Another submission by Jaroslav Kudritski, our first 2-time contributor. Many thanks to him. Hope you all enjoy this enticing read.
When flipping through the history books of history patterns eventually begin to emerge. It is undeniable that the world runs on cycles and obviously, the economy is no different. Alone, these are just statistics but when these various cycles are put together with a timeline, some very interesting information arises. For example, the highest periods of prosperity usually coincide with the end of a war. That is not surprising since war production creates a massive need for industrial output. For that, workers are needed and that leads to increased spending. Just as war drives industry, spenders drive the economy. While a full-scale worldwide war cannot be considered as a solution to the current economic downturn, what else can be done?
Although war is the traditional answer to this kind of problem, the progression of how wars are fought has changed drastically over the years, especially in America. Many undesirable traits of war have been removed. After the Civil War, there have been no wars fought on US soil. The cold war ended up effectively outsourcing wars to small far away nations. So what is the next logical step in this progression? Some claim the next step has already been taken. The war against terror is this century’s version of traditional wars. Although I am no fan of terrorism, economically it is not a very viable crisis, as the enemy does not exist to the naked eye. Hunting terrorists does not require thousands of tanks or millions of bullets or seven aircraft carriers. Prevention is really the only answer. Even though prevention employs many workers it does not promote the build up of a manufacturing sector that the second world war created in America. In order to look for a solution one must take a step backwards and ask what characteristic of war or a crisis promotes the successful development of industry?
The easy answer is the crisis needs to be something big, a problem that would be so difficult to solve that it would need to employ a good chunk of the nation. As we’ve learned from current engagements in the Middle East, the enemy must be visible and create a formidable opposition. Some may be surprised to hear that this kind of crisis already exists and it is two-fold. First, it includes the depletion of natural resources. Second is the more serious issue of climate change. Although gas prices have fallen drastically recently, this does not mean there is more oil in the ground. It actually enables us to use more than ever and eventually, it will run out. This will create a huge problem as the petroleum industry not only is one of our main sources of energy but it supplies drugs manufacturers. Most importantly it is essential in the current methods of production of plastics. Developing solutions to these enormous problems would take a huge amount of man power.
The issue of climate change, is a totally different animal. Its effects have not been proven and the sheer size of our planet greatly limits our understanding of it. I like to refer to it as the crisis that may not exist. Some may take offense to this and I apologize. However, I presume it is much less risky to try and fix a problem that may not exist. If we fail then no harm will be done. Additionally, it would create a great amount of amount of jobs. The sheer power of renewable energy makes it extremely difficult to harvest but the fast pace of technological progression means every few years we have much more efficient means of production. This would also create the technologies that would replace cars as the main export of the United States. History dictates that a crisis needs to happen and it will be the people’s choice of how much they have to suffer before the eventual rise to prosperity. An actual war or a problem which may not exist? It’s our choice.
Yet another submission by a loyal reader. Credit and thanks to the author: Jaroslav Kudritski.
On a recent trip to New York I was in Times Square doing some shopping and across the street a man was holding up a sign that said, “Stop corporate bailouts”. It got me thinking about a few things, besides the fact a one man protest will not change many people’s opinions. The most important sector to the American economy undoubtedly has to be manufacturing, specifically in the automobile industry. The rate of import of foreign automobiles really began to climb in the 60’s and 70’s and the almost immediate supremacy of European luxury and sports cars should have been a sign of days ahead. Instead, Detroit sat on its high horse as Mercedes Benzes and BMW’s became the cars of choice replacing Lincolns and Cadillacs. It is amazing that it has taken almost 50 years for this trend to catch up to the average Joe the Plumber vehicle. Now, after a slow and painful downfall the Big 3 are starting to feel the pain. Considering a large part of the country’s economy rides on their shoulders, what are the options? Can Detroit be saved? How would saving the Big 3 affect the future of American corporations?
