If the Whole World Could Vote
By nonny mouse Sunday Nov 02, 2008 7:00pm
It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that if the world could vote in the American elections, Barack Obama would be the winner. The world at large – with the possible exception of al Qaeda who ardently champion McCain’s candidacy – is sick to the back teeth of Bush, his policies, his wars and his Doctrines. But what is a bit unusual is the degree of Obamamania sweeping the world, with hope, with excitement, with jubilation. For the most part the world is looking forward to Change with a capital O.
So, at a time when American standing in the world has hit an all-time low, a small taste of what Obama could bring about and restore America’s reputation, a selection of excepts from comments around the world, and please feel free to add a few from your own neck of the woods, should you happen to be outside the borders of the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave:
From New Zealand:
…I tried to donate some money to his election campaign. This day he was asking everyone to send $5. I figured that wasn't too much to pay to ensure that I could turn on CNN and see more of the man I love, rather than John McCain, who looks two seconds away from a coronary. Unfortunately I was prevented from doing so because you had to prove you were a United States citizen to cough up. Americans may not be afraid of the Taleban, but apparently the thought of my foreign influence on their president is too much to take.
Obama is a truly different kind of leader, not just because he is hot - although, Lord knows, that is quite a change - but because you know he has an open mind and has been exposed to new ideas all his life. I like the fact that the leader of the free world has seen some of the whole world and experienced different cultures, rather than emerging from a large piece of snow with a nice view of Russia. I like the fact that Obama has talked and associated with Bill Ayers, the 1962 anti-war activist. He might be extreme but his insights into the $200b Iraq war effort might be worth listening to.
From Australia:
“New York or Durham?" asks Larry the "visibility co-ordinator". When we reply "Sydney" he is startled. "What, all of you?" he asks. "Yes, all of us," we reply.
How eight Australians have ended up in the tiny city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, volunteering for the last eight days of the Obama campaign is a long and complicated tale - but here we are. We repeat our story many times but they still marvel… an American friend had, over dinner, invited us to campaign with him in New Hampshire. My sister and I replied "yes" immediately and the troupe of volunteers grew, eventually including my other sister from Melbourne.
There are other international volunteers around. So far we have met a Swede and a Welshman. The cries of amazement that greet our group seem to be based on the fact that there are so many of us and we have come so far. Americans seem to think that Australia is in some other universe and that spending 24 hours in a plane is medieval torture. They are strange people but they deserve a really good president. So does the rest of the world.
From India:
…while there is no certainty that Obama’s approach of opening diplomatic channels with Iran alongside the threat of targeted sanctions would work, it would be a welcome break from the current administration’s policies… He has advocated greater accountability and conditionality when it comes to aid for Pakistan as well as bolstering its democratic institutions. McCain, given past support for Pervez Musharraf and his apparent reluctance to apply pressure on Asif Zardari’s government, seems more inclined to that old US approach, expediency…With a resurgent Russia, belligerent Iran and global financial meltdown, a deliberate, multilateral approach is essential. It explains the enthusiasm worldwide for an Obama presidency. That seems to include most Indians.
From Canada:
A massive majority of Canadians would like to see Senator Barack Obama win the American presidential election to be held on November 4, 2008 according to a new national poll of 2,025 Canadians conducted by Environics Research. This continues a pronounced trend among Canadians over the past decade toward favouring Democratic presidential candidates over Republicans. The survey shows that seven in ten Canadians (69%) would most like to see Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama win the election, compared to just 15 percent who would prefer to see Republican John McCain win the election. Another 13 percent have no opinion or do not favour either candidate, and two percent volunteer other candidates.
From France (Le Monde):
Aucun hésitant, aucune voix discordante, parmi eux. Ils ont 15, 18, 20 ans. Ils habitent les "Pâquerettes", une cité de la banlieue parisienne, à Nanterre (Hauts-de-Seine). Et, ce vendredi 31 octobre, à quatre jours de l'élection présidentielle américaine, le scrutin n'a plus qu'un seul visage, au pied de leurs barres : celui de Barack Obama…
(No hesitation, no discordant voice among them. They are 15, 18, 20 years old. They live in the "Pâquerettes", in a Parisian suburb, in Nanterre in the Hauts-de-Seine. And this Friday, October 31, with four days to go before the American presidential election, they are looking only for one face, one foot on the pedal, that of Barack Obama.)
Michele G:J'ai vote! Je viens de voter a San Diego (on peut voter en avance)! Je suis citoyenne americaine depuis 44 jours et je suis heureuse de pouvoir participer a ce vote historique.
La ligne etait longue ce matin au centre de vote et il m'a fallu plus d'une heure et demi pour enfin remettre mon enveloppe cellee a une souriante volontaire qui m'a donne un autocollant 'I voted' et m'a souhaite bonne journee.(I’ve voted! I went to vote in San Diego (where one can vote early)! I’ve been an American citizen for 44 days, and I’m happy to be able to participate in this historic event. The line was long this morning at the voting center and I had to wait more than an hour and a half to finally hand in my sealed envelope to a smiling volunteer who gave me a sticker, ‘I voted’, and wished me a nice day.)
Nihil: Il doit gagner.
M. Obama est le représentant d'une Amérique historiquement métissée. Il n'est ni noir ni blanc, il est Américain.
(He must win. Mr. Obama represents an historic American transformation. He’s neither black, nor white. He is American.)jupia: rien n'est certain. Je souhaite que Obama gagne.
(Nothing is certain. I just hope Obama wins.)
francois: 'It ain't over till it's over' ...
... comme dit le célèbre joueur de baseball des NY Yankees, Yogi Berra. Peut-être suis-je pessimiste, mais je m'inquiète à mesure que McCain remonte dans les sondages.
(As that famous NY Yankee baseball player, Yogi Berra said. Maybe I’m being pessimistic, but it makes me nervous how McCain is climbing in any polls.) Two weeks to go!Go Barack, go!!!
