Dear Source:
Nowhere in my response will you find the word racism, bigotry or colonialism, these are words used by Ms. Clarke not by me.
Ms. Clarke, you do in fact make derogatory, negative generalizations about the local voting population. Your words are not prefaced by," In my opinion," they are stated as facts. These words are there for all to see. You start your letter by saying you are playing the Devil's advocate. That alone sets us up for the negativity to come. All-inclusive generalizations are bound to offend some one. Your statement," the local population in general has in years past been swayed by the biggest fish fry," is offensive to many locals. Is that the part where you are playing the Devil's advocate, or is that your commentary on the VI electoral system? When you say, "that segment of the population which has always voted via fish fry and food sale," it is a sweeping assumption with no basis in fact. Again, Ms Clarke, who has ever come to you and said, I'm voting for the candidate who gives the biggest fish fry? Help put and end to that stereotypical myth, by not spreading it further. You do imply that only the "new segment of the population is genuinely concerned with valid responses to valid questions." These statements only further offend and divide.
In the US Virgin Islands we are all free to express our opinions regardless of race, creed, or color. Generalizations are non productive to an open sharing of ideas. It is imperative we come together for a positive, universal agenda: the Quality of Life in our islands. Let us begin to engage in open, non-confrontational dialogue where we respect each others view points even if we don't agree. Let's state these viewpoints as our opinions unless we know them to be factual. Let's leave the Devil and his advocates out of this.
Hopefully we will all get out and vote for the candidates of our choice, for what ever our reasons. See you at the polls Ms. Clarke.
FYI: I did not title my response "Anna Clarkes' fish fry letter". That was done by the Source.
Lenyse Shomo
St. Thomas
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.
