Reading journals written by American bloggers has raised my awareness of politics in the USA. One of the events that drew my attention was Hurricane Katrina and the delayed response and inadequate preparations to that natural disaster. Other pointers were problems acquiring health care as experienced by some of you.
I enjoy reading some of the entries, made by our own Dirk, who professes to be politically incorrect and questions aspects of government politics, irrespective of the colour of the government of the day. All governments are accountable to their electorate, and it is that very electorate that holds the power to remove them. Which has happened to the administration of President Bush in the last few months.
No administration holds the support of 100% of its population, and it is to be expected that supporters of President Bush do not like the policies being implemented by President Obama. As an observer from outside, I'll be careful in professing my preference; but in the past, I have been severely critical of Mr Bush on various aspects of his foreign and domestic politics. Mr Obama promises much, but we'll have to wait on delivery.
A video came my way today, which described President Obama as a dangerous communist, who will cause the destruction of America. Yep, and I've just had kittens. It reminded me of the McCarthy years, in the 1940s and 1950s, during which Senator McCarthy conducted a witch hunt of all who might have had alleged communist leanings. British readers may have watched an episode of the series "Who do you think you are", which researches the ancestry of well-known personalities - tonight's was Zoe Wannamaker. Her father moved to the UK in 1951, after it became clear that his past membership of the communist party made it likely that he be called in front of McCarthy - and put to jail for perhaps not answering. Nearly 60 years have passed, and the world has changed. But communism, however demonstrably discredited, is still a dirty word in certain quarters.
Guido, I enjoyed this entry very much, and I'm always intrigued by how our politics--especially this last election--are perceived in other countries. It was a great surprise to me to see just how much those around the world were watching this election. The phrase "the world world is watching" was very true in this case.
ReplyDeleteI've heard the word "socialism" bandied about much more than "communism," but I think both are way off the mark when it comes to President Obama. (I know there are some that disagree strongly.) You may have heard the brouhaha about then-candidate Obama using the phrase "redistributing the wealth." I'm not sure what the problem was, because what is our tax system other than redistributing the wealth? We all pay taxes, and it all goes out to various programs and services.
Ah well, water under the bridge. I look forward to watching what unfolds in the next few years. And I DO appreciate the interest overseas. I've been railing for some time now about how we have to think globally, not just locally.
Best,
Beth
Yes, we are all looking to see what will emerge from this new leader's thinking. We re all hoping for the best. When I see evidence of rational thought in his behavior I am encouraged because to my mind most politicians become fixed in their opinions early on and you can just see no thought of change is going to be allowed to enter. I am hoping Obama is more flexible. The world will be watching, too, I am sure.
ReplyDeleteI missed the episode of "Who do you think you are" but did see Zoe Wannamaker in an interview.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I tend not to blog about politics or the human condition(this could change) the USA has an opportunity for change, I see Obama has a lot of critics, but as well all know change does not come about over night, and it will take time for people to feel and benefit from the changes made, i only wish we had someone in the running here that would have the guts to make the fundemental changes here in the UK.
is there a female in the bunch, possibly a tuxedo kitty, you know, black on both sides, white in the middle? of course, i prefer the above, but would take any that you offered. and by the way, do any of them look like their father???
ReplyDeletein all seriousness, i am still taking a wait and see position on obama. it takes more than one administration to screw things up, and also to clean things up.
regina