Would the reverse then not apply in SA? Given that nowadays, Blacks hold the most powerful positions in this country, and legislation subordinates whites, surely it then stands to reason that whites in SA are, accordingly, not capable of racism?

Q.E.D.

Few soft leftists even know that the Iraqi Communist Party (a viciously persecuted survivor of the “hard” left, if ever there was one), welcomed the U.S. invasion. And if he had to choose, you can be sure that your soft lefty would have sided with Saddam against both the US and the Iraqi communists.

I agree of course that the US cannot (and should not) stay in Iraq forever. But it irritates me that Obama should make a promise that he knows very well he cannot keep – that he will withdraw in 16 months. Yes, I know all politicians lie. But doesn’t Obama ask to be held to a higher standard?

I’m interested in Michael’s comments about a ‘soft left’. I would like for you to define exactly what you mean by a soft left Michael, do you imply that there’s another left?

The left has often unfairly criticised the US and defends countries and dictators with terrible human rights records.

The election of Obama will show clearly that while the US is no angel, it has been a major force for stability, openness and good in the world as well.

In the UK there’s actually a new left movement under way that tries to bring thle left back to its core values. Just google ‘The euston manifesto’ and you’ll get a very interesting document.

I agree with Michael that Obama might disappoint the ‘soft left’ on some issues. I agree that the US for instance should not so blindly endorse Israel, because its stopping Israel from having to take difficult decisions which they must make if they were to secure a future in the long run.

However, just like Obama might disappoint ‘soft’ lefties re Iraq, he might disappoint right wingers that think he wont come round to the two state solution with a divided Jerusalem.

Obama has to say what he is saying now. He is a black candidate, and it puts him at an disadvanatge in a country where just 10% of the population is balck.

And with swing states like Florida having a 5% jewish population he does not need various pro Israel lobby groups ganging up on him now.

Bush after all went into his first election as the face of compassionate conservatism. Don’t expect Obama not to change his tune as well.

You might well be correct re Iraq. Obama might well want to stay longer. Reports are that the growing peace in the country is extremely fragile, the government weak and that massive sectarian violence will follow any sudden US withdrawal. Women rights in particular are bound to suffer in an environment of extreme religiousness.

But the US, facing record levels of public debt, without the high levels of international confidence in its abilities is hardly in a unassailable position to stay in Iraq even if they wanted to.

In that sense, Obama might not help increase US hegemony, but will most probably manage a more uncertain, riskier world where the US needs to cooperate, much better.

Stalin,

What do you really want? What are your ultimate plans and desires for this country? Do you want white men who are not even responsible for your pain and and anger to do something so you could forget? Most of the guys who caused your anger and bitterness is dead now or very old. Take lindelani for example: he is filled with hatred and anger and bitterness towards the white man, but he is only 24 yrs old. He knows jack about the “struggle” – i guess his parents are to blame, because when he was a kid they pumped him full of poison. (it seems he hates Xhosas too)
AA & BEE was implemented wrongly…too fast and apartheid from the “previous regime” in reverse. AA & BEE tried to heal wounds caused over 40 years in a matter of 5 years. Its not the right medicine. Dropping the hatred and bitterness (whites and blacks) is the right medicine, and the media could help, but they are controlled by bitter angry blacks now. What are we to do, to give peace a chance?