Time for a selfish rant and a hefty dose of reality for some. I have seen thread after thread and comment after comment on here, other forums, blogs and even some news posts, talking about how much Obama is going to do for the world. SO many people from other countries putting faith and hope in a man who doesn't have any say in the afairs of another nation, so much from so many who did not have any say in this election whatsoever. I have seen so many references on how Obama is going to "save the world" or "make the world better".
Let me say this and selfish as it sounds, I say it with out any apology what so ever. Barak Obama is now President of the United States. Not france, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, the U.K, the Philipines, Nigeria, or ANY other nation. He is OUR president, not yours. His obligations extend no further than the borders of our own nation and it's own people. We will help allies where we can and we will still no doubt lend aid to others, but he is first and formost obligated to US the American people. You should not rely on or hope for any more from him than I could expect of, or hope for, from President Sarkozi of France, Or Gordon brown of the U.K.
We have a lot of issues here at home that need imediate attention and will require great effort and a lot of time and focus, and, sorry, but that comes way up on the priority list over the troubles and issues in other nations.
If you have to put that much hope in the leader of another nation, then perhaps you need to take a good long hard look at who it is you are electing in your own country, what they do for you and their ability to deal with the responabilities of serving your country.
Get your own Obama.
[question posted by xfahctor]responses and comments:
Actually his decisions have a huge impact on the world. So in essence yes everyone does have a right to put so much faith in him. He will determine how long or how short this deficit is. By your theory alone the states should be the only country baring the brunt of this recession. Truth is countries came in and helped out banks loaned where they could and other countries such as my own (Canada) are suffering because the US is the biggest place we export our goods to. US has their foot in many disputes right now so in essence other countries reserve the right to say what they're saying. Yes he's 'your' president. But look at your last president who entirely botched the world over and has now caused this huge recession for the rest of the world. [AmandaBarnhart]
Obama himself can't fix the economy - our government can't fix the economy. Much of the "fixing" is going to have to be done by the American people - it is their spending habits and their dependence on credit to live beyond their means that has gotten us where we are. [newtondak]
Bravo! I think Obama has a big heart. But it would be wise for other nations to look at him, and America, as an EXAMPLE. Not as the solution. Im sure Pres. Obama will do whatever he can to help those in need, and the world should know that America is a generous and compassionate nation. But one country cannot shoulder the entire burdons of the world. "Get your own Obama" - hahaha... LOVE it! Of course time will tell of Obama is worth his salt. I'm glad we have given him the chance at least... we need amazing leaders at this moment in history. Can the rest of the free world elect leaders that inspire hope and good will the way Obama has? Yes, they can. And yes, they should. [II2aTee]
I wonder just how "inspired" the American people will be when Obama calls on them to make personal sacrifices for the sake of the economy! If he called on the American people to rip up their credit cards and never charge anything again - would they still be "inspired"? [newtondak]
Lol, unfortunately it is important to the rest of the world what is going on in this country and what Obama's plans are. What happens in America does have an influence on the rest of the world, often a major influence. Over the last century or so the US has established itself as THE world leader, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It's the place most look up to and aspire to be like. Of course there is countries who would love nothing more than to take over that status such as China and Russia. But as of now that has not happened. American trade spans around the globe with many countries depending on it, even pegging their currency by the value of the dollar. This kind of economical power has been used quite frequently in the past by our leaders in order to pressure another country into doing whatever the US and/or the world thought was right. Trade embargoes are a powerful weapon especially if one can persuade so many other countries to follow ones lead. Sounds a bit like high school with the US being the leader of the popular crowd.... With Bush starting wars in two countries and having other countries join in ... along with the casualties and costs... the collapse of the economy... it very well illustrates how far the American influence reaches worldwide. So did the blame. People here blamed Bush for everything, so did people in