Op-Eds Show Support For Obama in the Carribbean Community

by Charles Bernard Rangel

OP-EDS SHOW SUPPORT FOR OBAMA IN THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY

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HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

OF NEW YORK

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce three Opinion Editorials from the New York CaribNews that reflect the unprecedented special excitement that the nomination of Barack Obama for President has caused in our Caribbean community in New York. CaribNews is a New York based publication that serves as the voice of the Caribbean community.

The editorials, all published in the June 17, 2008 publication, are entitled: "Propelled by the Wind of Change Democrats Choose Obama: What an Excellent Choice to Lead the Party Into Race for the White House," "Obama and the Deepening of American Democracy," and "Caribbean Hearts are Swelling with Pride as Obama's Victory Sinks In."

The editorials all reflect a great exhilaration for Obama's candidacy within the New York Caribbean community. Each piece points out how extraordinary the results are of this historical primary and the reactions of Caribbean Americans. One of the pieces quotes a Caribbean- American who said, "[Obama] comes across as a people person with whom we can relate." Another Jamaican-American woman said, "What a pity the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. isn't around to see this."

One editorial summarizes the consensus among the Caribbean community the best; "Barack Obama has beckoned a new generation to the noble task of remaking America and remaking the world. He has brought millions of new voters into the electoral process." But, the Caribbean community has not forgotten about Hillary Clinton and the socio- political significance of her campaign. There is a general belief that she is an important part of the new era of the Democratic Party and also represents the new direction this country is taking on race and gender equality.

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