After many large financial firms have been wiped out in mere days, it is not hard to believe that a giant blue chip can go down. This is the unfortunate reality of the capitalist system. However, it is that same principle that keeps our industries competitive on a global market. From a purely capitalistic decision there should be no help offered to the Big 3. The free market means they should sort out their own problems if they can. Under normal conditions this would not be a problem. Their sheer volume would allow them to take out sizable loans to restructure their business. However, with the current financial crisis there comes a stop in liquidity that worsens the situation. Furthermore, it is important to remember the government bailed out Chrysler not too many years ago and today they are the worst off of the three.
Although hardcore capitalists do believe these companies should be left to fail, under today’s economic system it is almost impossible to fathom. A refusal to bailout would mean these companies would probably file for bankruptcy protection. Yes, the infamous Chapter 11. As you many recall, many US air carriers have gone through the process and it has turned them profitable all while being under the control of the government. It would entail a multi-year restructuring process that could result in many top executives being sacked. Many think the loss of a job would not hurt these individuals and it wouldn’t. It would hurt their massive stock portfolios that were handed out by the very companies they dove head first into the mess they are stuck in today. In reality, there really is no choice for the everyday consumer. The fates of these companies will be decided behind closed doors by top-level officials. The question we should be asking is: have we elected the representatives that can deal with these situations properly. Only time will tell.
Social awareness does not have a simple dictionary definition that can simply be whipped out whenever needed. It is a complicated concept, an archetype that means a variety of things for many people. I see social awareness as a principle that encompasses a string of definitive factors. It is a paradigm whereby one has a general awareness and fundamental knowledge of social issues. These include political, economical, technological, environmental, medical, scientific, as well as many other factors. All these are important to social awareness because they affect world happenings and influence, to a certain degree, how our world works. Basic social awareness means one is not only able to ascertain with a high degree of reliability how all these issues affect our world but also how they can be manipulated to provide solutions within it.
In order to develop social awareness within society, information is key. Discussion about that information is also critical as it presents the same data in different formats. Moreover, debate about that information is vital to the process of developing social awareness. Exposure to different points of views and comparison of advantages and disadvantages is what leads to successful solutions to today’s global problems. Therefore, social awareness is clearly an important societal necessity as our world swiftly moves forward in a technological age shaped by a multitude of overwhelming global issues.
The high-speed transfer of information in today’s world is a determining factor for technological improvements, business undertakings, and day-to-day communication. One of the most important skills taught today is teaching people where to find this essential information. It is this skill that has become a defining job requirement and difference maker in the careers of many professionals. Such ability is garnered through constant updates about world events because it helps build a fundamental underpinning of key concepts in our world. A further foundation of understanding that includes knowledge about politics, economics, and social matters, is also vital. It is evident that progress in today’s world is based on the application of information and the quicker it can be found, processed and effectively applied, the faster new technology, studies, and results appear.
The open discussion about this vast multitude of information is the next step towards the development of social awareness. The discussion and analysis of this information is essential because not only does it help when one sees data in different formats, it also assists in developing a deeper understanding of the core and underlying concerns in question. It is this core understanding that fosters ability to judge each piece of information correctly in order to apply it later on as potential solutions. In addition, discussion of information ensures that it quickly travels and reaches different people. This is imperative; many different points of view and opinions should be considered before the application of information can take place. However, it is amply clear that different positions can be considered, a solid foundation of understanding is necessary and that is only possible through thorough discussion and analysis.
Following the process above ensures that information can be swiftly found and genuinely understood. The next step in our process is the debating of this information and the ideas that arise from it. It is this freedom to debate ideas and raise questions that is one of the most important liberties in today’s society. Many generations have fought hard to earn this freedom and today it is a fundamental constitutional right in most developed countries. This deliberation on an assortment of beliefs has allowed our society to develop the way it has. It has also produced some of the most fascinating developments in our history. The development of democracy and the free market economic system is an excellent example of two ideas that have developed following a century of debate. It allows for the creation of new ideas and concepts as well as the improvement of current ones. Even more, it allows every individual an autonomy that is crucial to not only self-fulfilment, an important part of everyone’s personal development, but also to the democratic values we hold dear as a society. Hence, this freedom that has taken millennia to develop should not be taken for granted; it should be regularly practiced so that we develop as individuals while producing the advancements our society needs in order for humanity to progress.
