There are three good reasons I like Barack Obama;

1. He's a genuine guy, who I would trust my kids (if I had any) with.
2. He gives off this aura of confidence and respect.
3. He didn't really openly attack anyone (with words, of course)
   

    If this little article can't change your mind about Mr. Obama, then maybe the next four years will. Heres to a beautiful four years under the Obama Administration! Hip-hip-hooray! Hip-hip-hooray!

As a white kid going to a majority African American high school, I witnessed the rather sad racial consequences firsthand.  As I walked to class on the morning after Barack Obama became President Elect, just about every two seconds I witnessed people shouting things like "There'll be a black man in the Oval Office!" or "The black man finally won!"  I think that if civil rights leaders who fought so hard for the right to vote were to witness what I did, I don't think they'd be quite as jubilant as everyone says they'd be.

If you disagree with me, I invite you to share your reasoning in the comment area, but I believe that the fact that black people voting for Obama for the simple reason that he is part black (yes, part black--that's another issue I have, people calling him "black" instead of bi-racial, but that's another rant for another time) is a crime.  I'm not saying that every single black person voted for Obama for this reason only, but with Obama garnering 90-100% of black votes in most states, it's obvious that it's a problem.  If McCain got 90-100% of the white vote in most areas, people would be shouting that it was racism left and right.  Isn't it just as much of a crime as a white person voting for McCain simply to keep a non-white man out of the Oval Office?  Isn't that racism as well?

It's almost spitting in the face of those advocates who sacrificed so much to give African Americans, as the equal human beings they are, the opportunity to carefully consider their options and then make an informed, rational decision at the polls.  Isn't this what America itself was founded on?  The principles of intelligent thought and using the democratic power of choice for the good of all the people?

Remember, I write this as neither a Republican nor a Democrat, for I am neither, but as a white girl watching from the sidelines, I have something to say to all of the skin-deep Obama fanatics:

I have a dream, a dream where all Americans, regardless of race, can look past skin color and realize that the races aren't competing in some vast competition that Obama just "won."  American will fail and continue to be divided if we keep up this modern form of racism.  The only "change" in our us and them mentality will come from putting race aside.

During all of the presidential campaigning, I could not figure out just where my family fit in.  We take care of our own responsibilities.  We do not want a handout from the government.  I can not understand why we would want a president who wants to find more ways for the government to bare the financial responsibility of its people.  What exactly are my duties to my fellow countrymen?   Who am I?  Since I have been old enough to understand the political verbiage that is proclaimed throughout past and present elections, all I can divulge is that the Republicans generally help the wealthy stay wealthy, and the Democrats seek to keep the public dependent, in essence, they keep the poor, poor. Just who am I?  I am not wealthy, and since I pay my bills myself, I am not poor, but who am I? 

Are we the only working family in America that does not mind paying for our own health benefits?  Are we the only ones who think handouts are destroying the workforce and character of the working class?  Is it wrong of me to think you, too, should bare you own load and not that of those who do not.  I see it on a weekly basis, people who quit good, stable jobs only to file for welfare and food stamps.  I have stood in line at the grocery store behind individuals with buggies full of groceries, diapers and alcoholic beverages, only to pay with their EBT (food stamps) card.  It is strange how they can afford the alcohol, but the government is buying the groceries, but who am I?  Is it wrong to think that a person’s children are not the state’s responsibility? 

Who am I?  I like paved roads and protection from crime.  I pay my taxes because it is my duty.  I do not mind paying the weekly insurance premiums in order to keep our family’s health looked after.  But who am I?  I am a thirty year old, married, working mother.  I do not have any problems with the health care coverage our family pays for.  My husband and I both work full time.  We pay our taxes and our bills. We have a combined income of less than $80,000 per year.  We do not receive or ask for governmental assistance.  We are not looking for extraordinary ways to get out of our debt.  We own two vehicles that are both ten years old.  We live in a small house in a very small town in South Georgia.  We are both slowly educating ourselves to give us other opportunities of employment, should we have the need or desire for such.  We are not defeated nor are we hardly disheartened by the stock market tumble.  We live our lives the way we can afford to.  Who am I?   I’ll tell you, I am not a Democrat.  I am not a Republican.  I am not a Libertarian.  I am not Joe the plumber.  I am not an idealist.  I am an American, doing what I was taught Americans do:   love their GOD, love their country, treat people well and take responsibility for themselves.  Though I know who I am, throughout all of the campaigning, I could not figure out where I belonged, and it just has me wondering, in the eyes of our President-elect, who am I?