From the UK:
Foreign volunteers are not uncommon: I am one of three in this office from Britain, and there are two from Denmark. My listening material is public radio and my coffee comes from a Bill of Rights mug. When the cup is filled, the rights lost under President Bush's Patriot Act disappear. I am about to spend a week with the greatest grassroots political organisation in American election history:
Me: “Hello, my name is Tom and I work on the Obama campaign. Can I talk to you about voting by post?”
Voter: “Hey, you know what? I've already had a couple of calls explaining it.”
Me: “Awesome!” (American enthusiasm is infectious) “And have you made up your mind about the election?”
Voter: “Well, I've actually been canvassing with you guys.” Pause. “And my brother was a Democrat senator. Also, in the US we call it 'voting by mail', not 'by post'.”
The area is a mix of immigrant communities. El Mexicana minimart sits beside the New Saigon restaurant and Paul Lopez, the local councilman, proudly tells me that they have a mosque and a Buddhist temple. His card is translated into Vietnamese.
Opposite his offices, a shabby bungalow flies the US flag at half mast. Mr Jenkins tells me that they are probably a “gold-star family”, with a son killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.
“It's my job to get all these people here to vote,” he says. “I don't pretend that with Obama things will change overnight: I know expectations are too high. But after eight years of Bush, we can't let our country down for another term.”
And another:
At 109, Amanda Jones is too frail to go to the polls on Tuesday, so she voted early by post last week. Her father was born a slave in Texas and herded sheep until he was freed at the age of 12. She cast her ballot for Barack Obama. “I feel good about voting for him,” Jones said.
Her family helped her to obtain an absentee ballot. “It’s awesome to me that we have such a pillar of our family still with us,” said Brenda Baker, her 44-year-old granddaughter. “It’s awesome to see what she’s done, and all her hard work, and to see that she may be able to see the results of that hard work.”
The Obama campaign has identified a new species among this voting block – the “sporadic voter”, who generally doesn’t bother to turn out for elections but appears to be making an exception for this one.
The electoral and demographic map of America is shifting in ways that will be fully understood only as the votes are counted – and the world is helping to give it a shove. British supporters have been flocking to join Obama’s volunteers. Tony Underwood, a history student at Nottingham University, has been campaigning for Obama in Pennsylvania.
“Barack Obama is an inspirational figure. What happens here will cross the Atlantic,” he predicted. “Everybody who volunteers feels that they are part of something great, that this is their campaign. People believe they can influence politics.”
From Argentina:
Latinamericans prefer Obama over McCain three to one.
The poll which covers 18 countries of the region with 1.000 to 1.200 interviews per country to adults over 18 with an error margin of 2.8 to 3 percentage points shows that 40% of Latinamericans declare to know about, and follow the US presidential election.
Obama is the favourite candidate in Dominican Republic, 52%; Costa Rica, 43%; Uruguay and Brazil, 41%; Argentina, 36%; Chile, 32%; Mexico, 29%; Paraguay, Ecuador and Colombia, 27%; Venezuela, 26%; Peru, 23% and El Salvador, 22%. Below 20% come Nicaragua, Panama, Bolivia, Guatemala and Honduras.
McCain is the choice in Colombia, 19%; El Salvador, 16%; Mexico, 11%; Brazil, 10%; Honduras, 9%; Costa Rica, Guatemala and Venezuela, 8%; Ecuador, 7%; Panamá, Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay and Nicaragua, 6%; Bolivia, 5%; Peru, 4% and 3% in Argentina.
From Africa:
Ms Zam Obed has decided that on November 4, she and her family will put on "Barack Obama T-shirts" in readiness for an Obama win in the US presidential election scheduled for the same date. That will be on Tuesday.
There is a valid reason behind Ms Obed's excitement. It lies in the indelible mark that Mr Obama's last visit to Kibera two years ago left on members of a women's group she is in charge of.
Now Ms Obed is over the moon at the sheer mention of the man's name. "I feel very proud to be associated with this place. We expect that the next time Obama comes to Kenya, he will also visit Mchanganyiko centre and hopefully as US president," she says.
When Obama came to Kenya in August 2006 and went on a tour of Kibera slums, he spent time at Patricia Hall of the Mchanganyiko Women Self-Help Group…the fever of excitement that has pervaded the place since then [is] thanks to the never-ending talk among members about the Illinois Senator's last visit, more than two years ago.
They always talk about his charisma, encouraging remarks, and the generally warm attitude he expressed. He was later to declare when addressing Kibera residents: "Any country that develops does so because women are given opportunities and any that does not is because women are oppressed."
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90% of upper vertebrates prefer Obama.
Is that like Middle Mongolia?
And 90% of invertebrate slime molds prefer McCain!
http://iftheworldcouldvote.com/results
poll may be skewed in McCain's favor. I have not talked to a single person in weeks, and that includes a lot of our conservatives, who doesn't want to see Obama elected.
My feelings as well. Something isn't right there. Certainly we've got our own conservodroids to deal with but I think those numbers are skewed.
Never misunderestimate the people of Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Indiana, Missouri, or Virginia. If you are from any of those states I am not talking about you because you are obviously here and are intelligent. It is the people who vote for McPalin. There are close to 50% out there. Way too close to 50%.
Cant let the 10-20% feel lonely and out in the cold.
Met several Canadians this summer who did not want to see the GOP continue in power. The Europeans I spoke with were likewise in favor of Obama. It's funny how the European press carries stories we never see in this country that consider the US a xenophobic, warmongering, selfish country, and that McCain would continue on Bush's path. Go to the guardian.com for stories on the US that will surprise you.
I'm sure the Alberta vote really skewed it towards McCain
I think Bush is sick and tired of Bush. He has so screwed up this country it is sickening. Yet there are still a huge number voting for McSame. The Republicans have really dumbed down our country.
In education there is some sort of ranking that puts the U.S. at 21 out of 30. The McSame voters probably could not even name 30 countries.
