Obama's influence

Now that the excitement of president-elect Obama has died down some it's intersting to see what kind of impact his election has on the international community. As a Kenyan native I've seen the excitement and pride the Kenyan people have with the election of Obama. I was reading the Daily Nation (Kenyan newspaper) and was looking to see what kind of impact Obama's ties have with Kenya. Kenya usually brings in a lot of tourism (with the exception of the end of last year and beginning of this year due to the roits that occurred after the elections) but there have been talks of creating a route that would take tourists from Nirobi to Kogelo Village where Obama's father was born. Its interesting to see what kind of impact the Obama administration is having on the international community although it is still in the transitioning phase. I think that Obama will take a multilateral approach in dealing with the international community which will lead to more diplomacy and less military action. I think that approach is expected and welcomed by the international community.

A new age in America

When the framers of the constitution wrote the constitution they had in mind a government that was for the people and by the people. On Tuesday night such a government was revived with the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president. With Obama's win several factors arise that reveal what America is about the good and the bad. Obama's win is the ultimate example of the American dream that if you work hard enough and remain focused anything is possible. Who would have ever guessed that an individual from a single household with a mixed race could become an American president. About 2 years ago no one really knew about Barack Obama and now the whole world knows about him. I think that our national image has shifted into a more favorable one in the international community. The prestige that America once had seems to be coming back. Along with all the positive impact that the election of Obama has had on the American people some negative aspects arise. It saddens me to realize how closeminded people are. I would have imagined that several gaint steps have been taken to harmonize the American people to look beyond what's on the outside and consider what's on the inside. A disagreement with an individual's policy and stance on multiple topics is valid as long as that disagreement is based on the topic matter and not the individual's skin color. I think that a majority of our current generation is open (although not in agreement) to others that are different but there is still a percentage who base their ideas on an individual's outward characteristics. In Obama's acceptance speech he mentioned the events that have taken place over the last century and the change that has occurred in this country. The challenge to see what kind of changes can be made over the next century will not only impact America but also the international community. Entities are being linked closer and closer together internationally. The election of Obama was one that was witnessed not only by the American society but also by the international society.

Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin has generated attention to herself and the GOP since her nomination as VP. There have been ups and downs with her nomination. People were wondering who she was and what she was about. Everyone was looking for information about this hockey mom from Alaska. As people began to know more about her they either liked her more or less. She has garnered attention non the less. In the beginning it was positive, thunder from the Obama campaign was stolen with her nomination. Who would have imagined that the first female vice presidential candidate would come from the GOP. Hillary paved the way for female presidential candidates. After the initial shock factor wore off other things surfaced about governor Palin and her family. Her 17 year old daughter was pregnant and people claimed that her austic child was really her grandchild. Then stories evolved about the firing of her ex-brother in law and whether the firing was ethical or not. After that Tina Fey from SNL played governor Palin to the admiration of its viewers. Governor Palin's first several interviews with the media did not go so well and it caused some to shift their opinion about her. Recently Palin has been in the news about attacking the Obama campaign (which is normal during a presidential campaign) but also about the amount of money that was spent for her and her family on clothes for the GOP convention. A debate about whether the media is liberally biased took place in class with evidence from both sides of the argument presented. My only question is if Hillary was still in the presidential hunt would how much money was spent on her and her family for the DNC be an issue? Would her contacts be a fashion statement like Palin's glasses? Should be people really be concerned about how much people spend on clothes for a national convention? If it is deemed necessary to examine such an issue should not all candidates expenses on clothes be published and given equal time to discuss how much was spent and why?

Sports and the economy

Sports are an American past time. They help to alleviate the pain that today's society faces by allowing people to focus on other things than what's going on in the world. In fact the Olympics were created to rekindle the human spirit regardless of race, nationality, or economic status. I was reading through ESPN the Magazine and discovered a news portion that stated that the federal bailout plan gave NASCAR $100 million dollars in relief over the next 15 years. David Stern the commissioner of the NBA stated earlier that 9% of its players would be cut because of economic factors. I don't tend to think of the sports market as one that is losing money because of the economy but it does make sense. Sports is a business like any other in many aspects than not. The fact that the federal government is providing NASCAR with such large amount of money says something about the importance of sports to the American culture. Granted that NASCAR is not as popular as some other sports a statement is still made.

Global interest rates

Rates for interest were cut globally yesterday to avoid more damage to each sectors economy. Decades and decades ago it would have seemed infathomable to have such an occurance happen. It only goes to show how interdepent the global community has become. The U.S. is a major source of influence not only socially but also financially. The current financial crisis in the U.S. has caused other markets to respond. Reading this report reminded me that through this time America is not the only one suffering. Other nations use the dollar in determining their currency and if the dollar loses value then their currency also loses value. It would be interesting to see how citizens of other nations have responded or are responding to our current situation.