During the entire election, Obama had a pretty steady lead. It wasn't a very close victory, it was considered by many people as a landslide victory when it came down to electoral votes. When it came down to John McCain and Barack Obama, a lot of people had a fear the racism would kick in. A lot of people thought that the whites and blacks would seperate their votes for the candidates of their own race, but that was not the case. The majority of the people in Barack Obama's crowd when he gave his speech after being elected were white.

After the election, everyone had a joyful response to Obama being elected, of all races. The streets were filled with happy people. Voting polls had lines outside the building, people were waiting outside for hours just to get their chance to vote. Barack Obama won both democratic and republican states. It seemed like Obama had a flawless campaign. He had practically no mistakes, everything was done by Obama with complete honesty towards himself and his beliefs.

Thankful the Election is Over

While I realize we are in some ways blessed to have elections, I can honestly say I am thankful this 2008 Presidential Election for America is finally over. This is my bye-bye to what has been a long, drawn-out, tooth and nails fight for a new president.

Why Am I Thankful?

I suppose it is only fair to say why I am thankful our 2008 Presidential Election is over. I am not an admirer of politics. I think most of it is a money/influence game. My opinion is that America has become a land of greed and shallowness in the political arena. It's like back-biting and underhanded rule-breaking have become the norm and is carelessly accepted amongst our politicians.

Still Thankful for America

Although I detest politics, I want to make it perfectly clear that I still love being an American. I still have my pride. I still admire our great land of natural beauty. We have some wonderful blessings in our country. We have freedoms still that we take for granted each and every day. We Americans are a strange lot, but it's nice that we have so much uniqueness about us.

There Are Still Good People Here

Even though our 2008 Election has shown us once more that elections can bring out the worst in people, there is still no doubt in my mind that we still have plenty of good people here in America. I suppose they just get lost in the shuffle as the people with bigger mouths and bad attitudes take over at election time. We've had gossip, lies, and dirt-digging crammed down our throats more than ever this election. The pettiness never ceases to amaze me.

Focus Became Lost

The focus of the greater good of America once more became lost as our election gained speed and importance. It is with a heavy heart that I recall hateful newscasts and snide comments made about both candidates in the final days of the election process. Yes, I am thankful this election is over. I'm tired of hearing about all the foolishness. It's discouraging that the skeletons in a closet matter more than the way a person has changed and improved over the years. Yet it's ironic that the election is supposed to be all about change.

The Better Man, or the Better Man at?

Maybe, and one can always hope, by the time the next election rolls around, we will once more have become a land of the better man instead of the better man at: fooling the public, underhanded tactics, airing dirty laundry, providing food for our sensational journalism on purpose, or outright lies just to gain favor and leading people towards what they want to hear whether it has substance or not. Fairwell 2008 Presidential Election.

As a British citizen, I’ve endured constant jabs about how our prime ministers, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are nothing more than puppets to America. These attacks are made all the more wounding by the fact that they have been for the most part, true. So what does an Obama victory mean for the people of Britain? Come to think of it what does it mean for the rest of the world? America is unlike any other country, the decisions it makes have massive, far reaching consequences, be they military, financial, or social. Can Obama balance the needs of the world with the needs of his own country? Time will tell. One thing’s for sure though- he can’t do much worse than his predecessor.

Change. It’s time for change, change is coming- the word change seems to be Obama’s motto. Can he change the system? Can he shift American politics into a more unified state? Does Obama have the force of will, the knowledge and the sheer charisma to unite a nation that has been heavily divided under the reign of George Bush, a man who has proven about as popular as a bottle of BBQ sauce in the three little pig’s house? Can he achieve this goal he’s set out to do? Unifying millions of Americans under one political idea, not democrat but American. Can he balance policies from all over the nation? Can he create a unified front? These are massive changes he wants to bring around, and a system as old and set as the American political process will not respond well to change.  As the first black president of America, he’s achieved a great thing and demonstrated that as a nation, America is marching on to racial acceptance.

But despite what Obama and McCain both said in their closing speeches, racism and bigotry still exist in America and in the world at large- on an uncomfortable scale. White supremacists are going to want to take a shot at Obama, possibly literally. Can he stand up to this the same way that other great black men and women have before him? Possibly an even bigger concern is racism within the American political system itself. How will senators and other politicians respond to a black man in the ultimate seat of power? For all his strength of personality, his knowledge and his backing by the American people, if key figures decide they don’t like him, Mr Obama will have a hard enough time running the country, let alone bringing about the change he desperately seeks.