other parts of the world... The hope for the people around the world is that Obama will be a better and kinder leader. They hope he'll bring peace but also will have understanding for their plight and offer a helping hand. And yes, they hope just like so many here that he'll somehow wave a magic wand and the American economy and with it the world economy, will recover. In short, if you are elected to be the leader of a world-leading country, then you are a world leader and the majority of the people around the world will hope that you do the right thing, don't abuse your power but use it to the betterment of the world. Like it or not, that comes with the superpower status the US has at the moment. It's just the way it is. So, sorry to say, you will have to share Obama with the rest of the world;) [jonesy123]
Thanks Amanda, you said it much better than I did;) [jonesy123]
Thank you for saying this, I'd just like to add to all the people around the world who like to blame the US Presidents for THEIR country's problems: OUR President is not YOUR savior nor is he the bringer of your doom (unless you provoke us). Look to YOUR OWN leaders and for once perhaps you should consider handling YOUR OWN problems YOURSELVES rather than waiting for big brother USA to do your grunt work and then cursing us for doing what you were to weak to do for yourselves. [AngrierKitty]
Amanda your government did cause the problem for your country. They invested too heavily in the US. We did not make them invest so heavily in us. It was thier decision and now they are paying the price for that gamble. SO they need to solve the problems within their own country caused by THEIR decision. [lilwonders456]
Wow XFahct. I dont usually reply to the same discussion twice, but I'm am in awe over the responses you have gotten so far. Americans agree with you. The non-Americans are outraged, acting like Obama is president of the universe. Amazing.. I had no idea it was this bad. Hey. Cmon, I like Obama but seriously hes only the President of the United States. Hasent anyone ever heard the old proverb... "God helps those who help themselves." Sorry - but for a foreigner to hitch their wagon to Obamas star, to me, seems irresponsible, niave, and downright stupid. Nothing Obama has done could not be duplicated by someone else. Anyone with grey matter between their ears can make a difference. Isnt that what the Obama-mania is all about? [II2aTee]
Yes, I realize you're not religious. I'm not either. And yes, I realize it's a well known figure of speech. I'm just pointing out that it's not biblically based in the Judeo Christian tradition. [MonkOVision]
I agree with you. We the American people pay his salary and that of all of our elected officials. Therefore they owe their loyality to us...not foreign countries. They are paid to take care of our interests, solve our problems and to accomplish our goals...not other countries. We are NOT paying him to take care of other countries....we are NOT paying him to solve your problems. For all those in foreign countries wanting Obama to solve your problems....look to your own leaders. You pay them to look after your interests. SO they should be the ones solving your problems. If your leaders are failing to do their jobs, then get new ones....but leave ours alone. Obama is not the President of the world. He is president of the United States of America. [lilwonders456]
not playing the victim just stating a fact. I agree with what someone else said above. One thing I'd like to add is that i'm proud to be part of the way this world is or the way some of it is. Obama will be one of the most influential people we'll see in our life time. I am honored to be able to say I was able to watch history being made. He inspires like no other president I've seen while I've been a live. While he gives hope to the American people he also gives hope to the world. He's a step in the right direction and an example for many other countries. He's realistic about what it's going to take but does it from a stand point of someone whose standing right beside you not above you. America is lucky to have him, and we others around the world are lucky to be around to see such history being made. Either way it brings hope to people even those who don't live in America. Even though world peace will never happen. He's the closest thing to it right now for his people and to thos surrounding America and impacted most by what America does. [AmandaBarnhart]
That's a great line - "Get your own Obama"...lol! I both agree and disagree with you; I certainly agree he's OUR President and his first responsibility is to US, meaning the U.S. but I also realize that in so many ways as the U.S. goes so goes the rest of the world. So I guess I say let them pay attention, let them be as interested as they'd like to be and certainly let them express their opinion. However, they should also realize that we're not responsible for every other country in the world, we can't solve all their problems or give them everything we need especially when we have plenty of our OWN people who are in need. To those from other nations who are in envy of our way of life I say try to follow our example, try to elect your own leaders who will help you to have a life closer to what we in the U.S. enjoy even in bad times. To those of you who don't live in a country where you have a democracy or elections, it's up to you to try to change that and while we always do help when asked, and sometimes even when we're NOT asked, realize we're not going to be "nation builders". At least I hope our days of nation building are over especially for those who don't want us to do it. Annie [anniepa]
