I’ve been quite critical of neighbours to the south over the last eight years. The first six were years of frustration as to why they collectively made the choices they made. The last two have been years of feeling bad for them as things seemed destined to disaster. While the United States is still very, very far from avoiding disaster or possible collapse, on November 4th the citizens of the United States of America sent a flare up into the night, signaling to the rest of the world that there was still life, vibrant and free, in their country.
For the better part of a decade, horrible acts have been committed both against the citizens themselves and against citizens of other countries, all wrapped in a flag. The US flag became the protection mechanism for many acts that some would call patriotic while others would call them criminal if not outright treasonous. As such, the US flag became a symbol of all that was wrong in the US for those who believed the latter. I happen to be one of those people.
Today though, when I see an American flag, I see something entirely different. Today I see people who stood in line for many, many hours to exercise their right to vote. I see a nation that looked beyond the pettiness of race and made a choice that made sense to them on an intellectual level. After years of governmental buffoonery, I can now see that the people of the US can recognize the value of intelligence over who they’d rather have a beer with. Each has its place, but…
I am not normally an optimist and the US faces nothing but hardship over the next few months to few years. President Obama will face one of the greatest challenges event handed to a US president. His presidency will be one of struggles and hard times. He will not be able to change that with the wave of a magic wand. But I do see that word he used so often in his campaign when I now look at the US flag. I see hope.
I wish our American neighbours the all the best. November 4th, 2008 sent a powerful message to the world, and we’ve heard it loud and clear. Welcome back America.
kouji // Nov 7, 2008 at 11:49 pm
indeed. i too wish americans the best, for the next few years. after watching their election campaign season these past months, and after witnessing the outcome, i feel hopeful.
Ling // Nov 8, 2008 at 10:27 am
Frankly speaking, people should tone down expectations a bit. While he’s competent and you won’t be seeing any more foolishness like Katrina or Iraq, you won’t be seeing any bold decisions either. Its going to take a long time to get to a stage where you’ll be able to applaud Obama, if ever.
Dansko // Nov 8, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I agree, i think there is going to be a lot of closed doors decision making and i expect there won’t be anything said or done on Obama’s part unless it has been deeply discussed with his advisors. George seemed more of a fly by the seat of your pants president. Honestly, who declares themself a “War President” that is a judgement for the people to make. But isn’t that a small thing anyway.
WealthBuilder // Nov 10, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Awesome post, Marc! I agree, as Barack Obama himself said, “Change has come to America!”.
The reason I’m so optimistic is that throughout his career so far, Obama has done a very good job of bringing people together; inspiring them and trying to settle differences, rather than driving a wedge between them. Check out this article from Slate Magazine:
http://www.slate.com/id/2202411/
Having said that, as Ling said earlier, we all have to tone down our expectations a bit. It will take Obama time to settle down and carve out his own path; the current expectations are so high that almost no one may be able to meet them!
Rob Steenwyk // Nov 11, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I fail to see how the U.S. is close to collapsing. It is the strongest nation on Earth and that won’t be changing any time soon. I guess “collapse” would have to be defined for us to have a good discussion regarding that.
I have disagreed with Iraq and the civil liberties being trampled upon, I think both are abhorrent. At the same time, the world seems to ask a lot out of us. They want leadership, things to be done, to be safe. They want us to be the cops of the world, but complain when we follow through. I’m mainly looking at Europe here, seems like we do the majority of the dirty work for them so they can sit and feel smug about their intellectual superiority.
Don’t really have a point I guess, just getting me feelings out there : )
Outdoors Videos Online // Nov 12, 2008 at 1:58 am
“I wish our American neighbours the all the best. November 4th, 2008 sent a powerful message to the world, and we’ve heard it loud and clear. Welcome back America.”
Good comments. While I was watching the election with my roommate, we live in America. I was instant messanging with a friend from Uganda. When I asked him the significance of seeing a black president he responded, “I think the world is thinking a little less about race now that the ‘Superpower’ has elected a black man.” I am glad to see Obama has international support. Here’s to four great years!
Kenny the Epiphone guitar guy // Nov 12, 2008 at 6:05 am
Many of us in the rest of the world share your sentiments. The world, somehow, seemed a better place on 5 November. Obama certainly has a great deal of work to do, but if anyone can do it, I have a feeling it’s him.
Scarpe Hogan // Nov 12, 2008 at 6:16 am
I just want to apologize for my Prime Minister Berlusconi saying such stupid things about Obama, but be sure that not all italians are like our Prime Minister, we are very happy for this election and we hope he can bring change and better things even here in Europe.
Marc // Nov 12, 2008 at 9:32 am
Rob: Go read up on the problems with default credit swaps. There’s your problem right there.
Energy Drinks // Nov 12, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I’m just glad it is Obama who will be leading the US and not McCain. It will be a tough road but I am optimistic that we can overcome all the obstacles that will be in the way.
I think everybody is ready for this CHANGE.
Salwa // Nov 13, 2008 at 7:36 am
Frankly speaking, people should tone down expectations a bit. While he’s competent and you won’t be seeing any more foolishness like Katrina or Iraq, you won’t be seeing any bold decisions either.
Dirt Cheap Airline Tickets Blog // Nov 13, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I believe that if nothing else Obama has brought a heightened sense of optimism and unity, through the voting and election as you have stated so well above. Those that are raining down on Obama’s win and his message of hope and change are true pessimists.
Tarife // Nov 14, 2008 at 10:41 am
Iam also lucky that Obama win i hope he now go a better way then Bush.
Zobel // Nov 14, 2008 at 3:24 pm
we will see…how it will be…i hope he’ll try his best
Akon Freedom // Nov 20, 2008 at 9:03 am
Obama will surely make the world a better, and a safer, place. His best property is the lack of Bush’s anger.
Tom // Nov 22, 2008 at 1:16 pm
My perception of the US as a whole has always been good. I think people talk too much about the USvsIraq, Bush, etc.. there’s a war in Sudan, 400k deaths, I never hear people complain about it. That’s how people are brainwashed by media. If Sudan elects a new president, will people talk about it ? No!!!
Ontouh // Nov 22, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Watch the victory speech here. It’s inspiring.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqZgXiAxtHU
Water // Nov 23, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I believe that if nothing else Obama has brought a heightened sense of optimism and unity, through the voting and election as you have stated so well above. Those that are raining down on Obama’s win and his message of hope and change are true pessimists.
Brustvergrößerung // Nov 27, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I think, we should wait a time, give him a change and then compare him with Bush. But I am sure, that he will be much more better than the old one.
party designer // Dec 2, 2008 at 11:32 am
The best man won, but it just reminds me of when Tony Blair got into power. He wont change the world – but he wants to, thats a good thing.
Monty J // Dec 4, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I suport for Obama. I think he will really make a difference. God Bless America!!!
Lisa Velasquez // Mar 30, 2009 at 7:18 am
@party designer I trully hope that President Obama does not turn out like Tony Blair. President Obama has a mamoth task ahead of him and I believe the people are setting their expectations too high. The world economy is in a nose dive and going to take a numbher of years to recover. But I wish his well.