How about a second term? One thing is for certain, Obama is not going to be able to sort out America this time around. The nation is so divided, the financial crisis so deep that untangling the mess will take many years. Will people believe in him enough to give him a second term in office, a term that will almost certainly be needed to see his plans through to fruition? Or will they feel he is doing too little and demand quick patch solutions? We can only hope they realise that he is on the right track, and that quick fix solutions will only lead to more trouble further down the line.

If anyone can do it Mr Obama, I’m sure it’s you. Likewise I’m certain that you are under no illusion about the enormity of the task you have set for yourself. I respect your goals though, this change needs to occur. I wish you the very best of luck, you’re going to need it.

           

With the Presidential elections just around the corner, Americans are faced with the dilemma of Obama or McCain.

In the 2007 Federal elections, Australia was faced with Howard or Rudd and now Australia is living the nightmare. 

 As an Australian, I have been watching the trends and what's going on and what isn't. In my mind I believe that what seems to good to be true, you can bet your bottom dollar it's not.

If I were casting my vote it would be for McCain even though he has as much appeal to me as Obama which is - none!

Neither one of them  in my humble opinion is worthy of the Presidency, and as an Aussie Observer it's a case of "Better the devil you know than the one you don't".

Any how, that's what I think.

 

Kevin Rudd

As for Australia, part of our nightmare is this. With the current world financial crisis, two of our largest investment companies Perpetual and AxaAsiaPacific, have frozen $5.5 billion of investors' money to prevent them from cashing out and putting their funds else where.

 This is wrong. No one has the right to stop anyone from having access to their hard earned money.

This is the same as stealing! And guess what? The Rudd government did nothing to prevent this from happening.

There are many here now who regret casting their vote for Rudd, and many safe to say would be investors!

Photo credit: XinHuanet/ AFP

In this election, two horses have been chosen to run the track to compete to win for a stay in the White House. The white horse is represented by the Republican Party, John McCain, who is the senior United States Senator from Arizona, while the black horse is represented by the Democratic Party, Barack Obama, who is also the junior United States Senator from Illinois as the election nominees respectively.

More media coverage, both locally and globally, plus the Americans themselves, and the world have utmost enthusiasts to know who'll be the hero in this presidential election. Does Barack Obama have more horse power than John McCain or vice versa? Who'll end up moving into the White House to become the United States' 56th president, Obama or McCain?

Photo credit: XinHuanet/ AFP

First, of course, there's Obama, a son for a white mother and a Kenyan father. His favorite food is chilli and he's good at basketball. His strong supporter, Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, has a talent to solve crossword puzzles. These two American idols have now captured global attentions. Their popularities and fames, particularly Obama, has been extremely rated high by the media and publics as compared to his opponent, McCain. The desire rate to vote for John McCain, according to the latest statistic, is very low. That means before the real 2008 Presidential Election on November 4, Obama has won himself the first ticket in people's heart.

Photo credit: XinHuanet/ AFP

Being BLACK is one thing for Obama, but his young, active, optimistic and enthusiastic will definitely breathe the life back into the dilemma of the “land of the free, home of the brave”. His winning in the nominee of presidential election shows that Americans can now accept the BLACK, and can now live harmony with the BLACK community. This is a good sign as compared to the worst conditions that the BLACK people had to face before the era of the President Lincoln, in which the discrimination between BLACK and WHITE was so obvious. Nowadays, as our world has stepped into the stage of globalization, the color shouldn't become the obstacle for the progress, growth and well-being of the mankind.

Photo credit: XinHuanet/ AFP

I'm sure that Obama is not making history for his race alone, but he's showing his voice for all Americans for the problems they're facing now. I do believe that he's making history for America in terms of his ways of thinking, how he carries himself, but the foremost thing is how his prominent role in a global stage.

Photos credit: Xinhuanet/Reuters

McCain in contrary to Obama, he is a bit old fashioned in his thinking. His old fashioned way of thinking, of course I'm sure is not the key element that all Americans need for a fast paced economic growth and technology based living. Though he is a smart person who has a great political head on his shoulders, his charisma and energy to rule America will not that much of Obama. If McCain is selected for President, then he's making his history as the oldest American nominated for a presidential post. Governor Sarah Parin will run her Vice-President duty on the Republican side, who has bended herself into the melting pot of gender equality, maverick politics and working-class. And they must have showed the world the different faces standing proudly in front of the White House.