Since social awareness encompasses a great deal of factors that are important to our world, it is imperative that it becomes a developed concept within the subconscious of our society. It cannot be a chore or a dread; it needs to be habitual and second nature. A daily routine should include some part of the steps outlined above. That will result in an extensive increase in our social intelligence as a global community. Mere information, discussion or debate can even inadvertently produce solutions, albeit the problems solved can be inconsequential. But, it is the accumulation of small solutions that produces larger solutions, sometimes even to global problems. With the increasingly difficult challenges that we face as a generation, it is of the essence that everybody becomes part of solutions rather than keep contributing to problems. That way, global warming, food and water shortages, aids, cancer, and many other global challenges will be a thing of the past once our generation passes the torch. However, before any challenges can be tackled, there needs to be a kind of awareness where knowledge about issues is transformed into solutions. That is the kind of awareness I preach and challenge every person to develop.
Photo by mojoey
Proposition 8 is a famed State constitutional measure proposed to voters in California this past November 4th. The measure revokes a recently approved amendment to the State constitution that gives homosexual couples the right to marry and enjoy the legal rights marriage conveys. However, California voted “yes” on Prop 8 thus launching a series of legal questions. Since many homosexual couples, including famed celebrities, had taken advantage of the new law and married soon after the original amendment was passed, what happens now that this right has been rescinded? Moreover, with a new political wave of change winning the day, how was it possible that this measure garnered enough support?
Firstly, the notion that previous legal gay marriages should be dissolved needs to be dismissed straight away. Laws are usually not passed retroactively, thus the status of current gay married couples should and will remain unchanged. Legal procedures in California confirms this as do many State legal experts who believe the measure, though it could, will not be passed retroactively. There are some voices, though, who suggest the interpretation of the language in Prop 8 to imply that any same-sex marriage will be viewed as illegal. That is highly unlikely to according to even the Attorney General of the State. However, one thing that is set in stone is that other gay couples will not be able to marry since it will now be illegal under the new measure. Therefore, a situation will exists where some gay couples are legally married in a State where gay marriage is illegal. This not only creates disparity within the legal system but also some confusion to lay people as to their rights and freedoms. There are already attempts to fight the ban through the legal system. Actions have been brought through the State courts claiming the measure is too close to a fundamental shift of rights and should be deemed unconstitutional. There is a desire to establish a precedent where a majority cannot take away rights from a minority, a precedent that many would agree would have significant positive legal consequences. However, many lawyers and legal experts see this as having little chance of succeeding in the courts. Therefore, the ban will most likely be upheld and confirmed leaving the State with a precarious legal position. More importantly, this creates a deep social divide within the state.
That brings up the question of how Prop 8 passed in the first place. With Barack Obama winning a national election on a promise of change while riding a liberal agenda geared towards changing social values, how was it possible for the measure to pass in a “blue” state that chose Obama? In my opinion, religion, age, and a small degree of discrimination were determinant factors in why this turned out the way it did. First, it is a known fact that religion plays a great role in American politics. Therefore, traditional religious groups who see marriage as only sacred between a man and a woman had a significant influence in how people voted. An important note here is that over 70% of black voters who voted for Obama also voted for Prop 8. Traditional African-Americans are brought up in the Church and see homosexuality as a sin. An influential Mormon community also funded over half of the financial support pro-Prop 8 groups received. Clearly, Obama’s core support group did not translate in votes against the measure. Furthermore, exit polls show a great disparity between how young and older voters. Younger and more naturally liberal voters voted overwhelmingly against the measure while more traditional and conservative older voters evidently voted for it. Obama’s main driving force in the national election, youth, was not enough to gain the “against” votes needed. Lastly, I believe there is still a degree of discrimination against homosexuality entrenched within our social conscience. The quest for homosexual equality has not been on our agendas as a society for too long a time and therefore it is still an issue that harbours much resentment.