Thanks Nonny!
Long before the GOP wrested control of the Federal Government, they have been taking over or harrying local school boards. That is where the dumbing down has been (and still is) taking place. The time lag of this is such that it takes decades before we realize that we've shortchanged a generation of students and have therefore weakened a critical link in our economic and political infrastructure. We need to wake up and embark on act as though another Sputnik crisis has occurred, because it surely has.
Consider the "history" texts that are used in K-12. These are full of—not entirely, though—propoganda, outright lies and significant omissions. We've obviously done a lot of things right in this country, but unless we honestly look back and see where things weren't done right, we're going to be hard pressed to improve our country. We had a lead on much of the civilized world for a while but America is no longer as unique as it once was and the rest of the world is lining up to eat our lunch.
It's odd that the right-wing claims to consider anything that stands in the way of a meritocracy as socialism. The problem is the only criteria they have for merit is money; one obvious problem with this is that inherited wealth say nothing about the qualifications of the holder except that they inherited from a rich person (e.g., G. W. Shrub). There are plenty of other obvious indications that money doesn't equal merit.
The Headline Banner Right Wingers Fear Most After Election Day
If for some reason Obama is not elected or the election is stolen the shit is going to hit the fan. It will not be pretty. But of course he will win.
Otherwise, there is nothing. It will be game over.
It sure feels that way doesn't it :(
and I'm starting to get butterflies in my stomach.
'Missing, Presumed Dead: The Search for America's POWs' by William Dumas
How the traitorous Sen. John McCain obstructed the Congressional investigation into the forgotten MIA/POWs.
http://www.vimeo.com/2089093 (video doc)
Each candidate has run to realize that one of them will continue to alienate the world (don't talk to the enemy, "bomb, bomb, bomb Iran") and the other one will find ways to peacefully coexist with our fellow citizens of the world. Obama drew the biggest crowd not in the US but in Berlin, Germany. I believe he will go down as one of our country's most pivotal presidents, in a positive sense, not like the current guy.
It has McCain with a slight edge in the Congo, Algeria and Iraq (and the Iraq votes probably came from the Green Zone) while Obama has the rest of the world.
Too bad the world cant have more of a say in our elections, God knows they follow it more closely than most Americans
While I agree with the notion that WE the rest of the world would, overwhelmingly support Mr. Obama over Mr. McCain, it must be noted that he is often merely the best of the two options, and not necessarily fully in line with our political opinions. That statement assumes that foreigners have similar political beliefs. Regardless of my nationality I hold political beliefs, beliefs that are in stark contrast to many other people of the same nationality as myself. Political plurality is a concept not unique to the USA, regardless of however America's peculiar centre-right political stance makes it look.
If Obama were Canadian, he would be a far-right conservative. If McCain were a Japanese, he would me a Minshuto left-winger, with little hope of election. If either were from an emerging country they would be considered weak, dithering, and far too democratic, however that is not the point.
The point, is that this election, like every election, is about those who actually fill in the ballots. On Tuesday Americans have a choice to make. Americans alone have the power to examine the issues, and Americans have the ability (no, duty) to press their finger/pencil/pin to the ballot and choose their honest heartfelt opinion.
What most foreigners would agree with is this; change is the issue here, and we are frustrated with an America that is willing to disregard our feelings for 4 more years. America is losing it's status as a shining city on a hill, and while those clamoring to replace it might seem a more troubling prospect, many of us abroad are not prepared to accept an America that has lost it's way and is unable to regain it.
My son did some work for Obama (and a lot of spruiking) recently in the States. Here in Australia he drives around with Obama written all over his car.
My daughter is currently traveling across the US, reporting back to Australia on the state of the elections. She, and her partner, are 100% behind Obama. Here's some of her and her partner David's observations: http://newmatilda.com/2008/10/31/god-his-side
Jess and David have driven from LA through the States and are now in Nashville. They had a very interesting time attending a party in Las Vegas thrown by die hard Republicans and visiting with some Weathermen down on the border of Mexico. They tell some very interesting stories.
I have an Obama sticker on my car and I've forwarded on If the World Could Vote to a lot of people. The world is watching and the world is interested, very interested.
I lived in OZ back in 2002- Wonderful people- and they could see that their PM Howard was a mindless puppet of Bush, not unlike tony Blair...
John Howard, please don't remind me. We really didn't like him. Such a psychophant. Our new PM, Kevin Rudd, is far better, although of course he has yet to really prove himself.
Australians ARE pretty savvy about their politics - well, to a point - their hip pocket (financial situation) is what really pushes a lot of people's votes, but we do usually see through things very well.
We don't have the religious issues that the United States does. Religion hardly ever, if ever, comes into the political discourse.
We also, never talk about being patriotic, well, I hardly ever hear it. It's a non issue. We know we love Australia - so what? Why prove it? It's a different reality here that's for sure.
In fact, if you pointed at someone and went on about how unpatriotic they were, people would wonder what the heck you were going on about. We don't wave flags - Australia Day is about the cricket, going to the beach and having a barbie :)
It seems like following others into military follies is an Aussie thing. Wasn't there an Australian contingent in the Vietnam war?
Of course, screwing around in other country's politics—even friendly democracies—seems to be an American arrogant affliction (the US was pumping money into party coffers during the Vietnam war?).
Australia has such a huge coastline, a small population and a small military. It's long had alliances with the UK and the US in order to feel protected should anything happen on our soil.
Also, it should be noted that Vietnam IS in our neck of the woods, although of course the whole thing with Vietnam was another fiction.
I don't know a single person down here who doesn't want Obama to win. I've got my absentee ballot in. If Obama wins, I might finally be able to stop telling everyone I'm Canadian.
Mate, I know what you mean... I get the question "Where in Canada are you from?" constantly, so as not to offend our northern neighbours. Waiting for the day when the question asked is "Where in the states are you from?"
