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Friday, March 29, 2024
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Deciding on the Next Governor of the Virgin Islands

Dear Source:
For me, in our current state of affairs, any Candidate and /or their representatives waste time talking about someone else’s record and they have no more to offer than a bullet point by point brochure platform that a high school student can compose, they’re just using this as an opportunity to lobbying for a high paying government position after the elections.
Worst yet, those supporters and the representatives of those campaigning, before some of them wait for a response they are ready to attack your opinion, on top of being misinformed or disingenuous.
Technology reaches way beyond our community, and the World is listening and watching. My maternal grandmother, who was told by her grandmother, of the Cherokee Nation, if you want to know how others will treat you, look to how they treat their own.
The attacking approach to campaigning, as a kid, I remember the saying, "Never Let Them See You Sweat."
Listening to some of the ads and reading some blog responses, some of these Candidates are not only sounding as if they are sweating, but crying out trying to appeal to the uninformed.
Indebted? Who is more indebted to their supporters, than an Unsuccessful Campaigner?
To assert that the citizens of the Virgin Islands, who voted in 9 elections for the Delegate’s 18 year term were somehow confused, I find to be condescending.
And, that all who voted in the Democratic primaries voted against, rather than for their choice, is wishful thinking. History shows that the Democratic Party will unite.
Sleeping on the job was a cheap attempt to insinuate a lack of stamina, studies are showing that Power Napping has a great deal of benefits for rejuvenation when tired, our Delegate tries to be everywhere trying to support everyone.
Now that Election Day is just weeks away, candidates are trying to edited their approach addressing the same issues that our Delegate, as only a lobbyist, has been on the frontline undertaking for 18 years.
Which Candidate is more international than our Delegate with 18 yrs. of valuable contacts and who is well respected and connected to the DC government power brokers?
The chauvinist responses that they cannot vote for a woman, she especially isn’t strong enough, to that there is a woman that feels the opposite, and women out number male registered voters. This is not to assume that all women will vote for her.
Not strong enough, I look at her ability to endure the disparaging and racist climate that existed in the States, during the 60’s and 70’s, to earn her Medical Doctor’s Degree and to have the strength of conviction, as a Physician, to make life and death decisions.
But, most of all to remain civil in the face of disrespect.
I see the Delegate being more empowering to the youth and serving as a role model, especially for young women, who often times are burden with the raising of the children and caring for aging parents.
Once the Youth realize how much power they have with their Vote, things will change. I am not sure if it will be for the better, "The more things change, the more things remains the same."
Could it be like the Elders say, "Coming home to roost?"
What a better way to end a public service career, after all that has been learned, than to make Home prosperous and safe for herself, her children, her grandchildren, her family, her friends and her entire Virgin Islands community.
We have to also ask ourselves, "Which Candidate will be the best mentor and sponsor for our next Delegate to Congress, and which will create a synergy between both offices for the Virgin Islands?"
Ivan Butcher II, Registered Voter, U.S. Virgin Islands

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