Don't have much time this morning to post, but two good articles in the papers today. Firstly, from former New York Times editor Howell Raines in the UK Guardian, a very balanced article on why Kerry is currently on path to lose the US election by his muddled message, and what he should be doing to alter his course.

Secondly, an article (technically yesterday!) on News24, where Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota postulates when South Africans will cease to be black, white and coloured and just be South African. Our recent history precedes us in this matter, and infers that viewing each other within ethnic boundaries has been ingrained in our past. One wonders whether this is merely a simple altering of mindset, or whether this 'rainbow nation' view will only be able to occur when all ethnic groups believe both that they are socially comfortable and unthreatened in South Africa, and when there has been some redressment for the past.

When this will mindshift come to fruition? That's the question, because it is a central proposition for South African political parties across the spectrum, from the ruling ANC to the 'official' opposition, the DA. When will the electorate look beyond voting on traditional party ethnic blocks and look toward issues voting, and voting on delivery of services and satisfaction?