We really don't disagree much, do we? I couldn't agree more about us going to ever corner of the globe and trying to give every nation everything we have and trying to make them believe in the same things we believe in. We can't afford it and we don't have the troops to do it and our own people need help first and foremost. That's been my biggest problem with all the foreign conflicts we've gotten involved in or NOT gotten involved in - there's no consistency. Hussein was a horrible dictator but so are a lot of other world leaders, some of whom we're pals with and others of whom we simply ignore. I'm also with you about our leaders; it's just like with our family members or others we're close to - WE can complain about them but no one ELSE better do it...lol! Annie [anniepa]
I disagree with you. Although he might be the president of the United States, his actions will effect a lot more than your country. I think that you are being selfish and instead you should be happy and thankful that so many people are putting their faith in "your" president. I think honestly that he would be ashamed to hear you speak about the situation in this matter. The world is effected by our actions as a whole and yes that does include your president. You need to be a little more understanding as to why people think this way. [CRIVAS]
So then, why not elect leaders in your own country that govern in such a way that we have less of an impact? [xfahctor]
I think the extent that people overseas can have faith in Obama is that he will not invoke an unnecessary war. And they're also expecting him to put more value in diplomacy - something that I am really hoping for as well. Although I must say, I have seen that he has been inspiring a lot of people to do community service and even volunteer overseas, so if people can put more effort into nonprofits and Obama can encourage that through USAID (which needs a lot of reformation) and just by his words, that would be great as well. I think the main thing that people over the world are excited about is a change in administration from Bush. [murderistic]
Oh, no doubt alot of this hope is just a post bush high, but that kind of blind optimism can lead to a pretty bad hangover when a lot of foriegn policy, such as Iraq, Afganistan, Pakistan issues, turn out to be pretty much the same, and they will. Would Obama start a preemptive war as Bush did? probably not, but in many minds even a defensive war like afghanistan, makes us evil. We as a nation have been trying to be all things to all nations and it simply isn't working anymore, nor will it no matter who is in office. [xfahctor]
I am Canadian and I am sick and tired of my relatives who seem rather overjoyed that Obama won, cheering and thinking that now the world will be saved, there will be peace and prosperity, etc. When Bush was the president he seemed to get the blame for what went wrong in the world and there was the ugly Americans who did not pay their bills in time, ran up credit, were war mongers. Now because of Obama, Americans are nice people, believe in peace, etc.and everything is going to be wonderful, the sun will shine tomorrow, etc. What the president and our prime minister does will not usually effect the other countries. The only time a president will negatively affect other countries is when he makes a bad policy that the other countries will follow. So if the president decides that all Christians should wear a red cross and the other countries decide to follow his suite because it would save them getting out the census bureau, etc. and then later they decide that all Christians should be put in concentration camps and executed because they fail to obey the State with magnetic card readers. And if the President decides that there will be mental tests to see if gun owners are not psychopathic killers and Canada decides to follow suite, and then the other countries follow, that will be positively affect the World, As far as trade is concerned, we would like to be able to import stuff from the States instead of having the notice "we do not ship to Canada." That is my major worry. [suspenseful]
Well excuse me.. but I think we can both agree you have a VERY vivid imagination. There are so many real life examples and parallesls that can be drawn... why you chose to create that particular hypothetical... Ah well. Thanks for the explantion... and the laugh, anyways :) [II2aTee]