It is clear that American political ideals have not fundamentally shifted towards the left, a shift that many would be quick to assume following Obama’s overwhelming victory. Similar measures also passed throughout the country showing that gay marriage is still a thorny issue for many. As time passes and tolerance and acceptance become growing traits in future generations, one day, some believe not too far into the future, the issue of gay marriage will not be an issue at all. However, today it is not widely considered an issue of equality but a moral and religious dilemma. Just as civil rights took many decades to develop and be accepted, so will gay rights.
The Social Verdict has received its 2nd official contribution. This is credited to Elizabeth Duan.
Photo By jen and joe
To say that November 4th 2008 was a day on which history was made would be an understatement. The word ‘history’ implies that this day will be spoken about for generations to come, that it will be written in the textbooks of American history students and that it will go down as one of the greatest moments in the 21st Century. Whilst all of the above are amazing achievements in themselves and will no doubt happen, the true impact that Barack Obama has left in his supporters is one that goes far beyond the history books. It is the inspiration that Obama has aroused – the inspiration to go after one’s goals and to believe that there are no limitations in the era that we live in – that the history books will never fully capture in writing.
His campaign of change delivered a message that anything is possible and it is the embodiment of this message in every person who has been inspired by Obama that will mark him out amongst other influential figures in history. It is in the psyche of the single mother who goes back to college in the hopes of having a better future for her children and the belief of the college graduate embarking on graduate school despite a mountain of debt; it is to those people that Obama’s message of self-belief will come to fruition. And this is what I regard to be Obama’s greatest achievement on his way to the White House: his power to inspire people to believe in the courage of their convictions and the audacity of their dreams.
What Obama has achieved stands as a bold slap in the face to anyone who doubts that anything is possible. He tapped into the very fabric in which American ideology is woven and kept that ideology at the heart of his campaign. The American Dream that anything is possible through hard work and perseverance is not limited to America. It is a universal ideology that stretches to all corners of the world. Obama is a man who not only made his own dreams come true but the dreams of countless other African Americans before him and on November 4th 2008 he proved the sky is the limit. This is the reason that we are each able to identify with Obama for his achievement signals that self-doubt is the only thing that stands in the way of greatness.
I will be the first to admit that I am a member of the younger generation that Obama has inspired to take an interest in politics and I have followed this election as if I had a vote in it. Whilst watching Obama’s victory speech in Grant Park, Chicago, I realised that the people gathered in that park had not only made history by electing Obama as president but that they had made the decision to do something that was greater than themselves, to make a difference. So, that was the moment when I understood that the quest to fulfilling a dream carries with it so much more than a sense of individual achievement. It is the means by which we convey who we are to the world and in consequence appreciate the importance of social worth, of contributing and of leaving a mark on society.
So whilst others will remember Obama’s victory in terms of his flawless campaign, his historic victory or his amazing oratorical skills, what I will take away and believe in even more will be the message he reinforced with three simple words: Yes We Can.
Barack Obama spoke to over 240 000 people in Chicago after winning his historic bid for the US Presidency. This article takes a look at his remarkable victory speech.
Photo by Wa-J
“Yes we can” are the words that the whole world woke up to the day after the results of the American election. Played over and over in news outlets and on the internet, Barack Obama’s inspiring phrase has the potential to one day eclipse Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream”. His words were that powerful. With a refrain taken from doctor King himself, a charisma Kennedy mastered, and a charm only Reagan portrayed, Obama produced a riveting oratory spectacle. Not only did he produce a captivating delivery but his message carried an underlying theme few expected with the celebratory mood. However, those who know him best say that is typical; his steady and even-keeled nature ensures nobody ever gets carried away. His we-us-ours mantra, consistent throughout his campaign, is different than a typical politician’s approach. But Obama is not your typical politician. This speech came as a final nail in the coffin to a carefully but perfectly constructed image founded on strong, considerate, and inspiring leadership.
Obama came across as calm and composed, someone ready for a challenge. Everything about the speech from the historic location to strategic aesthetic choices to the specific language chosen produced the desired overall presidential atmosphere. Relaxed and stoic, a trademark of Obama’s demeanour during speeches, he began by reflecting on the historic nature of the result. “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer”. He thanked Senator McCain and continued thanking his family, campaign team, and supporters. He then quickly took the steam out of everyone’s cheers. He shifted tone from festiveness to thoughtfulness and introspectiveness. “For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime.” He spoke about the problems and challenges his country faces and how hard it will be to overcome them. He then took a page out of Martin Luther King’s famous refrain with “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there”. This was the genius of his speech. From the onset of his first steps as President-Elect, he did one thing he needed to do straight away. He began lowering expectations and reigning in realism.