Gas shortage

So in case people haven't noticed we are experiencing a gas shortage here in Georgia. But the reason is why? EPA standards for fuel sulfur in Atlanta are higher because of poor air quality. All this time I thought that gas shortages were due to the hurricanes. It's interesting because I've heard people say that you haven't lived through a gas shortage unless you went through the one in the 70s where gas was rationed depending on whether your tag ended in an old or even number. At a time as this what should be done? Should regulations be loosened to allow more hazardous fuel in Atlanta while saving people time. This particular situation is one of opportunity cost. If the EPA doesn't loosen up the restrictions things could get ugly pretty quickly (actually they have but they could get worse.) Would more football games be considered for cancellation? It's already bad how much time people spend sitting in traffic everyday commuting to and from work or school. How much more time are they going to sacrifice to get gas. I've driven around and have seen lines that go as far was several miles. I went to fill up on Friday night and was informed that I had to turn around and do down the street to get in line for gas. I've also seen cop cars at gas stations there to make sure things don't get out of control. I was in Macon on Saturday and saw fewer lines but lines none the less meaning that the impact of those regulations is being felt else where in Georgia. However if the EPA does loosen up restrictions then what happens if the same situation or something worse occurs again? Do they repeat with the reduction of restrictions? The air quality in Atlanta would get worse than it is now causing other factors to come into play such as health hazards, quality of life in Atlanta etc... I was surprised to see that the news medium did address the issue with more coverage ( I googled the issue and saw only a handful of responses.) Either way the population of Atlanta and beyond are going to have to give something up to get something in return. More gas equals less air quality. Less gas equals more time in line waiting for gas. Who in the 70s would have imagined having to live through something similar (in context not extremity) again in their life time with gas shortages?

$19.8 million

$19.8 million dollars is a lot of money unless you are Bill Gates ( however a slight pinch might be felt if that money was lost.) That is the amount that ex-CEO of Freddie Mac Richard Syron made last year. I have no problem with someone making that kind of money (I sure won't mind making that much) but I do have a problem with someone making that kind of money and forcing individuals directly and indirectly involved in your company pay for decisions that you made. America is a capitalistic nation it's what makes America America. However that could be a double edged sword as we are observing during this current financial crisis. Decisions that were made by Mr. Syron are costing Americans millions of dollars now and in the future. If someone is placed in a position like that of Mr. Syron a lot of responsibiliy comes along with that title. Responsibility that must not be taken lightly. In a competitive environment decisions must be made quickly and efficiently. Mr. Syron made quick decisions but not efficient ones. In 2004 Syron was informed by his chief risk officer, David A. Andrukonis that the company was taking in bad loans. Syron refused to listen to Andrukonis and now look at where his former company is at. Mr. Andrukonis did his job in informing Syron about the risks associated with continual bestowment of bad loans. Syron however did not do his in listening to his risk officer instead he chose to ignore him. It is often said the bigger the risk the bigger the reward. Dealing with millions and millions of peoples financial security however is something that does not bring bigger rewards with bigger risks instead what it brings is turmoil. Turmoil that could've been prevented. That is just one example imagine if other CEO did the same thing risked communal financial security for personal financial security. The fact that both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are government backed may have contributed to the erronious decisions made by both CEOs of the company. Some how I think that the leaders of these two companies should be held liable and receive some sort punishment. I highly doubt a slap on the hand would be as effective as jail time or something similiar to that. A message needs to be sent out to the American people that if you mess with people's financial security you will pay.

A day which will live in infamy

I don't think anyone ever thought that the words of President Roosevelt would resound with such significance decades later. Each generation is marked with some historical occurrence. For some it was Vietnam, for others the Cold War, but for most of us it was 9/11. It is situations like these that people have the greatest recollection of exactly what they were doing and where they were then the event (s) happened. For me I was in my broadcast media class working on a project when the teacher said that the World Trade Centers had been hit. Confusion and denial spread through-out the room. I remember a classmate of mine crying because she had family that lived and worked close to the trade. The news was turned on in time to capture the crashing of the second plane. It is in moments like these that the true American spirit is seen. The diversifications that make America what it is were diminished. Diversification was not a dividing factor but rather one of unity. For many America represented an opportunity for the betterment of their life circumstances. September 11 was a reminder that not everyone shares or believes in the American dream about freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, freedom from governmental oppression, freedom from oppressive discrimination based on gender, and freedom from persecution of your faith to name a few. Abe Lincoln said it best when he stated "a house divided will fall but a house united will stand." There is a challenge within that statement. A challenge to allow various viewpoints to be held but no so much as to divide the country. Three cords are harder to break than one. America is unique in the essence that it has managed to allow assorted stances to be taken yet managed to keep the country in tact. It is often said that you don't know what you have until its gone. September 11th reminded the American people that freedom comes at a price that has been paid and is being paid. More importantly it reminded Americans about the little things that we take for granted. It was magnificent to see people minimize their political stances and biases for one that depicted to the world that America is united and will continue to be. At the end of the day regardless of your social-economic factor, your lifestyle, your political views, you are an American and that is what matters the most.
September 11th also brought about a different lifestyle for America. The prime example of this is the airport. Restrictions are enacted that some may consider a nuisance but others a necessity. Several legislative bills have been passed with direct or indirect correlation to 9/11. The thing that comes to mind in evaluating the effects of 9/11 is the modern dilemma between freedom and order. In order to create more order must freedom be sacrificed? Or in order for more freedom must order be sacrificed? A balance between the two chords must be reached because too much deviation to one side or another will result in strong opposition.