I'm curious. When asked "where in Canada are you from", what do you answer?
I voted two weeks ago, by POST. :-)
HI Nonny!!!
I, too, voted a couple weeks ago, by absentee ballot. Felt almost euphoric, making damn sure that little football next to Obama's name was well and truly filled in, no way I want there to be any mistake.
And because I take voting quite seriously, I researched each and every candidate on the ticket, from every party, from those who were running for non-partisan office, every single Proposition. Learned quite a lot that I didn't even know. (And one YouTube Republican 'attack' ad against the Democratic candidate rather back-fired, even if the Republican incumbant wasn't all that bad, for a Republican. How can you not vote for someone in a band called Hogslaughter?? That was the big issue - the man's taste in music? LOL.
This has been the first time I've actually felt GOOD about voting, like it truly matters in a way it hasn't done for far too many years. Vote, people! Believe me, the world is behind us, once again, so don't let 'em down this time!
It's a big blue marble out there.
The only "red state" I saw on that map was Macedonia. Venezuela was mauve-purple. I can't judge whether that is odd or not.
I'm a US citizen living in Canada who voted absentee for Obama, but the feeling here is envy that we didn't have someone like Obama to vote for in our election. Just about everyone I talk to likes Obama and of course are sick of Bush and Cheney for eight years. They are all hoping Obama wins, but are afraid it might be stolen like what happened to Gore and Kerry.
I totally agree...I'm so envious that the U.S. has such a wonderful person, Barack Obama, wanting to lead their country...
To say that our choices in our own recent election were 'slim to none'
is an understatement...but alas, that is our problem.
But for the sake of a once great nation, as well as for the world, I do hope that cooler heads prevail & Obama is elected to lead the U.S. & remains safe...
Let's hope the reality lives up to the promise. He appears to be very sincere, but at the same time he is also canny enough to finesse many issues rather than take them head on. Of course, he has too, since the GOP noise machine will try to inflate anything to a campaign breaking issue—look at this latest "socialism" tripe.
I suspect he is more liberal than he lets on but he is also sufficiently pragmatic that it's hard to know what he'll actually be choose to do. After all, the pragmatic Clinton got soundly whacked back to the center early on in his administration.
The next few years are going to be a tough time for whoever is president. However, that same difficulty is also an opportunity to make changes that would be difficult to do in normal times. The Shrub used the 9/11 crisis to do all sorts of thing that would not have been possible during the Clinton years (Iraq being the most extreme example).
I couldn't disagree more,(sort of). Canadians had a perfect chance to act like the Aussies and throw the neocon menace out and just like Canadians do, a pathetic percentage sat immobile on their well fed butts and reduced North America to childish ruin.
When you say the parliamentary "choices" were slim to none, you reveal your naivety. America desperately needs Obama. Your country needs a good manager and not someone who's a far right neocon thug in a sweater.
True to the new Canadian identity, you left the proper choice swingin' in the wind. How typical of you people.
Shame on you.
Yes, we all wish we had someone to vote FOR up here, like Barack. I've liked him for awhile. I heard him speak, must be a few years ago now, and I was thinking "Who is THIS guy? Wow!". He was pretty new then.
I'm a Canuck too. I've been working over at the Bark Obama! blog, the only foreigner. It's been fun and an honour to be invited to participate.
Sumisu above is correct - Obama would be considered right wing up here. Our Conservative Prime Minister is pretty left wing by comparison. That's the trouble with labels.
Fingers crossed for Tuesday, guys. We'll all be watching - and hoping.
I don't personally know any Canadians who would want to see McCain become the next president.
This is Obama country.
Been to Alberta? there are a few there...
I have friends from Alberta, one from Calgary and one from Edmonton. They say those 2 cities are liberal, but there are a bunch of Canadian rednecks living in between those cities who cling to their guns and are complete idiots.
in Canada. Alberta is not alone.
n/t
I've lived abroad throughout Asia now for a few years. It's amazing how much attitudes toward the U.S. have begun changing among locals and tourists from across the globe. A year ago, SOOO many people said that Obama could never win in the U.S. and that the GOP would be in power for another generation, essentially bringing America down in the process.
In truth, though I always do, it's been hard defending my country during these years abroad. But now I wish I could find every one of those tourists/naysayers so I could simply sit and grin the grin I'm grinning now.
billyshake
hyderabad, india
The current administration would rather us be in a state of chaos with the rest of the world. The Neo-Con way is one of deception and lies and an Obama administration scares them but for different reasons than what you've been told. An average democratic nominee (Kerry, Clinton, Edwards, etc...) would and has fallen in line with the status quo. This is not some sort of hidden secret it's the truth we actually have a chance to overcome decades of hatred and this scares those that use power to achieve power. I'm guessing that most on this site will vote for Obama and you are the target of this next statement. Nothing has been accomplished with a victory on Tuesday, the fate of our country lies with what we do with it.
Newsweek: The World Hopes for Its First President
I don't know too many Canadians who would even consider John McCain as someone to lead the U.S.
Anyone who panders to the extremists in regards to religion, warfare, gun rights; who has no interest in caring for people's health care; and who really has no idea what the majority of people have to deal with day to day...is not someone that, I believe, most Canadians would want to have leading any country, nevermind one so influential as the U.S., nevermind a neighbour.
I have never understood why- but the right wing has an adversarial attitude towards the rest of the world-even towards our allies- it's that 'us vs them mentality. The very suggestion that as Americans, we are fellow citizens of the earth caused right wingers to froth at the mouth with hatred.
The fact Obama is popular abroad ENRAGES right wingers- frankly,I can't figure out why. Do right wingers *want* everyone to hate America? Any ideas?
