No, I didn't stay up to find out the outcome of the election. This morning was quite soon enough, and it was worth waiting just to avoid listening to the delusional babble of the news networks. Besides, once Ohio had gone into the Blue column, the result seemed almost inevitable. Nor can I say I was interested in wild celebrations regarding the appointment. Sure, I think the right man won, but my relationship with politics is intellectual rather than emotional. And while I'm far from Anarchistic, I try to live as independently from the government as I can. That is to say, whatever decisions Mr Obama makes, I'm sure there will be an avenue for me (and anyone else) to prosper.
In any case, from what I here of the reactions of important people, there seems plenty of room for optimism. There have been a lot of people saying that McCain's concession speech was superior to Obama's acceptance oration, but I'd have thought it obvious to anyone that it is easier to be graceful in defeat than victory, especially in what is essentially a popularity contest. Saying, "The other guy would've done just as good a job" is no way to either thank your supporters or reach out to the opposition. I've also heard a lot of comments that if McCain had expressed himself throughout the election like he did at the very end, he would've been a candidate they could vote for. Well, that's the point, isn't it? John McCain isn't an infinitely gracious man, and the mean streak he frequently showed during the campaign marked him as second best.
Bush says he'll make the handover as smooth as possible, which is probably the only sensible thing he's said in 8 years. Really the best thing about the outcome for me is that what it will do for America image to the rest of the world. Perhaps I can dare to show some pride of my American half when I return to the UK.
Well said, John.
ReplyDeleteI'm skeptical of all those who are now so "proud of their country", though. You're right - most of us live the majority our lives without needing a central government role. But increasingly, it seems like people are starting to identify with a particular ideological variety of American identity. It's not that I think it's dangerous so much as it empowers the same two parties that got us into this giant mess, and it confuses the conversation the people should be having amongst themselves with the scripted conversation of the political media and intelligentsia.
let's also remember: change has not come yet. Unless the only change meant is new packaging for the brand.
ReplyDeleteI think some change has already come, but it has arrived in other parts of the globe. By the sounds of it, the rest of the world has been holding its breath, waiting to see if they can start respecting the USA again. The question for me is, will the people realize that mutual success can be achieved if we have a conversation with the rest of the world? Or are we going to carry on with this 'Lets make America great again' self indulgence?
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