Photos credit: XinHuanet/ AFP; Xinhuanet/Reuters

McCain is a war veteran with all his philosophies dealing much with the war. Of course, he has a brilliant mind in his dominating field of foreign affairs which seem to rival his competitor, Barack Obama. McCain stands still for his strong platform of unconventional politics, experience and military allegiance. Nevertheless, due to his age of 71, his presence in this election is regarded to be an unusual. Despite of his old age, he has an unprecedented energy and stamina. But, even so, his age has made him to be unfavorable for the winning ticket in the White House.

Photo credit: Xinhuanet/Reuters

I think Obama would be influential particularly in his thoughts of energy independence, technological improvements for deprived and rural communities, racial equality, universal healthcare, culminating the war in Iraq, and reformation for the political system. In contrast, McCain is a type of person who does not have the strongest strengths of commitment to change America, as his speech is focus more on wars rather than emphasizing for the society's needs to look for a change. I truly believe that Obama could play his role and commitment to change the tendency in Washington as in his speech he said he wishes to turn America in a position that it has never been before. This change of position is with regards of the position of the self-discovery as well as the position to gain the respect around the globe. I' m amazed and inspired by Obama's speech when he comments on statements made by his reverend Wright, which is another aspect showing his excellent leadership. Indeed, the capability to transform the tone of Washington lies more obviously on Obama than McCain. Obama has 101 reasons to strive to bring people's good living condition, high-quality of the America ahead of his good quality of the good tongue.

Photo credit: cnsphoto

Americans have been very upset of the incompleteness, arrogance and deception of the Bush administration. They place on little hope to the present situation as most of their personal incomes have almost dried up. They've more than thousand words to express their frustrations with regards to corporate corruption, the downfall of the share market, the rise of the petrol's price, bipartisan bickering and declining dependability. Americans in general, hope for a president who can voice for their present problems, besides having fresh ideas and fresh thinking to bring the better tomorrow for the United States. Peace and growth in America means the growth and peace for the world.

Photo credit: Xinhuanet/Reuters

For most Americans, it doesn't matter if Obama is inexperience as they wish for a change. The financial crisis has benefited Obama as people were annoyed with the failure of the Free Market. Americans have to pay for a very high retirement plans, education fee and even for their home mortgages on the account of the failure of deregulation and poorest function of the Free Market. People have long desired for a better leadership or perhaps better future, something different from the current situations. The change for America is in demand. The politicians are too corrupt which requires for an immediate change. And thus Americans are now looking for someone who can turn their country into a new direction. Harry S. Truman once said, "Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better." This is why I perceive this election is a tremendous change as it offers people for the change of better tomorrow.

Photo credit: cnsphoto

If Obama is elected for President, he has succeeded to change the America's history. Mr. Obama you make your history, brilliant! Have my claps!!! Besides this new history, there'll be another new history for the United States - the Vice-President is a woman. Should I call her “White” woman or perhaps what? I just say this election stand-off is between the BLACKS and the WHITES as neither an African American nor a female has achieved the offices for President and Vice President in the American history. This eventual winning ticket is indeed to be historical for all Americans and for the world in general.

Photos credit: Xinhuanet/Reuters

While Obama and McCain are racing for presidential post, most of the Americans are struggling and suffering for seeking employments, facing with the pressure of high fuel price, and wondering around the streets. Both Obama and McCain should address their concerns very promptly and accurately. They, Americans, hope for more responses from their future Mr. President. This is Mr. President's role not to escape to answer all the questions, but he has to address his sincere concerns towards the Americans in a more positive and appropriate context.

Photo credit: Xinhuanet/AFP

Again, this is a historical event for all Americans and also for the world. Whoever gets elected will have to face the first toughest task as he has to clear up 8 years of George W. Bush's terms. Either Obama or McCain will have to show the Americans their capability to bring the America's economy back to the track to where people can afford to survive.

