Thoughts on election day
Ok, so I'm biased, but if I offended anyone I'm sorry. Barack Obama is an amazing man, an excellent orator and a suitable candidate for President. He must be, he defeated all other comers for the Democratic primary, including the Clinton machine, and that was no mean feat. There is no doubt that if he is elected President, as expected, there will be major changes in America, and possibly the world. Obama will change the face of American politics, not only because he's Black, but because of his liberal views and attitudes. In many respects I will be happy if a Black man is elected President, because it does signify that the US is not as racist and bigoted a society as most of the world, especially the European left, think. It will make a mockery of the UN and the upcoming Durban II conference "against racism," that accuses the West of being inherently racist and anti-Muslim.
I can support many of Obama's domestic policies without any problem, including legalized freedom of choice for abortions, legalized gay marriage, taxing the very wealthy to ensure that others do not starve, affordable health insurance for all, affordable education for all, and cheap credit so the poor can buy houses (that got us into all the trouble in the first place). These are nice liberal policies that will cost a hell of a lot of money and in providing them and thus taxing the earners, as a good Democrat in the European liberal tradition, he will probably put the country in worse debt.
What worries me of course is his foreign policy. But, there have been several inexperienced Presidents who have risen to the occasion, Roosevelt and Pearl Harbor, Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bush and the Twin Towers. So even if tested Obama may do the right thing, but unfortunately we don't know that and it's taking a terrible risk if he doesn't respond effectively to a crisis. So far, since Israel's creation, no President, while in office, has been anything but supportive of Israel (although we had some close shaves with Nixon and Carter). But, it is worrying that Iran, Russia or N. Korea may be more tempted to either subvert the US or attack it's interest somewhere in the world, and it could be Israel.
McCain, I will admit, is old, uncharismatic and perhaps a little past it. He is crusty and is not as articulate as his opponent. But, in my opinion, as a genuine war hero with both military and congressional experience, he is just what we need in a President. The responsibility is a terrible burden and I can't help thinking Obama is too glib and flippant for the job. However, according to the polls he is likely to be our next President. So kudos to the Americans for picking great candidates, and whoever is elected, may the best man win!
I can support many of Obama's domestic policies without any problem, including legalized freedom of choice for abortions, legalized gay marriage, taxing the very wealthy to ensure that others do not starve, affordable health insurance for all, affordable education for all, and cheap credit so the poor can buy houses (that got us into all the trouble in the first place). These are nice liberal policies that will cost a hell of a lot of money and in providing them and thus taxing the earners, as a good Democrat in the European liberal tradition, he will probably put the country in worse debt.
What worries me of course is his foreign policy. But, there have been several inexperienced Presidents who have risen to the occasion, Roosevelt and Pearl Harbor, Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bush and the Twin Towers. So even if tested Obama may do the right thing, but unfortunately we don't know that and it's taking a terrible risk if he doesn't respond effectively to a crisis. So far, since Israel's creation, no President, while in office, has been anything but supportive of Israel (although we had some close shaves with Nixon and Carter). But, it is worrying that Iran, Russia or N. Korea may be more tempted to either subvert the US or attack it's interest somewhere in the world, and it could be Israel.
McCain, I will admit, is old, uncharismatic and perhaps a little past it. He is crusty and is not as articulate as his opponent. But, in my opinion, as a genuine war hero with both military and congressional experience, he is just what we need in a President. The responsibility is a terrible burden and I can't help thinking Obama is too glib and flippant for the job. However, according to the polls he is likely to be our next President. So kudos to the Americans for picking great candidates, and whoever is elected, may the best man win!
posted by Jack Cohen at 11:28 AM
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