And none of us should put up with it any more.

A bit of a rant, I know. I just wish we could move past this.