You had to know it was coming...
I think, at this point, its pretty obvious to say that I'm a political science nerd. I love everything about politics and government. I get chills when I read the Declaration of Independence. Goosebumps when I read the Constitution. I get emotionally and physically involved in campaigns. I think that not utilizing your natural born right to vote at ( Read more... )
Anyway, I thought this was a really interesting entry. I like and understand your overall feeling of enthusiasm and hope with Barack, which I think I may be underestimating. You just worded it really well, and I think you're right - we can't really know how good any candidate will be anyhow, because they all change once they get in office. I'm not particularly liberal, but I hate the state of our country as much as you do and maybe specific platforms aren't what matter here.
But anyway, the point of this comment was to ask you to expand on the thought that Barack is respected world wide. I think it is a very interesting point, and one that could hold a lot of sway for me. Do you have any sources for this, or specific examples? I'm not saying I don't trust you or anything, but I'm just curious about this point.
Good luck overseas!
Ellen
Reply
thank you for the comment - i really didn't think this was particularly well worded because i was writing it around 2 in the morning, but i'm glad it comes across as half-way decent.
as for Barack being respected worldwide - i WISH i could find the article i read that discussed the different candidates and the perception of them worldwide. i do remember it saying Barack is fairly well liked among many Arabic nations as well as in Europe. My own personal observation, living in Ireland and watching their news programs and papers (which include both Irish news and British news - they get both) is that Obama is very well liked. Hillary Clinton isn't disliked by any means, but I've actually seen Irish people wearing Obama paraphanalia and discussing the campaign in terms of his successes. Now, thats just my personal (and I'm sure biased) observations. If you're looking for more concrete opinions, there are some newspaper articles I've found from different areas of the world that support him:
-http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama - an article from "The Atlantic" thats extremely well written - it explains, I think, a lot of Obama's positives as well as some faults, but gives a lot of good information and is an interesting (though American) view of why Obama would make a good president. It does talk about his international appeal at some points, which is why I recommend it.
-http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C01%5C03%5Cstory_3-1-2008_pg3_5 - wonderful opinion piece written for a newspaper in Pakistan. It really highlights a lot of what I believe many people around the world feel.
-http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/06/europe/berlin.php - details Obama's popularity in Germany, with mention to respect seen throughout Europe.
-http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/02/stories/2008020255911100.htm - great article published in an Indian newspaper. it focuses a great deal on British opinion, but i believe there is also some mention of India itself.
those are ones that I have favorited. If i come across the one article that i read, i'll definately let you know. its really bothering me that i can't find it. but Barack spent a great deal of his childhood in Indonesia, where he is extremely popular and well-liked. He also has family and roots in Kenya, which give him a great deal of respect and popularity in that region of Africa. His willingness for diplomacy and a general slowdown/halt to the current "invade now, ask questions later" style of george bush makes him very appealing to many middle eastern countries. though he is young and thus relatively "inexperienced", he has a determination and willingness to work with countries on a diplomatic level rather than an agressive level, which i find refreshing and appealing on a personal basis.
anyway, hopefully that answered your question. i can try and find more things if you're curious, or i can point you to more information about barack himself, his issues, his voting records, etc. i firmly believe that his election to the presidency would help restore some of america's shattered image and reputation with the rest of the world.
sorry this is so long! but hopefully it hits on what you wanted to know.
Reply
I especially liked the first article, and thought the point (that all of them had) about his identity being a huge plus for american appearance was a really good one. the only problem i had (i think it was in this one) was the part where it said obama's varied, and even confused, identity was the american identity. i have nothing against varied ethnicities, but i don't think the american identity has anything to do with any of that, more to do with a core set of values emphasizing self-reliance and liberty. but anyway, that really has nothing to do with obama.
thanks again!
Reply
Leave a comment