I have not really understood why everyone around the world is so interested in our election, and our president. One of my mylot acquaintences was all up into our election and I didn't understand that. I asked if she was going to vote in her own country's election and she said NO, she could care less about her country's election... so it sounds like individuals are hoping for a handout. There are people here in the states that voted for them because they believed they would get a hand out. Two people that are acquainted with us said that Obama was going to pay their house off and pay off their cars so they would be on easy street. Now how dumb is that? That kind of thinking doesn't make sense to me at all. [OreoCookie3]
This is also a pet peeve of mine - why is it that they expect so much more from our President than they do their own leaders? Shouldn't all the leaders of the world be held responsible for their contributions (or lack thereof) to the world? Perhaps we should spent the next four years concentrating on our own country and our own people - letting other countries fend for themselves - they might just have a different point of view the next time there is a disaster in their country for which they need our resources! [newtondak]
Let us all hope that Obama will be able to inspire the best in others.....cause as all of us Yanks know well.....it's all good as long as things are good for the majority. The minute he slips and falls and pisses off the wrong folks we will be getting the verbal attacks from all sides. Much like Bush didn't screw things up all by himself Obama can't fix it all by himself. What is needed now is diplomacy and a level head. Obama has a big mess facing him---honestly, ANYONE that got elected would be in a position to come out the hero. If he manages to fix ANY of the problems we've got we can rejoice. Our domestic issues are pretty numerous. I do agree with you that other countries should try to find an inspiring symbol for change in their own countries. think how mych better off the whole world would be if each leader was concentrating on finding domestic solutions to domestic issues. [tarheel]
The world economy is just that - it involves/includes all the countries of the world and other countries are just as responsible for the state it is in as the United States and they should be just as responsible for doing whatever it takes to bring it back to where it should be. Other countries are way too quick to expect the United States to take all the responsibility - and then to criticize us when we do! [newtondak]
I think you misunderstand why most people, globally, are into Obama. He's seen as a man, which as an American I hope to God he turns out to be or I'll be sorry I voted for him, who's not going to screw over the world in the way Bush did. Can you blame them for being happy? After getting out of an eight year reign of the Bush regime. I don't. In fact, today, Barack Obama showed me the first indication that I had made the right choice. He's repealing the Global Gag Rule. In case you don't know what that is, U.S. family planning funds were not allowed to be given to groups that offered abortion services even if the money was not used to provide those services. The groups couldn't even use their own money for that and still receive government money. This, of course, had dire consequences for the global reproductive health of women. And, as my assistant just pointed out, also increases the spread of AIDS. Because even if you were allowed to give out condoms under the rule (which you were, thankfully) taking the money away prevents the group from buying the condoms to give away. No wonder the world is rejoicing. As a health educator, I know I am and I'm an American. [cripfemme]
It also means they don't get money to do less controversial things, like condom distribution for free (with our donations) even if they use there own money to fund the abortion services that they provide. You were not even allowed to refer women to another agency and still get the money. As I said before, this health educator is happy about the change. [cripfemme]
I hear what you are saying. It is agreed that big decisions are made that do effect the whole world, but I think what you were trying to say is he is not going to make decision based on helping the world for the United States citizens are frist on his mind. Fact if we go green the impact on the world would be huge because we would not be buying all that oil, but as he stated he is looking at every way to make us self reliant as far as energy therefore he did not take into consideration that many other countries will suffer the financial loss. Please let me know if I am mistaken, but I think I have it right. [grammasnook]
Yes indeed myfriend, I was more commenting on other people that were suggestions in statements above that he should be thinking about the world. We are always damned if we do damned if we dont. We have put ourselves out there and helped many and they have the nerve to say we should not have done it. Time to take care of HOME and only after that should we consider helping others. [grammasnook]
