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US a fusion of all cultures and colours

In a very pertinent front-page editorial covering the full spectrum of Barack Obama’s victory in the US presidential elections entitled, “Obama overcomes barriers of time and cultures” (Nov 6), H. K. Dua has effectively brought out the relevance of the change. Indeed, this election can be a turning point for the world.

The economic crisis may have partly influenced the election results, but according to some influential Americans with whom I am in touch, it is the force of new generation that has generated the new wave of change breaking down the barriers of colour or race.

Earlier, the US was a mosaic pattern in which all colours and diverse origins were accepted to co-exist with prominence to some class or race. Mental block of discrimination still lingered. The Obama win has now changed the complexion. The US can now be considered as truly a fusion of all cultures and colours. Today the US stands tall not merely for the military or economic power but for its path-breaking leadership in human dignity and development.

RAJENDRA K. SABOO, Chandigarh

II

Obama represents the young. Why can’t we too have such young leaders in top positions? Our leaders are very old. Our democracy too is different from the US. Will some one tell our politicians how the leaders conducted themselves in the US and other countries?

Consider how politicians in the US treat each other. How they make themselves available to attend to the people’s queries on matters of local and international concern. The extent of cooperation between the two rivals for the sake of the US’ welfare is amazing. In India, however, leaders of the ruling party and the Opposition address each other through the media.

RAJENDRA KUMAR SINGHAL, Ghaziabad

III

In a country that coined the term “lynching” for extra-judicial murder of Blacks and poor Whites, Obama made history after being elected as the US’ first African-American President.

Putting an African American in the White House is a staggering achievement for America where millions of voters chose this year to look at the person, not his race. The world would like to see how America would reposition itself.

M. MEGHA, Bradford (UK)

IV

Everyone has welcomed Obama’s victory as the next US President which he richly deserved. Fortunately, America did not witness rigging and glitches of voting machines as in 1960 and purging of supporters of Obama from the voting lists as in the last two elections.

Obama’s success will afford the US an opportunity to repair the colossal damage to its image. This is not to suggest that Obama will bring fundamental changes in the American foreign policy as can be surmised from his speeches. We hope the Indo-US relations will be strengthened during his regime.

We hope he will succeed to bring out the US from the quagmire in which the Bush Administration has pushed the country. Otherwise, the blame will be at the doorsteps of the Democrats.

Lt-Col CHANAN SINGH DHILLON (retd), Ludhiana

V

With the collapse of the world’s most powerful economy, people losing jobs and houses in the US, Americans have really shown their faith in electing Obama as their next President. The present change with the first Black US President is a big challenge.

India must try to strengthen its strategic partnership under the Obama dispensation. Let’s see how he creates a stronger identity to maintain the world economy and overcome the current problems and global challenges from various aspects. Obama will hopefully strive for a better economy and better tomorrow.

HARPREET SANDHU, Ludhiana

No medicines for pensioners The railway medical authorities in Amritsar have stopped for the second time local purchase (LP) of life-saving and other essential medicines for senior citizen retirees covered under the RELH scheme, which is offered on payment. This is not only a flagrant violation of the rules and agreement under the scheme, but brazen denial of the citizens’ right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. What is the use of the profits boastfully claimed by the Railway Minister if pensioners have to suffer and struggle in the evening of their life? The RELH scheme was extended last year without the administration creating matching infrastructure, funds and facilities. It now looks like a populist gimmick. Unfortunately, the regular medicine supplies to the Railways is in a bad shape. The Railway Minister, the Chairman Railway Board and other top officials should intervene and do justice to pensioners. B.M. SINGH, Amritsar