the relationship of most Bermudians -- of whatever colour -- to their fellow citizens and their Country, if their Country is to have a future at all.

What he suggests is "a passionate reminder to a multiethnic democracy that human dignity, not banal notions of cultural identity, is the source of enduring civic and personal esteem''.

As we see it, human dignity is based on respect, respect for an individual or a group's civil rights and for their beliefs, be they religious or political beliefs. Once people are respected they have the dignity which goes with respect..."I disagree but I defend your right to your views''. That is respect.

In Bermuda we seem to do quite well in the area of respect for people's choice of religious faith. There are a very large number of religious denominations in Bermuda for such a small place and generally there is freedom of choice.

That is not to say that within religions there is respect for all denominations because there is strong prejudice against some denominations and the letters on our religion pages demonstrate that every week. The "religious right'' is prone to attacks on more established religions and the fundamentalist churches have a lack of respect for individuals. But the fact remains that the people are free to choose their religion and in free choice there is dignity.

Bermuda does not do so well where political beliefs are concerned. Far too often there is a lack of respect for people's political opinions and their beliefs. It is not unusual for people to attempt to destroy a person's reputation, to destroy their dignity and even their livelihood because they disagree with that person's views. There is no concept or understanding of "I disagree but I defend your right to say it'' and without that there cannot be dignity or democracy.

Very often the people doing the destroying are very closely involved in the politics of a political party and find it difficult to disagree without being vindictive. They exercise the behaviour of the bully because they find it easier to lash out than to reason. People who are made to pay dearly for their views do not live in a democracy.

Those same politicians react with anger when they are similarly attacked and they are not above using the privilege they have in Parliament to protect themselves from legal consequences.

Until we can learn to treat every Bermudian with dignity and to respect their democratic rights, we are not an adult society. Until we learn to emphasise the things we have in common rather than punishing each other for our differences, we are not individual adults. Until each person can take human dignity for granted we will remain a Country of divided ethnic groups and political factions fighting with ourselves over minor matters to the point of self-defeat.