Amen to that! Obama is now the President of the UNITED STATES - his first priority is the AMERICAN people and what is in the best interest of OUR country and OUR people! The citizens of other countries should be putting their expectations with the leaders of their own countries and not imposing them on OUR President. Maybe it's time they started holding THEIR leaders' feet to the fire to do what they should be doing - for their country and for the rest of the world. Why would you expect more of the leader of another country than you would the leader of your own country? [newtondak]
yes, he's yours. but I'll tell you what, here in the UK I feel safer with him running the US than Bush. the thought of that man having so much power was terrifying. [Galena]
He didn't have that much power, you misunderstand our system greatly. Take a read of our constitution, good reading and an easy to understand outline of the distribution of power in this country. I have to ask, what about Obama makes you feel safer in your own country? Should your safety not be Brown's responsability? Also, from what I understand, the near police state policies of the U.K's security would make me more fearfull of my own government than any forign power and, despite Bush's pushing the envelope of his constitutional authority, what he did here pales in comparrison to the conditions you have there. [xfahctor]
I understand, i think, what you are trying to say here. The fact is that our president does actually have an impact on the rest of the world. If you don't think so, just ask the people in Iraq or better yet, Iran. Yes, he is our president first and formost but there can be no denying the impact that he can have either good or bad on the rest of the world. We all impact each other one way or another. Bush had such a negative impact on the world in general that I think this people are looking forward to a change as much as we are. I am in the U.S and I find it refreshing to hear people from other countries speaking good of our president as oppossed to how the spoke of Bush. [sid556]
As mentioned above, part of this is the misconception of both many American people and the people of other countries that our President (whoever it is at the time) actually has very little power and control over what takes place. Congress is more than willing to let the President take the heat from the world for decisions they have made. [newtondak]
Great Post! I was about to post something similar when I came across this. BRAVO! Personally I dont give a damn what anybody from any other country thinks of him or us. Actually the fact that many of these other countries love him so much convinces me even more that he is the wrong man for the job. [Greyback]
Who said anything about race? That was not in the initial post nor was it in my response. In response I said nothing about him protecting us. So take your liberal PC BS and spew it elsewhere. [Greyback]
xfahctor, I will agree with you that he is the President of the United States of America, which means that he is OUR president (I am from California, so of course I am American), but I will disagree with you and say that by him becoming president, he is going to change the world a great deal because people will react differently towards Americans. We won't really be known as a racist nation anymore (I cannot tell you how many of my friends from other nations look down on Americans because of the treatment they received when coming to this country). [rogue13xmen13]
I don't think I misunderstood it, you are saying that Obama is America's President. I get that. You are also saying that he cannot change the world, but I think that he already has changed the world. People's perception of America is different now. [rogue13xmen13]
Obama is a good man with really good ideas, ones that will help our country and as an after affect the whole world. He is a hope for the world as well as this country because we as somewhat leaders we affact the world. Yes there is a need for other countries to pick a better leader than they have. That is easier said than done considering the corruption in the political arena all over the world including the good ole USA. What everyone is so happy about is that we have a chance and with that so does the world. It is going to be a long hard trip. If Obama can stay true to his ideals then we have a chance. [morningstar369]
I agree with the other countries leaning to much on us. With the economy in such a rotten condition and so many people in this counrty out of work. Also the huge amount of people that have lost their homes like me, mine was due to an injury not the interest rate thing. It would have been nice if there was something that could have helped me save my home of 29 years. Now that so many have lost their homes there are programs to help keep people in their homes, but nothing for those of us that are homeless because of it. I am disabled with 2 disks missing in my lower back and in 03 another vender backed into me crushing both my legs at the knees. Being homeless really sucks and i am not able to work to make enough money to get myself into some rental and I have a dog and a few caats as well. So yea if we didn't have our hands and money in so many other countries then there might be some help for those of us that are really down. How are you doing? Hope you are secure. I know so many people that are hanging by a thread these days. [morningstar369]