Change

According to dictionary.com change is defined as to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone. Senator Obama has themed his entire campaign on change. Change from everyday life in Washington, D.C. Change from the way things are done in Washington. Senator McCain uses another adjective to describe himself. Instead of being an agent of change he is a maverick. Dictionary.com defines a maverick as a lone dissenter, an intellectual, an artist, or a politician, who takes an independent stand apart from his or her associates. It is true that both politicians use different words to achieve the same means. However there is some irony in the usage of the words that are used to describe the politicians. To start off senator Obama criticizes senator McCain for claiming to be a maverick because he has agreed with President Bush 90% of the time. That particular statement appears in Obama's speeches many a times in an attempt to differentiate himself from McCain. He infers that McCain is just another Washington politician and there is nothing different about him. Ironically speaking Obama chose senator Biden as his running mate. It makes sense to have your running mate compliment you. Many times Obama heard that he didn't have enough experience to run for the presidency. Even Biden declared that same statement many a times. Biden has been in office longer than McCain. Doesn't that qualify him as been worse off in a sense of being an agent of change? Governor Palin stated today that esteemers of Biden can't call him an agent of change. For the GOP Palin can be a source of change because she hasn't been to Washington. Today in Colorado Palin mentioned her approach to dealing with the budget by vetoing bills that were not need by the Alaskan population. McCain ran with that statement declaring that the first pork barreling bill that comes up he will veto and make famous the supporters of that particular bill. McCain also stated that he is working for the people. Several times McCain referred to the supporters as friends and that he is working for them.
Biden referred to the lack of words used by the McCain in the GOP convention as a way to fire up the supporters he was with. It was the lack of referencing to the middle class, health care, aid for education, more cops to protect the citizens, etc... He painted a picture of McCain as being the 5th grade boy who would always have something to say especially when someone else gets something new and shows it off. This whole talk of bringing about change in Washington reminds me of Mr. Smith goes to Washington. Things in Washington are not where they need to be but the process that must be undertaken to take Washington to where it should be will take time. What people may or may not realize is that change is not going to come over night. It is a gradual process and not one that can be ordered and delivered through the drive-thru.
On a side note the sons of Biden, McCain, and Palin are all on schedule to being deployed soon. How will this affect the policies of their parents?

Obama's speech

I just watched Obama's acceptance speech (yes I'm aware that it was two nights ago but I didn't have the chance to catch it then.) I think that the speech was well written and delivered. The transitions from one subject to the next flowed smoothly. Opening the speech with tributes to both Clintons, Biden, and Kennedy was his way of appreciating their supported commitment to serving the American people. Including some back ground information about his family was a great way to catch the audience's attention. Obama discussed how he came about and the sacrifices that his mom and grandmother made on his behalf for him to have a better future. He truly is an example of how dreams can be achieved if people remain focused and committed. He discussed how although Americans can see themselves as individuals we are an American family. Stating that ordinary American citizens rise up when the American promise is threatened was a way to empower the people because he's asserting that collectively ordinary citizens can impact their world greatly. Motioning that this time is as such when the American promise is threatened he was able to place blame on the Bush administration. The transition from the Bush administration was linked with McCain's policies. The fact that he gave praise of McCain for his service reveals his respect for McCain but that stopped there. In one instance Obama went from praising McCain to bashing him. Besides bashing the current administration and McCain Obama noted that the government can't solve everything but it can solve what Americans can't. I think that particular statement is of importance because it somewhat hints at less governmental involvement. Declaring that America as a society must be responsible for itself displayed his awareness that America must rise and fall as one and Americans should be their brothers'/sisters' keepers. Obama commented next on what he intends to do as president which would be obvious because a person who only illuminates a problem or a set of problems without offering a solution is of no value. The one thing that I would be critical of his speech is the continual use of I will do this, I will do that. I state this because later on he declares that this whole process has been about the American people and not him. It's true that he could be the one heading the operations but without the American people what is he heading. The reference to Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech was also of significance because it also contains relevancy to his situation. Articulating that America's legacy is in need of restoration was a great way to lead towards the end of the speech. A reminder that America is still a country that other nations look upon was a way of reminding the people that the American promise is still attainable but it must be secured. One particular phrase that still resonates used by Obama was that change must come not from Washington but to Washington. Overall the speech was good. It'll be interesting to see what happens when the GOP holds its convention and McCain has the opportunity to respond to Obama.