June 21, 2012Dear Sir,This is a pivotal time in Bermuda’s political history. There is an election coming that has the potential to bring real change to our political discourse. For too long we have been separated by our skin colour. Our political allegiances have been dominated by that one factor. On this Island, we have not yet realised Martin Luther King’s dream that people will “not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character”. It is a dream that is valid for Bermuda, even though it was expressed in the context of the United States. We are on the verge of realising that dream. We must not let this opportunity pass us by. Our short political history, since the advent of party politics, has had us responding to a stunted political dialogue, one that for many had the United Bermuda Party representing the oppression of blacks and the Progressive Labour Party representing their emancipation. Because of this one overriding paradigm, Bermudians have been unable to engage in a debate purely about issues and ideas.The UBP died because of that structure, as will the PLP if they hold onto their old ideas, because a new age is dawning at last. The One Bermuda Alliance, Bermuda’s most diverse party, was formed to lead Bermuda into this new age. This party was founded on seven transcendent principles — Opportunity, Responsibility, Integrity, Transparency, Fairness, Inclusiveness and Service. These are the qualities that make up character. They are what Martin Luther King had in mind. These principles are what all people, regardless of colour, desire for themselves and their political leaders.It will be ideas born of Transparency, Fairness and Inclusiveness, such as the OBA proposal to appoint a Contractor General to oversee all government contracts and consultancies, that will bring necessary change to Bermuda. After years of abuse, many voters will have the opportunity to reject the cronyism that has marred the recent past. They will have the opportunity to say it doesn’t have to be this way, that we can change things for the better. This is the great hope for our blessed Island. Now is the time to be engaged. Don’t let the cynics and manipulators mislead. Some PLP diehards keep insisting the OBA is the old UBP. Of course, this is what they say to keep Bermudians locked in the past for the sake of keeping power. Their hope is that Bermudians will never be freed from the political shackles of the past. Their hope is that the day will never come when elections are decided by better ideas and solutions. Bermudians are an extraordinary people. We have always triumphed over obstacles through resourcefulness, hard work and determination. So let’s be confident about the future. It will not be easy as we must be honest, open minded and willing to change. But if we are, then Martin Luther King’s dream will come to pass and we will enjoy governance by men and women of character, in One Bermuda.SCOTT STEWARTOBA candidateConstituency 15, –Pembroke East