I too have never understood this mentality. One would think that working in a concerted effort with other nations would be a good thing. I do have one theory though. I have extended relatives whom are essentially Christian fundamentalists, and they view other parts of the world that don't practice Christianity to the extent that it is practised in the US as beneath the United States. For instance, in Britain and in France, religion is not as big a thing as in the United States; therefore, according to my relatives, those nations are godless and in need of salvation and are not on equal footing with the United States. Also, any place that allows gay marriage, national health care, and more progressive policies are seen as anti-American and in need of a Divine intervention.
I think it's also this mindset that if we work together then I in turn share your beliefs and compromise my own.
Great question...I hope I've helped more than hindered.
Inspiring fear this the minimum that the GOPers want to instill in everyone so that they can obtain their slavish obedience. The ultimate goal is unswerving, unquestioning devotion.
Yes, I think so. It fits in with their "bully" complex. They cry and whine and lash out at the rest of the world to feed their elitist and imperialistic impulses. But we know underneath all that spasmodic activity, bullies really are insecure with low self esteem. In short, they are scared little bedwetters.
The economic argument is even more compelling. Right wingers want everyone to hate America because it keeps their buddies in the military-industrial-congressional complex profiting along quite handsomely.
Tom Servo:
In the classic movie, A Christmas Story, the narrator (one of the characters as an adult reminiscing) explains that, growing up in his 1940s Midwestern neighborhood, you were either a bully, a toadie, or, like him, one of the many victims. American wingnuts view international relations in much the same way, only, of course, from the bully's point of view.
Wingnuts would have America operate, as all schoolyard bullies do, from deep seeded psychological insecurity. The anxiety derived from perceived (and largely imaginary) threats is best relieved by chest thumping, and dominance best achieved by preemptive violence against those who are different and, more importantly, weaker. Indeed, the neo-con's bible, PNAC's infamous Rebuilding America's Defenses, is little more than an admonition that America embrace its inner bully.
Insofar as other countries can help us, wingnuts seek not sovereign allies, but servile toadies --- lackeys to whom they can relate, since they operate similarly from insecurity and who would help us bully others in order not to be bullied by us. A toady might be the closest thing to a friend a bully can understand, but bullies do not respect their toadies as equals. Thus, a bully does not want the toady's hate, but he does want his deference.
Obama disturbs this paradigm. While his character does not appear in A Christmas Story, it is nonetheless archetypical in American small town folklore. He is that belatedly introduced new kid on the block, the obviously different one, but the one who is as secure in his identity as the bully is insecure. He is the one willing to befriend the victims and the toadies alike, the one whose allure and charm causes them to rethink their relations and schoolyard rules. The one who shows them they can do things another way. The one who teaches them, "Yes, we can."
And . . . he proves himself by standing between the bully and the victim at some climactic moment in the story, ready to do violence if necessary, but who possesses the talent and grace somehow to persuade the bully himself to change his ways, if only for an instant. Dissatisfied and disoriented, the bully rarely learns. He just turns away, humiliated as the other kids cheer, convincing himself he need only bide his time to rise again.
This new kid --- this infuriatingly different-yet-confident new kid --- isn't scared of him. He treats those worthless toadies and perceived threats as equals. As sovereigns. As people not to be feared and pushed around, lest he absorb their inferiority, but to be treated with respect.
That is the source of the bully's --- and the wingnut's --- rage. He doesn't understand this new world of co-equals. He can't orient himself to these new rules. No more alpha dog status. No more chest thumping. No more cries of uncle to prove his dominance over different, weaker kids. No more . . . sense of security. He is confused. And he is terrified.
The credits won't roll on our after school special. The wingnuts will always kick and scream. And do a lot of damage. But we can elect that new kid. Yes! We! Can!
;)
i have every reason to believe that this elections been rigged allready and since they stoled two allready they feel they have nothing to fear by stealing another one, good luck on the baracades!
I hope you're wrong- But if McCain takes it, you will have been proven right....
I'll bet Obama signs fare better in other countries without fear of being stolen, marked with "KKK" or a nazi symbol.
He just HAS to win.
francois: 'It ain't over till it's over' ...
REALLY!
and then we have to get through january!
meantime:
OVERWHELMING DEMOCRATIC VOTER TURNOUT.
THEY CAN'T STEAL IT IF IT'S NOT CLOSE.
IT CAN'T BE CLOSE.
I'm from Australia and I've been blogging for Obama here for weeks now. Wish I could be in the US campaigning personally. I know how important the US Presidency is for the rest of the world. We've had the Change We Need here in Australia for a year now, and it's very nice not to have the fear shadow over us anymore.
If you think the Repugs have rigged the election, is that why it has been reported that McCain 'is just having fun right now?'
My bet is that Palin's reaction to a loss will be 'Don't bother me at all, I'm in 2012 election mode.'
Must be nice to be rid of that filth Howard, another in a long line of right wing industrialists who bowed to the neocons.
to not see his face - to not have to listen to his lies... what a relief!
We have so much potential as a country. This isn’t lost on the rest of the world; it has been lost on us.
The art of winning elections has become a science. The professional practitioners have become too good at it, and their favorite tactic is divide and conquer. The full-time election cycle has divided us as a nation – right down the middle of Blue and Red. If you ask most Democrats or Republicans their thoughts on most issues, they are strikingly similar. But those issues don’t matter in elections. It is the WEDGE issues that get brought to the fore. The wedge issues of abortion, gay-marriage, religion, immigration, don’t really affect the majority of Americans. The politicians will lead you to believe they are all that matter. They ARE NOT ALL THAT MATTER. These issues are CREATED for the purpose of dividing the electorate.
We have so much potential as a country if only we could come together as a country. We came together in September of 2001, and the world was behind us. We had the opportunity to make great progress as a nation, as a single people: not out of fear, not out of hate, but out of necessity because the world was changing. We could have led in that change.
Our administration had different ideas. Knowing nothing but divisive political maneuvering, our administration chose to treat the rest of the world as it would a political opponent. We then lied, cheated, stole, and derided everyone NOT on our side. We were led by criminals, and became criminal. We were not asked to help, to sacrifice, to change – we were asked to accept and to shop.
