fear of obama
Oh No! Obama Really Won, What Now?
Many of my fellow comrades are expressing their views on what we can expect now that Obama is President, albeit in varying degrees of civility. Based on the many emails, blogs and radio call-ins I’ve seen or heard, it’s clear the partisan battle cry of the right did not flame out on election night as did the Republican candidate. No, it seems that “Obamanoia“ is stronger then ever. Not only is an Obama Presidency bad for domestic and foreign policy, but if you believe the bloggers, the destruction of America is now complete. Socialism is upon us. Government will soon make all our daily decisions. Low income Americans can line up at their local city hall and get all the free cheese and blankets they need. As a result, throngs are making plans to sell off assets and relocate to such friendly confines as Costa Rica or the Virgin Islands. Hey, at least I haven’t heard the Obama Girl is moving.
All this without giving Mr. Obama the chance to show he really can walk across water as he glides across the National Mall Pond along the way to his swearing in. Geez, at least let the guy show he isn’t really the Messiah before writing his political obituary. Really though, now that we know Mr. Obama has the reins of Government, what should we expect? Here are 4 reasons to be optimistic and yes, hopeful, about an Obama Presidency:
1. The Man is Really Smart and Really Cool Under Pressure. Having a President with above average intelligence is not a bonus, but a requirement of the job. No one graduates from Harvard Law School with his credentials by being dumb or even average. As a lawyer, he is trained to look at all angles, to consider all facts and explanations, before arriving at a conclusion. We’ve all seen his willingness to draw on the expertise of others to inform his opinions and his willingness to change his positions when new facts or circumstances warrant different action. Moreover, his demonstrated coolness under pressure and bright lights should be reassuring given the complex and rapidly changing issues of our times. If Barack Obama were a basketball player, he’d be Michael Jordan – flat out better than the rest and the guy you’d want with the ball when the game was on the line. These traits have broken through resistance of many and propped up hopes of millions.
2. He Will Breath New Life Into a Stale Federal Government. According to several initial reports, the model for an Obama administration will be centered on bringing in new and younger people. No more tired retreads employing the same old principles and styles. Technology and efficiency won’t be buzzwords, but job requirements. No more cronyism at the expense of qualifications. Rather, Obama’s administration will be staffed with workers having real knowledge and real skills for a 21st Century. They will be hungry to bring action to back Obama’s words, they will be engaged under a new direction that stresses accountability for the common good.
3. Americans’ Image Here and Abroad Will Improve Immediately and Dramatically. America didn’t become popular by being hated or feared. Love for America and everything American comes from our ideals, our opportunity for success and personal growth, our respect for human rights. Obama’s election represents an affirmation of those things at a time when many here and abroad question what America stands for. The importance of our popularity cannot be downplayed or ignored. Our ability to engage people here and abroad is dependent on the belief that American values are real. When that belief becomes more myth than reality, our influence will similarly wane as many have said it has under the Bush administration. To rebuild our foreign policy image and relationships abroad, it is essential that America have a leader that respects rights of others, respects discourse and engagement for common purposes, a leader that exudes the possibilities of what America offers. Barack Obama is that leader.
4. Recent Performance is Best Indicator of Success. Unlike the stock market, a politician’s most recent performance, like a business person’s, is the best indicator of future success. If it isn’t abundantly clear, Obama just ran the most impressive and successful (in terms of fundraising and results) campaign we’ve seen in our lifetimes. He came out of relative political obscurity, ascended to the top of his ranks in the Senate, overcame the Clinton machine, and rendered ineffective the Republican message machine. And let’s not forget that little fact that does still matter in America – the man is black. If the candidates were graded on performance, Mr. Obama’s marks would set a new standard. But the results are not new for him – look at his resume and hear what his former students, colleagues and workers say about him. Based on his past performance, we can expect that he’ll have a clear purpose, be well organized, staff his administration with smart and talented people, and be methodical about carrying out his game plan. Just like he did in winning the Presidency.
So, before the bright red among us retreat to your basements, pack your bags for South America, or start up your underground network of Obamanoia Soldiers, please give Mr. Obama a chance to do his thing. You might just be surprised at the result, just like we’re all a bit surprised he’s our President. And before saying, like Mr. Limbaugh, that you don’t have to support anything or get on board any program, consider this. When George Bush stood on the pile of rubble outside the World Trade Center with megaphone in hand, we all backed our President. Party lines didn’t matter. Action, results, resolve did. That’s where we are now – under attack. From or economy to our standing in the world, America is under attack. Simply put, it is time to be supportive of our new President, at least until he really messes something up.