I am not really much into politics not even my own country politics. but I can understand what you mean. he is your leader so his people should be first and foremost in his list. Mine has done a good job reducing taxes although of course he has his flaws somewhere else but Harper is ours and if anything I would post discussion about him rather than Obama. I think people put so much hope in Obama fixing the US economy which later on will help improve global economy but then again global trade is about all countries in the world not only US. so while US is fixing theirs, other countries should find alternatives or contingency plans. pretty much we shouldn't be putting all the hopes on Obama alone because as a human being there is always possibility he fails. just my 2 cents. [LittleMel]
very true. I am an immigrant to Canada and I see no reason why Canada can't be self reliant. I don't know about becoming super power, but at least Canada should put our countrymen first and foremost. unfortunately greed is greed. I have read that some years ago a lot of our companies are sold to the US and the Supreme court saying that govt broke law on Unemployment rates. Now for all those more savvy in politics. here is one link for you : http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/081211/national/scoc_ei_surplus I can't say US recession will not cause recession here. but we have let greed consumes us and there isn't much left to hold on to when times get rough. now it's too late to point finger and there is no way to recover what is gone or stolen. US recovery for sure will help trade, but it won't last or it won't be much of an effect, if we don't do the work within our own country first. [LittleMel]
Who cares what other people say? Any of the US's allies are going to put faith and hope into Obama. How about all the war? Don't you think those countries might be putting faith in him to stop the war going on? If he was as selfish as you he would not get very far in this presidency. Whether you like it or not the surrounding countries to you will be going through a recession and if the US gets out of it then the other countries will too. So how does that not affect any other country but yours? I am from Canada and we have been told that we will go into recession and in my opinion if we can help eachother out is that not better than trying to make enemies out of people that may be able to help????????????? [StrawberryKisses]
No need for a white flag miss, lol, I am just a fiery debater, don't ever take me too hard. Here's why it bothers me I guess. Ok, the world looks to us for leadership, charity, moral guidence, military assistence, and we're usualy more than happy to oblige, being the large developed nation we are, we just happen to be in the position of being able to do so to one degrea or another. The problem is the world also places all this squarely on the shoulders and reputation of one man in a government that by it's nature, doesn't give him alone the capacity to live up to the sometimes very unrealistic expectations, things don't go so good, or we wind up doing something that the rest of the world may not like but is still in the best interests of the u.s. first, people poor in to the streets, obligorotry protests chanting death the the america, death to (insert what ever presidents name here), yadda yadda, yadda, america bad, president terrorist. It doesn't ever seem like we can ever be in a win situation. I understand many people are hoping and praying he succeeds as a president, so am I, believe me, if he fails, it's our tails in a crack more than anyone's. If he succeeds, or at least doens't play with all the shiny knobs and Buttons in random fashion, we may survive this sheeht. I also understand many of these people are realistic. But there is an alarming number who are just convinced this one man is going to save the world, and we don't even know yet if he can effectivly steer our own country, lets not get ahead of ourselves. [xfahctor]
Then, that's good. because US affects every one in the world, and the president's decision also affects every country their allied with.if that is the case then your president wouldn't mind if my country Philippines, fortify ourselves with New advance weapons than Us. and probably make our own version of Missile Silos, Submarines, Space Crafts and stuff like that. lol. and if your president decides to bother us we will wipe you out..would you want that to happen? you see if that is Obama now the one you want to refer to. then there would be more wars than ever before. what happened with World War I and II got worse because US didn't intervene at first. I really don't like the idea of US meddling with my countries affairs, if i was the leader then i wouldn't mind closing borders and all connection from US. but i can't, no one can't...he needs allies therefore, he also needs to intervene with other nations. but i agree with you that he should just help US primarily instead of meddling with the middle east. it's just the fact that they can't risk another terrible war that could be worst than the middle east. Personally, i don't like your country meddling with ours. and i won't apologize either. angry [Greeneagle24]