“This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.” And with that, he defined what the change he campaigned for isn’t. He kept up the inspiring concept that got him elected by leaving his message of change undefined while also maintaining that this was just the beginning of a long and grueling path. “There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can’t solve every problem” He then did something that Kennedy did when he took office. He challenged the people and called his citizens into public service. “It can’t happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.” This call to duty is a sign that the change the country seeks needs every person to be part of it, not just one man. He went on and faced realism head-on by acknowledging the divisiveness of the country. “As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends.” He then promised to be a president of all Americans and work hard even for all those that didn’t vote for him, all 48 million of them, but he needs their help as well. He briefly talked about foreign policy in figurative terms and went on to tell the story of a 106 year old voter. The defining moments of the speech followed. Highlighting the extraordinary historical occurrences of the last century, he followed each one with “yes we can”.
“And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.
And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.
Yes we can.”
With that, President-Elect Barack Obama concluded with the staple of the American dream, a dream that should be a global one: “out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can”. And they sure did.
Photo by Barack Obama (Flickr)
Americans went to the polls and elected their first black President. President-elect Barack Obama handily won both the popular vote and the Electoral College vote in the US election yesterday. He carried the majority of swing-states and battleground states, winning 3 of the 4 largest states in the country as well as stealing many traditional “red” states. In 2000, Obama could not get to the Democratic National Convention. Five years ago, he was elected the first black Senator and two years ago launched a presidential campaign as an unknown who many said would not make any impact even on the Democratic nomination. Today, he is the President-elect of the United States of America.
In what was a historic day for the Democratic Party as not only did it win the presidency, it also increased its majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. In a long day of frustrated voters complaining about long line-ups at voting booths, it is a clear sign that a shift in values that took place two years ago when the Democrats won the respective legislative majorities was not a one-time mistake. A significant shift in political views was confirmed as Democrats had a good day across the board.
After a long and drawn out battle with fellow Democrat Hilary Clinton, many doubted his chances of defeating a long-standing and respected member of the Republican Party. Many of Hilary’s supporters said they would rather not vote or even vote for McCain than vote for Obama. Further, a frosty relationship with the Clintons and his decision to not even consider her as a running mate further dented his image in the eyes of many. However, his choice for Vice President in the end proved to be a good decision. He ran a flawless national campaign based on a steady issue-focused campaign. His political instincts delivered great decisions time and time again throughout the campaign as his responses to personal attacks, the financial crisis, and refusal to go negative on character delivered great political results. When he began leading in the polls, he focused on building up that lead and maintaining it. He was steady through the debates and always did enough to win and purposely kept the rhetoric down until the end. His calmness and steadiness throughout the campaign has led him toward this historic final outcome.
The historic nature of this campaign cannot be underestimated. Some will believe this will be an overestimation of the potential impact of this victory. An outpour of emotion in the media is to be expected as many, both Republicans and Democrats, realize how big of a step this was for not only America, but the entire world. This victory represents a transformational change in American politics, a generational change in social values, and a historic moment that proves anything is possible. Many of the greatest American presidents have been transformational figures, from Lincoln to FDR. A youth movement gave America President John F. Kennedy. A generational movement today gave America President Barack Obama, a transformational and transcendental symbol for the entire world.
This moment will also prove a significant shift in American reputation world wide. The country that elected President Bush twice has learned from its mistakes and has given Obama the opportunity to hold the coveted position of “leader of the free world”. Not only does it represent a move in line with the world towards progressive policies, Obama’s victory also strengthens the world famous “American dream”. He will also have the opportunity to follow in President Clinton’s footsteps, as the last Democratic President, and follow-up on the goodwill and impeccable image he left behind. The symbol of hate towards America will have gone and replaced by a young and driven President who promises many things that the entire world would like to see happen. America’s image experienced a massive boost with this historic movement.
