I spent much of yesterday saying "um" (usually only in my head). The western media focused almost exclusively on events in the U.S.A. To an outsider, accustomed to parliamentary democracy and an unwritten constitution, there is much about the U.S. system that makes its politics a bit of a mystery. In particular, the razzmatazz surrounding a presidential election is a little alien: we just don't do things that way here. Perhaps that is why I can't quite see the election of Barack Obama as the amazing event that some see it as being. I have never understood why the colour of a person's skin is "an issue"; the problems Mr Obama will face are enough to make anyone think twice about running for office so congratulations must be mingled with commiserations in his case. But that isn't why I spent my time saying "um". It was the contrast between western jubilation over Mr Obama's election and the sickening stories emerging from the Congo. Can the west party while people are being raped, mutilated and killed in such huge numbers? There is something not quite right about the contrast, something that points to a darkness here in the west that I find deeply troubling. Today's chapter of RB stresses the importance of every age and level of understanding receiving "appropriate treatment". Whatever our political beliefs, we cannot turn aside when a fellow human being is in need. The challenge for Barack Obama, as for all of us, is ensuring that everyone is treated with humanity and respect. When the party is over, the need will remain.