America, redeemed

America has finally redeemed itself and legitimised its African-American citizens. The US once more stands tall as the leading light at the democratic high table.

America has finally redeemed itself and legitimised its African-American citizens. The US once more stands tall as the leading light at the democratic high table. Martin Luther King Jr lives in Barack Obama, as America has come to a moment in its history when men are no longer judged by the colour of their skin. If Obama fulfils the rest of his promise, relations between India and the US will come out of the strategic and economic box and hit a new social and intellectual high note too.

8212;B.K. Chatterjee, Faridabad

Learning from them

One had the rare opportunity to listen to two good speeches back to back. John McCain was gracious in accepting defeat and Barack Obama8217;s victory speech was inspiring. At a time when the people of this country are being reduced to their regional, linguistic and communal identities, with the gradual fading of the umbrella national identity, it is for every one of us to take a cue from the message of those two speeches to inspire ourselves and relive the dream of our own founding fathers.nbsp;

8212;C.S. Jacob, Nerul

Playing hardball

Putting in their papers has become the latest fad of MLAs and MPs of ruling allies. Such tactics of blackmail do more harm than good. It all started with the DMK MPs over the LTTE issue. Now Lalu Prasad and Ram Vilas Paswan must do the same over the MNS violence. The UPA coalition once more has its hands tied in a manner that can only hamper national administration and development. The time has come to examine the electoral system to ensure that a Central ruling coalition doesn8217;t remain at the mercy of smaller parties.

8212;Deepak Chikramane, Mumbainbsp;

Something to retire by

Wise men retire under two circumstances. First, when they are at the peak of their career. Second, when they are certain that a successor has arrived.

The cricketing world is full of such examples: Steve Waugh, Glen McGrath, Adam Gilchrist retired at their peaks and Anil Kumble retired after ascertaining that he had a successor. Unfortunately, politics is no sports and our politicians are seldom as wise and dignified as these cricketers. The country pays for their folly and worthy successors get nipped in the bud.

8212;Rajeev Kumar, New Delhi