Of course there were those who spoke out against the workings of our government. But we again became a nation divided. A nation divided cannot stand.
Now, we are faced with extraordinary crisis. We are fighting two wars, we have a failed economy, we have a non-functioning self-serving government – and we are told things are fine. Accept and shop.
We have so much potential to correct this downward spiral. And it is a spiral. We don’t have access to how bad our economy truly is. We are not told the implications of our National Debt, our Unemployment, our Trade Deficits, our States’ Income crisis. We are not told the implications of these things because it would be bad for the economy. BAD FOR THE ECONOMY! Accept and shop.
When America comes together as a country, we are a juggernaut. As we have in the past, we can work together to create jobs, to create new economies, to establish equality, to BE the beacon of FREEDOM that we once were. We have that potential – if we are not divided.
This election will be over Wednesday. This administration will be gone in January. At that time, if the stars align, and the Gods are willing, we can come out of this nightmare we’ve been living the past 8 years.
There is much to do, and much to clean up. Still, we have much in common with one another. We must build on this commonality. We must embrace our common goals. We must resist the desire to protect ourselves from one another and work together…at last. We have that potential.
I have spoken to or received emails from that the only thing that matters in this election is ABORTION and GAY MARRIAGE.
It boggles my mind.
Something the world can agree on.
doesn't matter! At least not for the next two days. Cajole, browbeat, and badger everyone eligible voter you know to go to the polls. Carry them slung over your shoulder or piggyback them if you have to. Vote for Obama.
i just want apresident that doesn't look like an idiot
has been set pretty low hasn't it? President Obama will raise the bar significantly.
The most fearful outcome. Obama wins the popular vote but not the election. Too heart breaking to consider.
The strange indirect way of electing POTUS and VP.
They could cast their votes for Mickey Mouse if they chose to do so.
This is somewhat of a stupid question. Would the US be better off without the electoral college? Is it still necessary to have an electoral college? Part of me says to hell with the electoral college, and we just need to go with the popular vote.
What's the consensus on this issue?
The Electoral College is an anachronistic carry-over from the 18th Century. It might have made sense in 1790, but it is of no use today.
Americans are too caught up in the infallibility of the "Founding Fathers" to seriously consider abandoning it - it's now tradition.
I say hog-wash!
The "Founding Fathers" provided a valuable mechanism to correct any mistakes they may have made - via Constitutional Amendments. Eliminating the EC is one amendment that I would welcome.
Touche, Taarak! Exactly what I was thinking when I read the post above yours.
is that Iranian president Amhad-sarahpalin-ijad will be kicked out of office (next year?) by a more moderate candidate. That, with Obama at the helm, and with a lot of luck, will go a long way to undoing Bush foreign policy. If the world is ready to see change in the US, Obama may be the right man in the right place at the right time, contrary to what the neocons say.
The president doesn't have much power in Iran, that belongs to the Ayatollah and his band of merry Mullahs.
Sigh. I am just keeping my fingers crossed about this whole thing.
...under this idiot and his criminal administration we have today.
They can only hope that the next four are better than the hell the world has experienced under this jack ass.
I hope the chimp and his clowns all experience a little hell before they leave this earth, just in case there isn't really one waiting for them when they leave it.
Mr. Obama's presidency would be a welcome break from the current policy of 'go it alone' giving 'damn care' attitude towards the world. This has not worked and it will not work in ridding terrorism, world hunger, restoring peace and stability and using force as a last resort. America needs to build bridges not break it with the world. The world is desperate for American leadership in important matters from global warming to ethnic cleansing and we around the world feel Mr. McCain's doctrine of preemption and hegemony would destroy friendhsip with the world which is much needed at these times of crisis. Mr. Obama understands that there is much to achieve if we can work together. He knows that crisis such as genocide in Congo cannot be stopped when America is bogged down and its troops in harms way engaging in stopping century old civil war in Iraq when more troops are needed to stop Al Qaida in Afghanistan. Mr. Obama understands that he needs to work with Nato and allies in Europe and Asia to counter such terrorism. More importantly he understands that force should be for good and doing good. He knows that root of terrorism comes just as much from poverty as it is from ideology. Working towards ridding poverty around the world will almost certainly halve the terrorism problem. America is a beacon of hope and freedom for people around the world and world will be rejuvinated once Obama takes office. My friends from America, you are our voice of reason. Do the right thing guys. Good luck.
...and burn down your white house again. Vote Obama.
Love, Canada
LOL - you got it!
Look, if the election is stolen again, WE will burn down the White House. But you are welcome to come down and roast marshmallows over the fire!
---Comment from New Zealand
I get Obama's newsletter and it frustrates me that I can't respond with a small donation. But what infuriates me is that Rupert Murdoch can use FOX "news" and his other outlets to proselytize on behalf of the Republican party. And even though the resulting propaganda is worth tens of billions to the Repukes, there is no concern over undue foreign influence. That's what you get I guess when the first amendment right of free speech is extended to money and withdrawn from living, breathing people.
and I will forward it to the Obama campaign. I promise! ;>)
P.S. To the NSA stooges, I'm kidding of course. I'm sure this violates some election law or some such.
Obama is the answer of all the messes the republicans has done for the last 12 years they have been in control of both houses.
I thing that he is smarter than all those cheaters that stolen the last 2 elections.
On the lighter side, this is an Email that made me crack up!
An Israeli doctor says 'Medicine in my country is so advanced that we can take a kidney out of one man, put it in another, and have him looking for work in six weeks.'
A German doctor says 'That is nothing; we can take a lung out of one person, put it in another, and have him looking for work in four weeks.
A Russian doctor says 'In my country, medicine is so advanced that we can take half a heart out of one person, put it in another, and have them both looking for work in two weeks.'
The Texas doctor, not to be outdone, says 'You guys are way behind, we took a man with no brains out of Texas, put him in the White House for eight years, and now half the country is looking for work.'