The expectations placed on President Obama will be outstanding. His constant promise of change, grand promises of sweeping reforms in many fields, as well as the presumptuous nature of voters will result in many people being disappointed regardless of his performance. Obama himself has raised the bar high and many people have raised it even higher for him as they interpreted his promises and mantra of change as they wished. The American people expect him to follow up on substantive promises. The world expects drastic changes in American foreign policy and conduct. Further, everyone wants a leader capable of following up his historic nation-wide movement who will transform it into a new world order. Many, if not most, of these expectation are heavy enough to ensure any man, including Obama himself, will crumble underneath them. Only time can tell whether Obama can be the President the world needs.
As images of Oprah, Rev. Jesse Jackson and many others crying in Chicago during Obama’s victory address, it was clear that, for many, today was a very special day, a day Martin Luther King spoke of in his last speech before his tragic death. The first person born after the civil rights movement to become President is a black man, a true testament of how far America and the world has come in the quest towards racial equality. The Republicans severely misunderstood who the average “Joe” in America is. The face of America is more diverse, tolerant, and intelligent. The Latino vote, the Black vote, the Youth vote really shook the current political order to the core and after almost two hard years of battle, a new leader emerged, Barack Obama. Is this the beginning of a movement or the end of a historic step?
The first ever submission to The Social Verdict is here and it is a direct response to the a previous article titled The World Needs a President Obama. The author wished to remain anonymous so there will be no BY line. Big thanks to the author. Feel free to comment and keep the posts coming!
Ideals aside, a President Obama will not solve the world’s problem
These are curious times. America faces big problems and a big choice. Whether it is Obama or McCain, the victor will be faced with an uphill challenge. It is an uncontested fact that America is not moving in the right direction. Further, and perhaps more debatable, where America leads, the rest of the world usually follows.
For conceptual clarity, the terms “Obama” and “President Obama” will be used interchangeably. There is no need to distinguish the two. If Obama does not become President, then the argument will go no further. The holding of power is a staple requisite. Alternatively, if he is elected, he will be expected to use his personal abilities so to meet the Presidential ideas demanded of him.
Let us start on a practical level. If Obama is to attempt to resolve some of the world’s problems, then surely his first task will be putting America back on track. Clearly, there is no point arguing he can resolve global issues if he cannot deal with the raw issues at home. This is, after all, his electoral mandate. With this in mind, let us examine some of the issues he faces.
Firstly, Wall Street is not in a settled place. Irresponsible lending by institutions such as Fanny Mae and Freddie Mack provide the foundations for trouble. It is simple logic that if creditors cannot get their investments back, this will ultimately lead to the downfall of the creditor. The problem is further amplified by inter-lending between financial institutions in a frivolous manner. As one financier said, it has not been uncommon for no one to know who was in charge of a debt, or who was actually holding the assets in question. The complexities of the financial crisis are not in issue here. However, we have outlined the problem America faces, and as such, a problem which a President Obama would need to rectify.
The next problem is the American housing market. Coupled to the liberal lending ideology, house builders could not resist the urge of throwing up thousands of houses to make a quick profit. But what is the point of building a house? Surely the answer is to provide a home for individuals. The common phrase that something is said to be “as safe as houses”, does not hold true if we forget this basic principle. In America, house building has become a money making tool. Supply now outstrips demand. The house market has become knotted with the financial market. Potential home owners do not buy houses because they cannot get the capital. Coupled to this, the very companies depended on a housing bubble can no longer get the credit, nor can they sell the houses they have built. The result is collapse.
A third and perhaps most important problem is a downturn in the American economy. Today it was announced on BBC news that there are fears one of America’s car giants will fail. Buying new expensive purchases, such as cars, are hardly high on the list of the average American in light of the circumstances. These “icons of the American dream” are on dodgy ground, having proved less successful against their Japanese rivals over the last ten years they may not survive the credit crunch “tsunami”. Uncertainty is not only common at the top, workers too are worried. Boeing workers, worried about their future job prospects and outsourcing to China have caused revenue to fall by nearly ten percent at the company. These America icons are looking shaky, and whilst it would be too far to argue that America’s global economic dominance is under threat, they are not representing the “American dream” in the way they have previously.
