The Obama Post (Interactive!)

6 Responses to “The Obama Post (Interactive!)”

1. Markus Stocker
   November 8th, 2008 @ 12:22 am

   Obama inspired. He inspired a constructive feeling, hope. He inspired not only millions of Americans (here intended as U.S. citizens) but so many people all over the world (as an example, recall the 200,000 people who showed up in Berlin, Germany, last summer in July).

   I think, this is his most important credit.

   Somehow his colleague inspired too, four years ago, didn’t he? After all, he too awoke millions of Americans. The difference? Four years ago, he inspired a destructive feeling, fear. I believe, this characterizes the two parties in their foundations. On one side, the Republicans emphasize on fighting (during this presidential election I used to call it the R-word, as in Republican speeches the concepts of fight and fear appear in so diverse context, from war and national security, to Joe the Plumber). As a natural emotion, there is of course nothing bad with fear but I doubt using and abusing it to convince is a healthy strategy. On the other side, the Democrats emphasize on hope for constructive change, which naturally won’t come for free, without fear, without a price to pay, without sacrifice. They know it too, they just don’t build on top of it. You might argue, both play with emotions to convince, both are not really rational and objective, both end up in unnecessary and silly arguments, both compromise on their fundamental ideals. Yes, and it is probably what has to be done to win an election.

   Shortly after the news was out on Tuesday late in the evening, in Washington DC, like in other cities all over the world, people moved out of their houses and the streets witnessed an improvised party. This is good and, I think, an explosive reflection of the emotions people had been nurturing over two years.

   As it was pointed out before on this blog, something just began. Obama inspired and he did a good job, obviously. But that was just the beginning. I think, the difficult assignments for him are still ahead. He was able to inspire people, now he has to show that Americans made the right choice. He won’t be able to make this on his own. I think, the most important support has to come from his family. I think, the entire political apparatus, democrats, republicans, independents, have to work together to translate what he inspired into actions. And finally, as he pointed out several times, it is the task of each family and every individual to invest more energy in education, social and environmental responsibility, injustice, inequality and human rights – which is, of course, true for all of us, not just for Americans.

   I know, all this is more complex than how I’m describing it here. Talking about the use of constructive and destructive emotions to convince is a rather naive, incomplete and simplistic interpretation of the intricate dynamics of politics. However, I believe the different approach can potentially lead to a more positive outcome.

2. Magda
   November 9th, 2008 @ 12:43 am

   I agree with your comment, Markus. The idea to ask people all over the world what feelings they have while thinking about Obama is a very good one. Not only the US looks with hope to the future. I had the opportunity to spend the 4th of November in Berlin. From the beginning of the day (even some days or weeks before) it seemed to be Obama’s day. More than 80% of Germans supported Obama and they will still support him, because he’s inspiring, as you wrote. It won’t be an easy time for him, but Europe believes, he will make it. Yes, he can…

3. Cornelia Schönenberger
   November 9th, 2008 @ 1:26 am

   I’d have loved to go onto the streets and dance out of joy that Obama became president. With Obama and Al Gore, the USA have two of the most important people in the world, who advocate for human rights and the Earth. I wish many men like them for our world, it’s high time! This is an important turning point for the end of racial discrimination. Both are men of achievement, for the good. They won’t be able to safe everything on their own. Together and with good intention we will achieve something!

   Ich hätte am liebsten auf den Strassen getanzt vor Freude, dass Obama Präsident wurde. Amerika hat mit Obama und Al Gore zwei der wichtigsten Männer der Welt, die einstehen für die Werte des Menschen und die Erde. Ich wünsche mir für die Welt viele solcher Männer, es wird höchste Zeit! Ein absoluter Wendepunkt für das Ende der Rassendiskriminierung. Beides sind Männer der Taten, für das Gute. Sie werden alleine nicht alles retten können. Gemeinsam mit guter Absicht werden wir etwas erreichen!

4. Mum and Dad
   November 11th, 2008 @ 3:41 am

   Dad compares the next president of the USA, Obama, with the musician John Lennon: he sang for peace, love between people, regardless of color or culture. John Lennon was the apostle for freedom in music, Barack Obama will be the apostle for freedom in politics.
   Mum’s opinion: I have hope, that the next, to me very likable, president will undertake steps towards peace and equal rights for humanity. For the prosperity of peace, we need a sound health care system, labor market, no crime. I have hope for him, not only for America, but also for Africa and the entire world. I have also a good impression of his family (with a question mark on his parents). If he can convert the integrity of his family in the world, he will certainly bring peace. The young, the elderly and the middle class need the change.

   Papi vergleicht den zukünftigen Präsidenten Obama mit dem Musiker John Lennon: er sang vom Frieden, der Liebe zwischen den Menschen, egal welcher Hautfarbe, welcher Kultur. John Lennon war der Friedensapostel der Musik, Barak Obama sei der Freidensapostel der Politik.
   Mamas Meinung: In mir ist eine grosse Hoffnung entstanden, dass der neue, mir sehr sympatische Präsident Schritte für den Frieden und die Gleichberechtigung der Menschheit unternehmen wird. Für den Frieden der Menschen braucht es ein intaktes Gesundheitswesen, Arbeitsmarkt, keine Verbrechen. Ich hoffe auf ihn, nicht nur für Amerika, sondern auch für Afrika und die ganze Welt. Einen guten Eindruck macht mir auch seine Familie (seine Eltern mit Fragezeichen). Falls er sein intaktes Familienleben auch in der Welt umsetzen kann, bringt er bestimmt viel Frieden. Jung und alt und der Mittelstand braucht die Veränderung.

