WITH TIME RUNNING OUT and Hillary pressing hard to gain the coveted prize of the Democrats' choice as presidential nominee, the events of past days couldn't have come at a worse time for Barack Obama who still articulates his belief that he can bring a wind of change to America.

What occurred over recent days, however, proves that change will not come easily and there are those who are prepared to do whatever they can to see that the status quo is not disturbed. Obama has been doing his best to take the high ground above the slime which is prevalent in politics in the USA as elsewhere. He has tried to steer clear of the race issue, but he's either innocent or extremely naïve. Innocence went through the window last weekend as he was ambushed and almost laid low, not for what he did, but for someone else's perceived shortcomings.

His latest trial began when Rev Jeremiah Wright, his former spiritual mentor and friend, addressed the anniversary dinner of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) in Philadelphia last Saturday night. By Sunday afternoon, CNN decided to replay the speech in its entirety. I happened to have been watching when the broadcast began. It didn't take me long to wonder at the importance CNN was placing on the event. After all, Wright was no favourite of theirs. The cynic in me asked, why rearrange a whole evening's programme on international television to accommodate it? Why was it being given such prominence? As the evening wore on and the speech churned on and on, the motive became clearer.

CNN and its analysts clearly felt that they'd got Rev Wright where they wanted him. He was not crying nor was he humbling himself as some seem to have expected after his break with Obama some weeks ago. Instead, there he was, bold and brash, standing there with an audience of some 10,000 applauding him. Time to take him down. What was Obama saying about that? If he didn't say anything, then he must still be on Jeremiah's side.

It didn't matter that Obama had not been at the NAACP event nor was any evidence adduced to show that he had been in touch with or had influenced the content of Wright's speech. Show me your friends and I will show who you are. Little by little, Obama's name was drawn in and doubts raised. Why hadn't he squashed Wright and put an end to his uppitiness?

Had Obama really freed himself of Wright's influence? What if he hadn't? Is this the kind of person America wants to lead it, a man who doesn't even wear an American flag-pin in his lapel, who was friends with a kook passing off himself as a theologian? CNN pounded in the nails all Sunday night.
BY MONDAY MORNING, Rev Wright was in Washington to speak at the National Press Club on the topic of black theology. Nobody could delude themselves that theology was what the press corps came out to hear. Once again, Wright's performance was carried live on TV. Once again, he gave out outrageous and provocative utterances. Obama was nowhere in sight, but the stage was set to link him with Wright.

The Rev Jeremiah fielded questions, most of which ranged from insolent to inane. As he gave each question short shrift, the audience laughed, cheered and even jeered as he used sarcasm and attitude to dismiss the foolishness put to him. By afternoon, the media barrage against him was in full force. The analysts went into battle mode. "Whatta jerk, whatta kook. Why isn't Obama denouncing him? If he does, we'd better see some anger this time. Obama had better be angry."

By Tuesday, the hunting dogs had brought down the prey. Before the day was out, Obama was angry enough to put aside campaigning to try and salvage his name. He put on a tough face, assuring the media and voters that Wright didn't speak for him. Leave me alone, he as much as said.
Now that he has denied his former friend, will the blood-letting cease? Will he be allowed to regain focus for the campaign trail? Will he be able to move forward now to the goal? The analysts haven't let up. Fox has joined CNN in the sniping. Even "Lady Hillary," smelling blood, has unsheathed her little claws. Obama's ratings have dropped.

Some of my friends say they were not the least bit surprised. They have been convinced from the beginning that "the System" was not going to allow "a coloured fellow" to get to the top. Some say that in the old days, he'd have paid with his life already. Some say, thank God, this ain't the old days, but we do recognise that there are many ways of taking a life. Will Obama make it to the end of the race? Only Time will tell - and he, we know, has a way of not talking till he's good and ready.

Americans mightn't know the phrase, "Cyaan ketch Quackoo, yuh ketch him shut", but they should have no difficulty with this one: "Use Wright's fat to fry Obama".

SO - WE'RE TO HAVE a rice industry after all - says the minister of agriculture. Meanwhile, the invitation for readers to share memories of rice-growing days has reaped rich returns. Here's one. Look out for another, next week, same time:

"During my childhood, Uncle Lloyd Goldson, who lived at 53 Old Harbour Road, grew rice on his extensive property. There was also a processing plant of some sort (possibly the mill) in the heart of Spanish Town. My aunt Laura Goldson has reminded me that the rice mill was near the railway station in Spanish Town. It was owned by one Aston Chin.
"This is my memory... I remember us children trampling in the muddy rice fields and "skating" down the mounds of rice at Uncle Lloyd's home before it was taken to the mill. Indeed, at a Christmas or New Year's Day gathering of family and friends at Old Harbour Road, I lost one brand new, black patent leather shoe after marching with some other kids through the rice field. My awareness of my predicament came only when we tried to wash off the evidence before our parents saw us and found out that my Christmas present had been destroyed.

"I eventually found the lost shoe after persuading the other kids to accompany me to the muddy field to retrieve it." Revd RUTH ANNE GOLDSON, Spanish Town
VOICE FROM THE MAILBOX: "Why have so many pastors/ministers/ priests/bishops suddenly lost their voices following the government's decision to sanctify and bless casino? Could it be that they're downcast that after years of prayer, nought availeth? Anyway, give thanks for the few brave souls who have had the courage to speak out. And, by the way, what do you think will happen when the politicians turn up to claim their front seats and pose with the hymn books for the benefit of the news cameras, as they launch Poppyshow Week or Week for the Weak - you know what I mean. This country nuh easy, yuh know." Signed, BACKBENCHER.

- gloudonb@yahoo.com

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