FROM the pen of the man who claimed that India desperately wanted a non-white in the White House, we now have the quite amazing claim that the election of President Obama somehow vicariously puts Africa in the highest office in the land. What utter nonsense, but why should we be surprised given Mr Catford believes China to be a better example of democracy than the UK and that India is setting the pace for the world in reducing carbon emissions.

Sadly Mr Catford promulgates the oft spoken lie that Obama's family came from Kenya, no they did not. His father came from Kenya his mother was American born and raised coming from Wichita in Kansas. Obama himself was born in Hawaii, so please can we stop referring to Obama as being African, he isn't and indeed could not be President if he was. Of note is that his father deserted the family when Obama was only two years old and returned to Kenya, so perhaps Mr Catford’s emphasis on the African side of the family is somewhat misplaced.

Barack Obama would not be able to stand for presidential office if it had not been for the simple fact that he was born on American soil - if he had been born in Kenya he would not qualify to stand for the office he now holds.

DES MORGAN Caraway Drive Swindon