5. Simona Canevascini
   November 11th, 2008 @ 4:30 am

   First of all, I’m very happy about the result! With my background in history, I really think I can say to have experienced a historic event. After 8 years of Bush administration, not only the United States, but the entire world needed a change. I think, the USA has never seen a worse president than the one who is leaving – a bit too late, sadly – the White House. The disasters that have been committed during the last 8 years will be hard to repair, but a change is indeed necessary. Non only for Americans, but for the entire world. Obama reflects this necessity for change, not only being a democrat and that for the first time in US history a black president will be entering the White House, but in particular for his intelligent message of hope and freedom. I just have listened again to his speech he held in Chicago during the election night… unbelievable! Indeed an incredible speech for its honesty and humility. Obama really seems to be motivated in bringing the US and its citizens out of an economic and social disastrous situation, and he doesn’t intend to do it for his own personal glory, but for the benefit of his own country, which showed, in electing him, courage and openness! We are too much used to see and listen (not only) to European presidents talking into the void and acting only in favor of their own personal interests, advocating for the wealthy and forgetting the poor. Obama finally seems to want to give a cut to this way of doing politics, where political differences are underlined and the construction of walls is encouraged. Our highest ranked political ambassadors too often forget about the task we have assigned to them, i.e. act with all their means in favor of everybody, trying to overcome political and ideological barriers. Obama’s openness also towards the Republicans, to which will probably be assigned some departments, shows his will to operate in favor of a better world, away from unnecessary divisions and misunderstandings. Perhaps, the hope that the election of Barack Obama as the next president of the United States has evoked in the entire world is exaggerated, after all he too is just human as we all are, but dreaming is nice and seeing concrete results is even better! I’m hopeful, also because a world worse than now is difficult to imagine. With his election, Obama will perhaps be able to impose change and maybe other countries will be inspired to transform this world into a better world, for everybody!

   Innanzitutto sono felicissima del risultato! Da storica quale sono, credo davvero di poter dire di aver vissuto un momento storico. Dopo 8 anni di presidenza Bush non solo gli Stati Uniti ma anche il mondo aveva bisogno di un cambiamento. Credo che gli USA non abbiano mai avuto un presidente peggiore di quello che sta per lasciare – un po’ in ritardo, purtroppo – la Casa Bianca. I disastri che sono stati commessi in questi 8 anni saranno difficili da riparare, ma un cambiamento è davvero necessario. Non solo per gli americani, ma anche per il resto del mondo. Obama incarna questa necessità di cambiamento, non solo per il fatto che è democratico e per il fatto che per la prima volta, nella storia degli Stati Uniti, un presidente nero entrerà alla Casa Bianca, ma soprattutto per il suo intelligente messaggio di speranza e di pace. Ho appena riascoltato il suo discorso, tenuto a Chicago la notte dell’elezione… incredibile! Davvero un discorso incredibile per la sua onestà e la sua umiltà. Obama sembra davvero intenzionato a far uscire il Stati Uniti e i suoi cittadini da una situazione economica e sociale disastrosa, ma non intende farlo per ottenere gloria personale, bensì per il bene del suo paese, che ha dimostrato, eleggendolo, coraggio e apertura! Siamo troppo abituati a vedere e sentire presidenti di nazioni europee, e non solo, parlare a vuoto e agire solo in favore dei propri interessi personali, favorendo chi sta bene e dimenticando chi sta male. Obama sembra voler finalmente porre un taglio netto a questo modo di fare politica, dove vengono accentuate le differenze politiche e favorite le costruzioni di muri. I nostri rappresentati politici nelle più alte sfere dello Stato troppo spesso si dimenticano del compito che abbiamo affidato loro, ovvero: agire con tutti i mezzi a favore di tutti, cercando di superare barriere politiche e ideologiche. L’apertura di Obama anche nei confronti dei Repubblicani, ai quali probabilmente andranno alcuni dipartimenti, dimostra la sua volontà di operare in favore di un mondo migliore, al riparo da inutili divisioni e incomprensioni. Forse le speranze che l’elezione di Barack Obama a futuro presidente degli Stati Uniti hanno suscitato in tutto il mondo sono esagerate, in fondo anche lui è solo un uomo come tutti noi, ma sognare è bello e vedere dei risultati concreti ancora di più! Io comunque sono speranzosa, anche perché un mondo peggiore di questo è difficile da immaginare. Con la sua elezione Obama riuscirà forse a imporre un cambiamento e magari anche altre nazioni si lasceranno influenzare trasformando questo mondo in un mondo migliore, per tutti!

6. Bufallo Che
   December 31st, 2008 @ 12:12 am

   Who the h** is obama, and why does he think he is the president of the world? The US is as deep in the mud as always, as it was during the wwI, wwII, vietnam, as during iraq, and so the story will go on. obama is just a fart in the dust of the ever-smelly american history.
   it is at us to ignore the arrogance of the west and to establish a system independent from this “4th world country”. as long as the US still exist i give a f** about who is the president of this stupid rock in the sea.
   my 2 cents; finally sue the west back for the financial crisis, for all the wars, the pollution and fat children. then they will sell their country for really cheap and we could build a new regulatory. all the bad goes always back to america if you go far back in time enough. the best and the smartest people don’t only come from the US. actually they really rarely come from there, bach, freud, kafka, gutenberg ghandi, mother teresa. and now do you really think just because the US where able to elect a black man things are going to change. don’t waste your hopes… see you on next election. GO DEMOCRATS but who the h*** is obama?

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