I have ZERO love for Obama, I didn't vote for him. [xfahctor]
Wow!!! very hot topic yes we all know that Mr Obama is the President of the United States but he is also a world leader. Yes our leaders can manage our country but we also look up to America if she fails it does have impact on other countries in my country we get alot of remmittance from america and tourism. So you see why everyone wants Obama and America to do well. That's just my views thanks. [Sheldon25]
I'm British and can't believe all the fuss that is being made over Obama over here in the UK. You're totally right, he's YOUR president, yes the US does have an impact on politics the world over but I'm not buying into all this hype about how he's going to change the world. If he does good, then it's good but I personally am not putting faith in any politician, there's always gonna be that guy who everyone thinks is going to do wonders. Well let him do it, then I'll applaud him. No disrespect to Obama but he's only just got in. Let him prove his worth by implementing policies and sticking to his promises before everyone goes on about how fabulous he is. Then the rest of the world can say they envy the US for their outstanding president. In the meantime, he's just the 44th guy in the job out there :) [anonymili]
HI! I am from the Philippines but I wonder why I too tend to get excited about what's going on in the US, particularly with Barack Obama as its President. Yes, we tend to view our own country's fate against the world's superpower. We get excited too when things are doing great in your country because we have many, many Filipinos working in the US as nurses, therapists, cook (the White HOuse cook is a Filipina) and what-have-you. Also, we have a lot of expats and retirees from your own country who are now living in the Philippines and married to Filipinas and whatever excite them also greatly affect us. That is probably why we could not entirely detach ourselves from the US and from stories involving Obama. [veganprince]
His policies have an affect on the rest of the world. Like how the world economy suffered right after the U.S. economy. Plus he's reaching out to talk to other countries as a sign of good faith. AS a non american I was happen when Obama was elected... [chunijole]
I have to disagree with you. Even if Obama is YOUR president, part of his job is to maintain good relations with other countries. the United States is one of the most "social" country in that you guys always step into other country's affairs. When the US government decides to import oil from Saudi Arabia, or when you send troops to fight in Iraq, when you allow migrants from Kashmir into your country, when you build military bases i the Philippines, when you allow Chinese goods into the country, or when you send spies to Russia, then you are affecting the social and economic environment in other countries. Everything that goes on in the US from the crashing of the stock market to the bombings in New York City affects the world. [mimico]
I enjoyed your claim. I hundred percent agree that he is your president and we do not want to snatch away him to our country. But still why we from all other nations discuss so much about good and bad consequences of his presidentship? Friend, please understand us. His all actions as your president of your America is going to effect the whole world. American President Mr. Bush attacted Afganistan but effects were on Afganistan, Pakistan, India, Russia and other countries. American President Mr. Bush attacted Iraq who supplies lot of oil to nations of the world. Because of your president's action the whole world had to pay more for oil. America makes new research and put best medicines in market. Whole world enjoys the fruits. Do you see how the world is connected with your America and your Presidents' actions. I definitely appreciate your love for your president and smile at your childishness. If your president reads your discussion, he will definitely laugh a lot. [jayaramesh]
Trust me, I have no love for Obama, he is just another president, he works for me. My larger point is too many other country hinge their success on the U.S. rather than try to improve their own leadership. As for your references on Afghanistan and Iraq, Obama's positions on these issues are virtualy the same, nothing is going to change there, in fact, you can expect an escalation n Afghanistan and possibly even Pakistan. Obama can laugh at my sentiments all he wants, but the fact remains, he works for me, us, the american people, we hired him, we can fire him just as easily,his first responsability is to us, not the world and it's high time we started expecting this from our government and time the world started expecting the same higher standard from theirs. I'm all for trade and diplomacy, but our foriegn entanglments need to come to a slowdown. [xfahctor]