Evidently a President Obama has some big problems to solve. But according to the author, he may be able to solve them. After all, there is “no force that can stand up against fierce determination, passionate desire, and gut-wrenching hard work”. Obama can walk on water too, so rectifying a “tsunami” sized credit crunch shouldn’t be too challenging.
What should be obvious from our brief exploration of key American problems is that Obama cannot and will not solve them. Obama cannot solve the financial crisis single handily. The financiers don’t even know where the assets are located. He cannot solve the oversupply in the housing market, and he cannot exert enough individual force to turn the economy around. Things are in equilibrium and things must play out. The excesses of ten years cannot be crossed out, merely by placing a cross in the ‘Obama box’.
A counter may be propounded. No one is claiming that Obama can solve these problems. Rather Obama represents an ideology which the world needs. His overwhelming capability will mean other leaders will be “armed” with “innovating ideas and solutions” to face the problems individually. Through this, he will implement the change necessary to both the world and America back on track.
Unfortunately this response cannot work either.
Firstly, a President Obama has no basis to found such an ideology. As the most powerful world leader, he will be faced with great and new challenges. Electoral rhetoric, promise and spin all sound great, but until attempted execution of these promises, his leadership ability cannot be ascertained. Moreover, if we are forced to accept Obama cannot resolve the current downward trend, he will have a very slim basis to claim such an ideology.
On a practical level, if (as the author claims), the European Union, Russia and China are in politically resurgent positions; they are unlikely to accept solutions from a representative of a state which has “slipped down” the global ranks.
Secondly, and most crucially, it will have been noticed the problems Obama faces in America are not just specific to America. They are global. Take Britain. We are facing a similar credit crunch, largely because the banking system is interlinked. Northern Rock has recently been nationalised, and the treasury has announced an enormous rescue package for the purpose of saving other lenders. Like America, our housing market is in free fall, and similarly our economy is looking shaky. It can be said with certainty that similar problems are faced in Germany, Iceland and elsewhere around the world.
Obama cannot solve America’s problems. It is not proven that he can lead the world to its desired solutions, or that they will bother to listen. We cannot claim, therefore, that the world needs him. Where America leads, the rest of the world follows. Currently that is, and will remain downwards.
There is one last irony to address. The writer argues that a President Obama could reduce prejudice and polarization. He shall create a shift akin to that of Martin Luther King. Tolerance should prevail, and the mighty shall not prevail over the weak. In a daring assertion, the writer points out that Obama shall “lead the way towards a new world order”.
This is all sizzle and no substance. In Britain we have experienced this. In 1997, we had our own “Obama”. Tony Blair. On his political ascendancy he was heralded as someone who would bring change. He would solve both our social problems at home, and further lay the foundations for a cohesive world. True, his work with Israel and Palestine on the Middle East Peace Process was proactive and largely positive. But do not forget Blair’s other great legacy; war with Iraq. This is not to argue that Obama will precipitate war. Rather, to argue that politicians who appear to represent peace and prosperity may not live up to their expectations. Even the most positive ambitions may be curtailed by the realities of office and power.
Unity, coherence and fairness are easy values to preach, but they are almost impossible to bring about either nationally or internationally, especially where states are under severe pressures. We only need to look at the battle between Iceland and the UK over protection of investor deposits. In particular, the UK took the extreme and aggressive measure of invoking the Crime Prevention and Terrorism Act to freeze landsbanki’s assets in this country.
America is in dream and will remain so for the next couple of weeks. There are those who are already sold, cheering enthusiastically at the democratic conference, believing in change. Even those who are yet to decide are likely to get caught in the spin of the next few days. If there is an election of a black president this will undoubtedly be groundbreaking and a perfect signal of equality. Yet overall, we should exercise caution. The world does not need Obama because he cannot create the change he preaches. The realities of the last ten years must play out of their own accord. Vacuous ambition and promise, backed with little proof of success will not be enough to solve them.