The elephant in the room... AKA... the American Election

[gdb]

I guess I might be alone in this but here goes anyway....

But I think we need a 'Be nice to a politician day!' just to remind us that really, on the whole, most of them, really are not that bad.

(Having spent some time in one or two places where the government had totally lost control: of finances, of the army, of people, of elections etc.. I can honestly say, much as I utterly loathed almost everything Dubya stood for, I'd rather him in charge than no government at all. In fact I'd rather have any of our western politicians in charge! When the fetters of mortgages, jobs, unemployment, pensions and so on are gone, too many people are still far too evil to be trusted).

[Rosendula]

I've kept out of this so far because I tend to keep out of politics (well, I try to ignore the people who supposedly 'run' countries). However, I used to work for an organization that dealt with multicultural education, and I too, am fed up of it always being "Obama, America's first black president". It is a very important and historical event for race relations, and it did need to be mentioned and noted. But! It doesn't need to be mentioned in every single story that goes out. How about "Obama, America's NEW president"? What is important in the world of politics is that he's a new president, not that he's black. Him being black is important in the world of race relations and such things. We need to hear about his plans, his policies, the things that he considers to be important. I don't need to be reminded that he's black any more than I need to be reminded that I'm white. I don't look in the mirror and think, "Oh, I'm white".

Ooooo. Anyway, rant over. That's my lot on this one, 'cos it's not my area of expertise

Just on a side note before I bow out, the term we were putting forth (when I worked for that organization) for when it was appropriate to speak of the race of a person who's parents were from different countries was 'mixed race'. It was a few years ago that I worked there, though, so it might have changed again since then .

[oldfella]

It is my hope and believe that this man, will be a great improvment on the man that is there now, because if he aint, we are all going to hell on a handcart.

[eek]

Seeing as how parts of his acceptance speech and Bush's were similar (there were at least 6 instances where just a few words turned around) doesn't say much for him, except he is one excellent speaker. The man can surely give a good speech.

I am way over the whole black thing. He makes no pains at all about him being 1/2 white, at least not that I have seen in the US. Being black got him voted in. If you had that little experience and were white there is no way you would have been elected POTUS. I have a huge problem with someone with zero experience except for "running for office" being in charge of the whole shebang.

In his acceptance speech "My fellow citizens", not "My fellow Americans." That sorta yanked my chain too.

[lsm1066]

This may appear light hearted and possibly ignorant but hear me out.

I just wonder if America would have elected a black president at all had it not been for David and Wayne Palmer (for all you 24 fans out there). The fact is, America has never elected a bald president. And when there are two "follicly challenged" candidates, the one with the most hair wins (look at the pictures through history - it's a fact). John McCain, apart from his fascinating choice of evil gidget running mate, has less hair than Obama.

Still, I'm really glad Obama was elected. Not because he's black (he could be a little green man from the planet Xarquon for all I care) but because of his policies. Still, it remains to be seen how many of them he can actually get through and how well he does, particularly with the economy.

Lynne

[Millymollymandy]

Just glad to see the back of George Bush! Barack is a great orator. Watched a funny TV programme last night about all the bloopers past presidents have made in their speeches and the times they've tripped up/fallen over etc etc. It was hysterical. Had almost forgotted how Reagan's famous bloopers were even more funny than Bush's. Mind you they did show Barack picking his nose.

[Annpan]

MMM I saw that show too, but couldn't watch the end of it, it was too cringe worthy...

I never thought about the bald thing before....I wonder if other countries political races are the same?


Yes he is 1/2 white, but in living memory in America you were treated as Black if you had a drop of Black blood in you - someone who, in living memory, would not be allowed a seat on a bus, or to go to college, or buy a home.

It hits me that most people who are cynical about Obama, and peoples choice to vote for him, are White and over 40. I wonder if it occurs to the nay-sayers that this is not their time? Perhaps this is the time for the younger generation to stand up and be counted. Obama mobilised several communities in America.

We don't know what he can achieve, maybe nothing, but he is already getting Guantanamo closed.

As for his lack of experience, what if experience also makes you old, synical and tired? I'd rather have a young, hopeful and vibrant leader any day.

[Millymollymandy]

I'm white and over 40 and I would have voted for him if I was an American! And certainly not because he is black, although it is great to see a black man get to be president. Mind you if he'd been a gun toting hunting shooting kill everything that moves type like Sarah Palin I wouldn't. Or a war mongering type like Bush or (blimey already forgotten his name!!!) the plastic looking one who was his opposition.

[Annpan]

Of course MMM..... I am not saying that most 'white 40+' aren't happy to see him as President.

I am saying that of the people who are unhappy - most seem to be 'white 40+'...... it's not quite the same thing.

[red]

I'm white 40+ and cynical

I would have voted for Obama

I'm not sure you are right about your suggestion Ann.

I think its about time a black person was president. also about time a woman was too....

I'm cynical, possibly because I'm 40+ - I'm not so old as to remember Kennedy, but its the same sort of OTT optimism that goes with a younger president - I feel for the guy, he wont be able to be the superstar everyone thinks he will be.

no question he will be stacks better than W Bush, but really.. that's not hard

yay for closing Guantanamo, that undoing a terrible wrong.

[contadina]

I have a huge problem with someone with zero experience except for "running for office" being in charge of the whole shebang.

But then again, you could say his time spent as a community organizer and civil rights attorney would put hm more in touch with the majority of Americans than most who enter the political fray from elite oil/big business circles.

[jim]

White, 50+ and, yes, VERY cynical. So much so that I didn't believe he'd make it! Having, as an impressionable early teenager, seen, on 'telly, the hatred against the Freedom Marchers in the early sixties, I was happily surprised to see the change in Amerika. Given the realities of the task he faces I only hope he doesn't disappoint .... but .............

Love and Peace
Jim

[Graye]

Firstly I think I would have voted for Obama because generally speaking I favour the Democrats. That's what it should be all about - not just the colour of his skin.

Secondly I think the black "thing" has been slightly overdone throughout the campaign and inauguration - just a slightly disproportionate number of black faces etc. It's as if everyone is dashing forward to say "Look at me, I'm SO tolerant."

I'm hoping for great things from President Obama but we do have to remember all the decisions are not his alone, he has a senate to appeal to too. I see the day coming soon when he will have to offend a few black voters just because he has to stand for the whole of the US - I hope they won't be too disappointed. George W had some scary ideas sometimes and I'm glad to see changes are being made. I just hope Mr Obama can pull this off...

[snapdragon]

Seems to me President Obama is a very thoughtful and kind person who can get his point across, well educated and well spoken, Mrs Obama looks to be a very good support to him and their little girls are cute (but probably an almighty handful) I wish him all the best of good fortune in his endeavours with the 'state' of that nation.

I hope the american press don't do to him what the british media have a habit of doing to our leaders (expecting an immediate change and laying blame here there and everywhere)

It was nice to hear that celebrations were happening in Kansas Kenya and Kent

[Thomzo]

I too wish him luck. It's the most enormous responsibility and he will never be able to please everyone so let's just hope he follows his common sense and not the advice of those who should know better.

I am going to be very controversial here but can anybody tell me why the british media seem to only use presenters from ethnic minorities to report about any kind of racial issue? It's almost as if they are saying that white people can't possibly report on these issues and that those from other backgrounds can't report on anything else. Or perhaps it's just me.

Zoe