Caribbean-American community as never before. Over the past few weeks wherever Caribbean people gather, the conversation invariably shifts to the presidential primaries taking place in several states. Fueling increased interest in politics is the fierce competition between the leading Democratic contenders for that party’s nomination, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

However, despite the passion being displayed within the Caribbean community, there are indications that a large percentage of this community is not eligible to vote. To make a meaningful contribution to the political process, one has to be eligible to vote, and use that vote as well.

Of course, only people who are American citizens have the opportunity and the right to vote – a right which Black people were given 45 years ago after years of bitter struggle, humiliation, and deprivation. Voting rights must never been taken for granted. But, there are thousands of legal permanent residents in the community, residing in the U.S. consistently for over 5 years, without criminal records, who have still not applied for citizenship. There are two reasons for this. One is that there is an unbelievable sense of apathy. Some people have no interest in becoming citizens once they can travel freely to and from the Caribbean, hold a job in the U.S. and enjoy the fruits of the American lifestyle. The other reason is ignorance. There are still Caribbean people who believe that if they become citizens of the U.S. they have to give up the citizenship of their country of birth. This is just not true. Most Caribbean countries allow for dual citizenship.

Credit should always be given where it is due, and, accordingly, U.S. Congressional leaders – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Republican Leader John A. Boehner, along with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson must be commended for responding in record time in reaching a deal on tax rebates that is favorable with President Bush.

It was only on Monday that President Bush proposed a $145 billion stimulus package including tax rebates of $800 - $1,600, but which would have left some 30 million working households, not earning enough to pay income tax without a cent. The Congressional leaders reacted quickly to Bush’s proposal and early Thursday morning announced a $150 billion stimulus package that would provide rebates of $600 to individuals, $1,200 to working couples; $1,200, and an additional $300 per child to couples with children.

A significant change to the president’s plan is that workers who earn at least $3,000 annually, but not enough to pay taxes, will receive a $300 rebate. In addition to the tax rebates to individuals and families, estimated to cost $100 billion, business would receive $50 billion in tax cuts.

The theory behind both the president’s and Congressional leaders’ proposals is that the cash rebates will generate quick spending which would jump start the economy. However, the initiative will not be enough to stimulate America’s economic recovery and prevent the encroaching recession.

Martin Luther King would have celebrated his 79^th birthday on January 15. However, 40 years ago on April 4, 1968 he was assassinated and America lost its most renowned civil rights leader. It is a pity that although America has come a long way since that fateful day, and although he was responsible for many of the rights that Black people in America now take for granted, his name is caught up in the bitterness of the 2008 Democratic presidential campaign.

King became involved in the struggle for the civil rights of Black Americans in 1955, when as the pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, and a member of the executive committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) he led the first major Negro non-violent demonstration. This was the bus boycott against segregation on buses in America that required Blacks to sit in the back of busses, and given national attention when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. That demonstration lasted 382 days, ending on December 21, 1956 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation on buses was unconstitutional.

The days of the boycott were not easy days for King, who was arrested, threatened, came under surveillance from the FBI, and even had his house bomb. However, he emerged as America’s foremost Black leader. In 1957, after being elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, he took on the quest for improvements in the civil rights of Black Americans in earnest, leading marches, giving major speeches, negotiating with presidents and high officials which resulted in President Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act in 1964.

Politics in the United States is currently buzzing with the word “change.” The appeal for change, started by Democratic candidate Barack Obama, is now being used by almost every candidate competing for their party’s nomination for the November presidential elections.

As the call for change in America becomes louder it brings to mind former Jamaican Prime Minister, Michael Manley, who in the mid 1970’s spoke of, and wrote a book about “The Politics of Change.” According to Manley there are three approaches to the quest for political power. First, there are those who seek political power for power’s sake, others see power as an instrument to bring about minor adjustments in the society and there are those, like Obama, who seek to bring about fundamental change in existing societies.

The latter, Manley referred to as idealists who reject existing social relationships to construct a model as to what they perceive the new society should be. Such politicians are often feared because they seriously threaten the status quo that most people in the establishment prefer to hang on to versus implementing the politics of change.

We defer with Manley, that it is idealistic politicians who seek fundamental change in the society. For example, in today’s America fundamental change is needed because the America where one could realize the American dream no longer exists. Now, here comes Barack Obama, who has studied the American landscape and has the audacity to seek to bring about serious change in this country. Without doubt, the establishment fears this man, because of his confidence and his determination to mobilize change, especially as the other politicians in the political race for the presidency have begun to call for change as well. But, while Obama cry for change seems genuinely serious, theirs seem like more of a political slogan.

It’s a New Year and with it comes new hopes, opportunities and challenges. It is no secret that several people in our community could hardly wait for 2007 to become history, because for them, it was a difficult year. But as we embark on the journey into 2008 we should look at some of the lessons that 2007 has taught us.

As the year drew to an end, shortly after the messages of joy and peace expressed over Christmas, the world was shocked and saddened by the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan. Ever since Mrs. Bhutto returned to Pakistan to contest the upcoming general elections, seeking her third term after eight years of exile, her life was in danger. In fact, quite a few people believe that she should not have returned to Pakistan, and definitely not to active politics, as her assassination was a strong possibility. But Mrs. Bhutto, although fully cognizant of the dangers she faced, was undeterred. She was totally and passionately committed to restoring democracy to her country. Fear did not dissuade this commitment.

Bhutto’s unfortunate death leaves a clear message that irrespective of the dangerous odds, those who are committed to their respective causes and goals should relentlessly pursue them. To the uncommitted, such dedication may seem reckless, but risks are a very real part of life, and if we allow risks to prevent us from meeting our goals, we will hardly overcome any challenge.

Another lesson that 2007 taught us was self-confidence, as exemplified by Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Although relatively inexperienced, and a Black man, Obama entered the race with determined to be a serious candidate, focused on being the first Black president of the United States. His intent was never to be simply the token Black candidate. So far, nothing has deterred him, not even the criticism from his own race, many of whom believe that America would never select a Black president. Today, he seriously poised to be nominated as the Democratic candidate, especially with his winning the Iowa Caucus, against main rival Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. Last year, as we watched him campaign, we saw his confidence surge. Obama has ignored the negative arguments against his campaign, and it is now possible that he could really be the Democratic representative in the general elections in November.