from Toronto, where I hear all kinds of racist comments against Asians (including the way they drive) and Blacks (including the rise in violent crimes). In northern Ontario, they have problems with the assertiveness of the aboriginal population (and the Indians in Ontario don't set up roadblocks nearly as much as those in B.C.). I hate to say it, but there is racism virtually everywhere. It bubbles to the surface a lot more in the USA, but it is still simmering underground in a lot of parts of Canada.

I appreciate hearing the view of others about America. I was amazed in Germany how much they are following the election and see Obama as reminiscent of JFK. They may all be in for a surprise when the swiftboat-like groups start advertising their spin on his background in the general election, but I for one think it's great that the Democratic Party has finally gotten over its own history of racism and finally is poised to nominate a Black man (even if it's half) for major office. It's like when the Academy award was finally awarded to Black actors - the dearth of Black award winners wasn't a reflection on American movie-goers, but was a reflection on the racist voting past of the academy's own members. The more these barriers are broken, the more we can actually become a color-blind society.