September 18, 2012Dear Sir,It is important not to underestimate the power the Progressive Labour Party holds over many of the voters — the power of emotion. From what I hear, long-standing PLP voters who stand to lose their livelihoods and their homes are searching their consciences trying to figure out how not to vote for the PLP. Their emotional ties to the PLP are strong and they feel that somehow their PLP candidate will find out how they voted — or some relation or other will find out. Therefore, some are saying that they’ll solve the problem by not voting at all. But, they should vote — particularly in the marginal districts — and they should vote according to what they know to be the right thing for Bermuda and their own personal futures.It needs to be explained on every door step that how one votes is secret. Nobody knows but ourselves. And, if someone has the actual temerity to ask how you voted — make something up. Look them right in the eye and tell them what they want to hear. The One Bermuda Alliance has to find a way, in all the voting districts, to make it all right to vote OBA. I’ve done my homework and I am convinced the OBA is a new, diverse and totally different political force — one that Bermuda has never seen before. But, it’s easy for me — the last time I was committed to a political party was 1989 when the National Liberal Party was on the scene. It’s easier for me to take a long, hard objective view of a new political party. It’s far more difficult for the Bermudian voter who has voted one way, election after election for all her/his voting life — almost from habit. But, this time around? The forthcoming general election is make-or-break for Bermuda. I really believe this to be true. Therefore, somehow, everyone of us has to understand exactly how important our vote is — for the long term. It’s never been more important.KATHLEEN BELLPaget