Barack Obama

Then, even the most dyed-in-the-wool Tory had to admit that radical change was desperately needed following a period of political turmoil that made their party a laughing stock.

Now, almost 12 years later, I survey the ruins of our once great country, its society shattered and economy destroyed, and have to confess that I cannot look forward to the prospect of an administration led by David Cameron with any enthusiasm whatsoever.

Irrespective of the hue of the incoming government in 2010, it is clear the problems it will face are almost insurmountable. In my opinion, it will take an entire generation before we begin to emerge from the ruins created by the Blair/Brown conspiracy.

I detect startling similarities in the atmosphere of euphoria that is accompanying Mr Obama, who seems to have acquired the status of Superman even before he makes a single important decision.

Let us hope that he has more success than New Labour.

David Lacey, Durham.

I FERVENTLY hope Barack Obama’s election will bring a fundamental shift in US foreign policy and approach in international affairs.

His inaugural address filled me with hope. We shall see before long if all the hopes he has encouraged will be the introduction to a brighter future.

To me, the election is one which fulfilled the aspirations of Martin Luther King in that great speech where he saw a future in which men and women are judged for what they do, rather than the colour of their skin.

I know the changes needed cannot be brought about overnight. I learned this when I saw the election of Nelson Mandela, in South Africa. I went there to celebrate the fact that the many who had been deprived of a vote were able to do so for the first time.

My delight over the US is that the sons and daughters of slaves have had the vote and their wishes have been accorded the same value as descendants of those who – not all that long ago – had all the say and could discriminate so cruelly against fellow human beings.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.

I CORRECTLY predicted that the Israeli attack on Gaza would not end until we were within 48 hours of Barack Obama’s inauguration (HAS, Jan 14).

As we celebrate the end of this fighting, we must not forget the war crimes committed by Israel, nor assume that the Palestinian people will forget – 1,200 people dead, including 400 children, is going to put back the cause of peace, of that there is no doubt.

However, President Obama calls for hope, so let us hope that he will be committed to bringing a just peace to Israel and Palestine. Bringing justice where there was none. Bringing equality between all the peoples of Israel and Palestine where there was none.

And bringing hope not just to the region, but to all freedomloving peoples of the world that the US will, for the first time in many years, use its enormous power and influence to further the cause of peace in the Middle East and not the evil of war.

Leslie Rowe, Richmond Green Party and Yorkshire and Humber Prospective Green Party European Candidate.

THERE is no doubt that the country – and the whole world – is in deep trouble and worsening, but Barack Obama has shown vision, restored hopes, and renewed trust and confidence in a new future for his country and the world.

He has awakened the will of his countrymen, the energy, eagerness and pride to go forward together as a united nation to a new future.

Gordon Brown has experience and energy in plenty and has got his lot working hard to survive the coming election and the dangerous times.

At least MPs will have less time for “100 per cent off”

shopping at John Lewis with our money. They and the Tories are bringing back the old brigade to add weight to their campaigning.

But where is our knight in shining armour – the man with the vision to awaken and unite us with the same sort of spirit, determination and unity?

We have no choice, but to do our best with what we have.

George Appleby, Clifton, York.