Repigs/Cons here in America thinks it is a badge of honor to have a President that the world despises.
American right wing conservative ideology is corrupt and sick.
They live to spit in the world's eye. They despise anyone outside of their little clan. One day they will regret that as the world passes them by and leaves them in the dust.
anyone have any comments from the east (other than India).
thx!
But the only other language I can speak/read is French (thus the quotes from Le Monde and Liberation). If anyone does find anything from the Farther East, please post it here!
Not that it counts that much, but there's a BIG Chinese community in New Zealand, both immigrant and born-here, and all my Chinese/Kiwi friends are rooting for Obama as well. But that's still technically New Zealand...
Yes, it's the republicans against the world. If Obama loses, then the power structure will have denied the world its desired leader of the free world.
The Repubs will do their best to steal this one too; one could interpret Palin's smug confidence that they'll win to, if nothing more, her belief that will happen.
If McCain wins (the only way he can, through stealing it), expect a furtherance of the police state, in fact expect it to get worse. If Obama wins, hold your breath until 1/20/09, BushCo's capable of anything. I'm holding my breath (even though that's McCain's shtick) until Tuesday night, and then again until January.
To be sure, Australia is rooting for Obama (although, that means something entirely different down here).
The man not only inspires me in my personal life, but gives me hope that people can actually change situations which.... even only a year ago, a lot of us thought were hopeless.
As for America's standing in the world, we WANT to love America. And we do, but it's been hard in the last 8 years. And so America-bashing has become something of a sport in recent times. Bush brought out an ugliness from a certain contingent of the population, of which we're all capable.... but I believe Obama, his campaign, and the fact that he's even come this far, has already helped to remind us of America's and Americans' truly admirable qualities.
Whatever happens tomorrow, America's standing in the world is already greatly improved since a year ago. And it's not just Obama who deserves credit for the turnaround, it's the American people at large.
I'm proud once again that Australia is a friend and ally of the United States.
America has lost a lot of prestige in our part of the world over recent years. You guys have an opportunity with this election to regain some of that lost prestige, and international credibility.
If the Republican Party is elected this time around (barring obvious election fraud) then I for one won't know whether to laugh or cry.
How nearly 50% of Americans could even CONSIDER voting for Crash McCain and Caribou Barbie simply beggars my imagination.
Come on America, do the right thing for your country and for rest of the world. Vote for the intelligent alternative. Vote Obama/Biden.
The Butterfly Effect!
sumisu suggests that "If McCain were a Japanese, he would me a Minshuto left-winger,"
I disagree; maybe a bit left on the Jiminto side, but not very, certainly not given his military jingoism. Whatever that interpretation, the June-July poll showed that the Japanese public favor Obama by a 66% to 15% ratio.
From what I've read, the ruling circles are obviously more subdued, given their traditionally conservative stance toward Asia, and uncertainty as to how Obama will approach Japan and the security arrangement, although official statements claim that no change is anticipated in the Japan-U.S. relationship.
It's only fair that the rest of the world should be allowrd to vote - the US has been influencing / manipulating elections ( not to mention overthrowing / assassinating ) in other countries since 1945.
{Deleted, Too Long and FlameBaiting. SiteMonitor}
You people are always putting words in people's mouths. Here's what this liberal believes in:
- pragmatism
- common sense
- Reasonable regulation (otherwise greed takes over)
- Tough diplomacy
- Protecting the constitution and civil liberties
I AM ALL FOR GOVERNMENT STAYING THE HELL OUT OF PEOPLE'S LIVES UNLESS THOSE PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE ENDANGERING MINE.
P.S. If I see one more Rush Limbaugh disciple blame the global economic meltdown on Jimmy Carter and poor people, I swear, I will virtually bitch slap the hell out of you.
But not surprised. I have yet to hear any Aussie around me say anything about wanting McSame in office.
This just makes me feel so good for this lady, to have lived so long and to finally get to see an election like this. I am certain that America will not let her down, what a story.
I voted two weeks ago by absentee ballot, I am confident as too the outcome.
There are 42 in our Community here. Every one of us to a person Voted for OBAMA/BIDEN. It is the Hope of the World that he wins. The World is on the Brink! We need a leader who can bring people together to solve the world problems.
The fool before who says we that hope are fools has no idea what he speaks of.
Il mondo è nella difficoltà seria, noi ha bisogno di un capo che può riunirlo tutti.
The whole world is behind Obama because they are able to rise above the lies and smears and realize he is a refreshing change from the Bush Doctrine.
Yet almost half of this country hate Obama for reasons that are so stupid it would defy logic. They believe he's the Anti-Christ, He's Muslim, He's a Socialist, He's a Marxist and of course they know he's Black. They can't really believe that, Can they?
It shows that we have a long way to go as a nation when we can be so easily manipulated and controlled by fear and can be made to hate someone based on obvious lies and smears about him.
What is wrong with people in this country?
Ignorance
Bigotry
Religion allowed to creep into Govt.
The world's in the throes of the Big O?
I'm one of those who left because of George Bush. Couldn't take another four years. I voted, protested and left. San Francisco was in a state of shock the second time. More importantly, I didn't want my money going into their pockets. Started in Hong Kong, then Shanghai, now Vietnam.
Is there an expat that supports George Bush? Probably not. Vietnamese are curious about Obama, but not informed about him. Foreigners from Australia, Europe and everywhere are deeply dismayed by Americans, and their choice of current president. I am certainly ashamed of 'my' country, and explain Bush's low approval ratings. Describe the importance of the netroots, and the fact that most Americans do not support him.
Please change my shame into something better. If it's rigged this time. Hit the streets. Protest, riot, stand up. Don't let this happen again. The future of the world is at stake.
The world wants Obama.....What are we missing?
