As the world celebrates the rise of Senator Barack Obama and his candicacy in the US, lets not forget the hundreds and thousands of other minority groups who are still struggling to overcome the every day chores of 'breaking' the ceiling and looking for productive work and trying to punch above their weights, especially in Europe.

Many people will tell me that we live in countries where things have moved on and the opportunities are far better, but I beg to disagree. We have made baby steps and those baby steps are only provided to the very few. We must celebrate the likes of David Lammy, UK MP. A man who is extremely talented and should be galloping through the ladders of government, but yet a junior minister. There are hundreds more though who are just as talented, but are punching away below their massive belts. In industry as in government departments, we strive but with limited opportunities to break the mould. We become dejected and disillusioned with a world that pays lip service to meritocracy. Yes, somebody will tell me that Europe is full of chances and that we all have equal opportunities, once again, I tell you to live in my world. I know many with degrees sweeping the streets of London. I know many accountants doing nothing more than clerical work. The list is endless and we wonder why some of these people end up in nut houses. Injustice breeds malice and malice breeds discontentment and mistrust.

At the moment, we shy away from discussing the issues of racial equality in Europe, we as enthic minority groups continue to tow the line. The majority continue to throw a few crumbles to the floor for some of us to snatch at. The rest of us are grateful for the opportunity to earn a living.

In a separate discussion with one of my friends yesterday, a smart guy said, "We must be ready to break some eggs, if we want to enjoy the omelette". Many of us are unwilling to endure the struggle, yet we want to enjoy the benefits of such a struggle. Forty five years ago, the black Americans decided they wanted their rights to be fully integrated into the American culture and be given equal opportunities. The struggle had been tough, but today, the likes of Oprah, Obama and many others enjoy that benefits. We must do the same, we must start the intellectual arguement, this is not the time to riot or be disobedient, this is the time for discussions about the rights and the opportunities. This is not the time for some lip service and token gestures. This is the time for real progress, not positive descrimination. The current system does not work. The equal opportunities commission needs to step up its game. We are failing our people.

Can you imagine a Black PM or even a very senior minister in the UK or anywhere in Europe?. It just ain't going to happen.

Please tell me I am wrong, but dont tell me that your best friend or neighbour is from the enthic minority and therefore you have fulfilled your obligation of understanding the issues of minority interest.