Too many Black people have been subconsciously conditioned and continue to perpetuate the notion that "White is right," as now in the case of Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton who are jockeying for the presidency. Maybe it’s the "Willie Lynch" syndrome – whereby blacks from slavery were taught to distrust each other – and only believe in their masters. It was an effective way to control slaves and this has kept blacks divided for generations.

Often times, many African-Americans vote against their own interest. They will shout "Black Power" and "Equal Rights," then when a qualified black man steps up to the plate, they want to pull the rug from under him and say he is either not qualified or not black enough. If Oprah were running for president, they would say "she's not black enough" either.

As the Presidential elections gather steam and the race for the White House intensifies, Americans are being excited by the various promises made by the candidates. As difficult as it is to learn their real positions on topics such as immigration, welfare reform, taxes and the war in Iraq, it appears that the current field of candidates has managed to create some interest and as a result has motivated voters to turn out in record numbers in Iowa and New Hampshire.

It is encouraging that Caribbean-Americans are as enthralled and are paying close attention to the process. Many are now learning how the process works, the difference between a caucus and a primary; how party delegates are chosen for the national convention and more than ever, the importance of voting in this selective process.

The first week in January, the beginning of a new year and the end of the old is a time when most people reflect on the past year and make some evaluation on accomplishments or failures as a gauge to achieving their goals. It is also a time when new goals, popularly called New Year's Resolutions, are set. Somehow the slate is cleaned and a new set of goals are established for the New Year.

Topping the list is the resolution to lose weight, maybe guilt from all the overeating during the period between Thanksgiving and the end of the year is the cause for this. Those that make a living from selling diets, gym membership and other weight loss paraphernalia jump on the bandwagon and seize this opportunity to promote their services or products and make a bundle. Most research reveal that very few adhere to this resolution and so by mid-February they are back to their old habits of eating poorly and not exercising, so we continue to be a nation with a very high rate of obesity and all the other diseases caused by being overweight.