I was planning to comment on all the week's news on Friday...however, the impact of this morning's events on moulding the social and political history of the world means that I can't wait (special thanks to my workmate for emphasising this to me!!).
Today will go down in history alongside the abolition of slavery and Martin Luther King's "I have a dream..." speech. A day when a black man has become the most powerful politician in the world...I bet many people didn't think that we'd see the day in our lifetime.
The BBC's Justin Webb has summed the situation up well:
"The American people have made two fundamental statements about themselves: that they are profoundly unhappy with the status quo, and that they are slamming the door on the country's racial past. "
I have to admit that I was concerned that the US electorate would not be able to see past Obama's skin colour, but I have to hold my hands up and give credit where credit is due...so, well done America!
Apart from the obvious implications in the history of racial integration, let us remember that Obama won the election on merit. Throughout the campaign he has shown that he is a natural leader, intelligent and full of integrity (a distinct contrast to his predecessor!).
I'm looking forward to a fresh approach from the US towards the global economic crisis (although, let's not be fooled into thinking that Obama's election win will do anything to stem the impending global recession!) and foreign policy (coming up with an exit strategy in Iraq, confronting the Iranian nuclear ambition...). I think we should now see a speed up in the implementation of economic measures to boost the US economy.
(For a good summary of Obama's Economic Pledges follow link to Robert Preston's blog on the BBC website)
Winning the election is just the beginning, now comes the hard part (well as of the 20th Jan when he will be sworn into office). Expectations are high, throughout his campaign he has emphasised the need for change and I am look forward to seeing the direction his changes take us.
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Wednesday 5 November 2008
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"Tyson knows best" ha ha ha ha ha ha ha - I'm going to punch you
ReplyDeleteImpressive start to your blog Tyson. Unfortunately, I think this is only the start of the major problems Obama will have to face in his time during office as there is great expectation on him to make immediate changes but surely it cannot get much worse than the last 8 years. This result has had and enormous impact worldwide and im glad I have witnessed this amazing event in my lifetime.
ReplyDeleteThanks DH.
ReplyDeleteAgreed - I hope the US and the rest of the world have patience with the implementation and consequences of his policies because it will take time. Especially in light of the situation which he is inheriting.
I am sure he will face major criticism at some point during his tenure, but that should be expected by any political leader…I’m sure he has the strength of character to pull through!
Surely the name of the house in which Obama will reside should be changed ASAP..... it's almost as un-pc as the countries history.
ReplyDelete"Obama Palace" maybe?
With "Bill 4 Monica" graffitied on the wall........