Mon, 11/03/2008 - 04:22 — TakeOurCountryBack
Yet almost half of this country hate Obama for reasons that are so stupid it would defy logic. They believe he's the Anti-Christ, He's Muslim, He's a Socialist, He's a Marxist and of course they know he's Black. They can't really believe that, Can they?
_____________________________________________________________
What, that he's Black?
To you I can only say this...read a little more about McCain.You do not know the facts about him and his supposed " life " as a maverick.
You would be surprised at who he himself has been involved with over the years...then again...maybe not.Conservative and Ignorant are two words that seem to go hand in hand nowaday....
I live in Calgary, and yes Alberta probably has more redneck idiots than the rest of Canada, but I have spent some time in small town Ontario, and the rubes there will give Alberta a run for its money. I know lots of people who support the Conservatives at home, but almost all see McCain for what he really is.
I've said that many times. I lived in Kingston for a few years and loyalist country was far "whiter" and far more intolerant of "others" --- especially french Canadians --- than I've ever encountered in Alberta.
Even Toronto, which is supposed to be the great Canadian cosmopolitan city, is largely separated by class along similar lines as by ethnicity.
Here in Edmonton there is more tolerance and equality by far. Ever been to Heritage Festival? It's absolutely spectacular to see 200,000 people of 70+ nationalities come together and celebrate diversity of culture, art and food.
just to clarify, the French "Le Monde" article isn't gibberish, at least in French. Where it states ", le scrutin n'a plus qu'un seul visage, au pied de leurs barres : celui de Barack Obama…"
it actually means, "...at the foot of their apartment blocks, the election has only one face: that of Barack Obama."
The translation was mine, made in a hurry. I haven't lived in France for over a decade, and I've lost some of the finer points. But thanks for clarifying that, always ready to acknowledge someone else's superior ability.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mOEU87SBTU
[deleted - duplicate post]
...that in its most extreme form, our xenophobia sees Americans as some kind of master race, as an acquaintance once insisted, as if we've taken only the good genes from all the nationalities that have populated our country over the years. Therefore, we will snarl at Europeans, for example, to butt out of our national elections, forgetting that our policies have an effect on them as well as us.
I'm an American and I have no problem with the rest of the world expressing their opinions on who should be the next President.It is sad that so many people here still believe that America can just do whatever it wants to whoever and that the rest of the world is obliged to go along with it...It is a historical paradox really...
As a nation we have lost our way. As a people many of us have become ignorant,arrogant,greedy,corrupt,selfish...exactly the opposite of what the Founding Fathers hoped for when they wrote the once great U.S. Constitution.Too many people vote now only to protect their own self interests...if they vote at all.We will all see tomorrow.
Although I have just registered, I am a very frequent reader of this C&L thing, and it's great indeed. And I wonder how much cumulative time it takes per week to produce. Anyway, back to the point.
There are so many reasons for a foreigner to prefer Barack Obama that I have yet to meet somebody wishing that McSame be elected. Let me summarize it as it's perceived around here:
- Chirac was right about Iraq, Obama too, as well as most of the people in the world, contrary to the Republicans, their weapon, oil and media-mogul corporate friends. And because of that foolish and criminal war, because of that fundamental Bush&Cheney Sin, we have been endangered, those that are fighting "us" have been much strenghtened. The faith in Jesus and/or in the Human Rights has been ridiculed. And Iraq is just one example.
For that sole reason, a change is urgently needed in America, we need wisdon there.
- All the more because the USA have a tremendous impact abroad, much more important than most US citizens can imagine I guess. It ranges from music to food to management fashions, from accountability practices to lobbying tactics, from words that are used to TV programs, from guns on adverts to SUVs invading my city. Recently, many "bad" american things (as I perceive them) have been impersonnated by our dear president Mr.Sarkozy, who is despised by most young and no so young people, and is simply fascinated by money, greed, legal tricks and big watches. He uses the same tricks as the Republicans: cutting quotes, smearing his opponents and using his friends in the medias to impose his talking points. He's playing with fear too.
That is NOT your fault, sure, but Obama represents clearly a fairer way to play politics. And despite being deeply skeptical about his capacity to really change many important things - I'll cite two: endangered-by-corporate-interests democracies and an endangered-by-our-way-of-life planet - I am sure he'll be a fairer partner than Mr. 90%-with-W.
- Washington needs "un bon coup de balai": indeed, get rid now of those crooks and K-street thieves. It is more than due time. And it will help us doing the same here.
Who knows? Should the US people finally manage to get rid of what I perceive as a very dangerous crowd, those Rupert Murdoch and Cheney kin - with all their "patriot" acts, propaganda machines, and fat corporate friends - that would teach the world how a living democracy works, even when it has been seriously enfeebled and has "forgotten" to impeach criminals.
And protect Mr. Obama well, please, by prayers and skills: Itzak Rabin has been killed by desperate far right fanatics.
To summ it up, I'd say Obama represents some hope of some change where John MacCain is really more of the same danger.
Fortunately the whole world can't vote here. I realize that the USA has this bad habit of sticking it's nose were it doesn't belong, but that doesn't give the rest of the world the right to come here to tell us who we should be voting for. How would you like us sticking our nose into your elections and telling you who to vote for? Yeah, I know, the CIA does it all the time. Do you like it? I didn't think so.
I really don't care who the rest of the world wants for my president, I care what I and my fellow American's want. Right now we've become a nation divided between two camps, and one is no better choice than the other. Both parties work to supress the civil liberties of our nation and both parties have voted in laws to supress alternative parties from being heard by limiting campaign funding, denying ballot access and media coverage, marginalizing and ridiculing them. Knowing this, would you still think that we should vote for either of them?
t I hope will be replicated in America. Getting rid of a party that marginalises, belittles and divides so many sections of the community and replacing it with a more inclusive and positive world view can make a huge difference in the mood of the country and its outlook on the future. I have my reservations about Obama as I did about Rudd but I think both have a simple role to play in changing the atmospherics in their countries. Feeling better about your country is an amazing feeling. I highly recommend it.
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