Dont be possessive, no one is going to take your obama. Most of the problem of countries depends on which type of people live there. If in a country of white people , some black person become president its very good news for everybody. Now country who is highest in racism, depends on one black man.We, indian are strong enough to prove india as well as attract your president. [ranviruchauhan]
A country who is highest in racism?? Are you KIDDING ME? You really don't know my country. Pretty tall talk. You come from a country that still runs under a de facto caste system and you say WE are highest in racism?? [xfahctor]
Hello world, I've read through every post on this discussion. I'm happy to see that the issue isn't racial in content. Someone mentioned Kentucky as well. I live in Kentucky and yes we are a state too lol. I personally think a lot has been placed on the plate of just one man. It not only takes a great president, but a great nation as well. I was so proud to see this man take office. I get a lot of static at work because I voted for the "black guy" with a "foreign name". I haven't watched a presidential election since Clinton appeared on MTV. Perhaps I like people with personalities who are not afraid to think outside the box. There may be an apparent Obama craze, but I'm just happy to see that we are taking notice of the world around us. That is definitely a change for the better. An overwhelming number of voters showed up to the polls. It is a sign of the times that we are changing as a nation. We have grown to accept different cultures and ideas. I can honestly say that in the small town in Kentucky that I live in, people voted for McCain just because he's white. Simple as that. They are clueless as to what he even campaigned or what Obama campaigned. That was the only basis for their decision. I hear discussions at work and they still don't even recall that he's from Hawaii! I'm not kidding! There's nothing sadder than voting for or against a leader based on personal prejudices. Maybe I'm off topic here. Sorry, but the input from all of you seems like a best selling novel compared to what I have to listen to daily. I commend everyone here for stating their points of view. All I really wanted to say is that I do hope Obama has some great helpers to guide him through this mess. That poor guy will likely have gray hair by the end of his first term! Anwyay, I hope I haven't offended anyone. [puddytat101]
Hi xfachtor, Thank you for responding to my comment. All in all, I have to give you praise for voting for the under dog. I usually do myself just because I get tired of people with all the power getting even more power. It does seem the 2 main parties get all the attention and any third party is just left on their own, for the most part. I wonder if an independent or liberal party will ever take the presidency. I'd like to see that day in history too! Anyway, I'm so glad you started this discussion. I've enjoyed reading all the responses. And, I'll just add to the record here, no matter if the US has a "great" president or a "lousy" president, I will support the more positive aspects such as using online medical records to save $80 billion annually. Thanks again for such an interesting topic! It's nice to see some brains at work here! [puddytat101]
I don't understand why U.S has to be powerful or be looked like that. Yes you're probably right, sorry I don't know about politics or international issues. Maybe it's better. It feels or seems just like fad sometimes, and I am not speaking of other nations you affected, but my own, it seems fad to me that some people in my country mind your affairs. [JDy116]
"It feels or seems just like fad sometimes" I think you nailed it pretty well. Both the Obamamania that has swept the planet and the infatuation with our politics, how can people be minding their own governments and improving things in their own countries when they are putting so much stock in ours and paying so much attention to what happens in ours? I see very little in the way of discussion on the politics of other countries here on mylot. [xfahctor]
Yes, thank goodness all the best urban [urbandekay]
"Get your own Obama." This is great advice. I'd like to point out that in the western world of all the countries with populations of a minority of blacks, the U.S.A. is the only one to have ever chosen a black man to be the leader of the nation. Others think blacks have no opportunity here? So, to all you other countries critical of the U.S.A. who think 0bama is so great, what's stopping you? As my friend said, "Get your own Obama!". [redyellowblackdog]
The race thing. I notice Canada, a nation that is suposed to be far more racialy inclusive, has never elected a black Prime Minister and from my experience, in rural and urban Ontario, people there are just as racist as they are here, particularly in the more rural area's on the St. Laurence river valley. The first question my Ontarian girlfriend's father asked her, after he freaked over his daughter dating an american, was "is he a darky"? [xfahctor]
To me it is inspiration that so many from so far away see hope in the eyes of our leader.It makes me proud as an American.He is our Obama but why not pass the hope around....Just a thought? [PoetryandSoul]