Photo credit: Xinhua

The way of Bush's handling the problem with military means will not solve the global problem, but it'll make the situation becomes worst and worst. The cases of Al-Qaeda and terrorism seem not to be reduced with the military pressure, but the situation is getting worst. The Iraq war has left large casualties both for American soldiers and other parties. The financial difficulties for the United States are due to much money have been spend for supporting the Iraq wars and thus expenditure is more than the print dollar to compensate for the losses; secondly, the rising prices are due to the greediness of certain speculators and despotic oil rich countries causing the fall in dollar's value; thirdly, more money are engrossed to solve other people's problem rather than rebuilding its own economic structures in America; and fourthly, the greedy speculators have been allowed to take advantage of American families who simply want to earn some pieces of lands there. The new President should be capable enough to take over his job by intending to fix all these problems. This task is important to win back every American's heart towards his role as the Mr. President of the United States while securing the confidence and trust of the investors and the world towards this giant country.

Photo credit: cnnetnew

As for my opinion, whether it be white, black, yellow or any colors, it doesn't matter much, as long as the selected president is capable to bring the progress to the country, in which the economy is stable, people have jobs and live peacefully, living conditions are good, share market is reliable and stable, people's health conditions are good and etc. As my slogan goes, who's capable, she or he will be Mrs. or Mr. President in the United States or any countries.

Photos credit: XinHuanet/ AFP

This election has made a change for America. No woman has ever served in the White House. Both Sarah Parin and Mrs. Clinton have turned up as the female candidates. Though Mrs. Clinton fell short of her victory with Obama, she is just like Sarah Parin have opened the door for the future female candidates to step through, in which I believe it is the promising factor for female to become the President of the United States in the coming future.

The peace and economic growth are both important elements for America and the world as well. The Americans shouldn't discriminate among each other just because of the color. How can all the Americans live peacefully if they still divide each other among themselves? Similarly, the world should follow the example not to discriminate each other so that all the nations can be united for the betterment of the world.

Photo credit: koreanewnet

Any predictions in this momentous election are pointless as the situation sometimes will change on the real polling day. It's still too early to say who the winner is in this fight. No matter who comes out as a winner, it'll be one of the most surprising results ever made for the American history of all time.

Wake up, Americans! Make your votes count and do select for the candidate that you think is capable to bring your country to the optimum economic growth. Don't repeat the same mistakes or else all the Americans and the world will be suffered! Vote for a better future on behalf of your country and also for the rest of the world, and do bring trust back of investors into America and your lives concerning your government as a whole. This is the time for you to change and to clear of all the disappointment towards the Bush's policies. The choices stand before you, America - it's time to pick an appropriate candidate. Make your decision based on the integrity, responsibility, reliability, morals and voice of your candidate.

To all Americans, my American friends and honorable American staffs at Triond, I wish you good luck for the 56th consecutive quadrennial United States presidential election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Let me complete this article with a poem.

Together we stand shoulders to shoulders,

Together we sit round the table,

Together we move our brains and motions,

We're here with a mutual dream,

One World, One Dream.

The Berlin Wall has collapsed,

Between you and me,

No more gaps,

No more color barrier,

No more fencing barrier,

No more trademarks.

And we're now sharing one same sky,

With mutual hearts and beliefs,

Towards the betterment of tomorrow,

Heading to the excellent milestone,

Not far away from a place we're now standing.

We want the peace back to the world,

We want better life for our families and generations,

We want better jobs and payments,

But we don't want the nightmare of wars.

C'mon, friends,

Vote for your voices,

Vote for your rights,

Vote for your dignity,

And most importantly vote for your pride,

And too,

For your concerning government.

General Powell said that Senator McCain had appeared very indecisive, in essence, and had changed from day to day as to how to approach the problem of the crisis facing the country. Whereas Senator Obama was calm, steady, interested in learning, and seemed to be much more in control than Senator McCain. He said that he thought Senator Obama was a transformational figure, one who was reaching out to all people, to unite the country. Seantor Obama had style and substance, with the ability to be a great if not exceptional president. General Powell felt, on the other hand Senator McCain appeared to be trying to divide the country, and not be inclusive.

The selection of Governor Sarah Palin, to be the Vice-President was very bad judgment by Senator McCain, as well, General Powell stated. He thought that she was an accomplished and distinguished woman, but that reviewing her performance over the past weeks, she, in his opinion, was not qualified to be the President, which is the job of the Vice-President. In addition, the McCain campaign had made the centerpiece of the campaign, the former Weatherman William Ayers, who had a casual acquaintance with Senator Obama, but who Senator McCain was trying to use to scare the American people, into believing that Senator Obama, was somehow a terrorist. General Powell stated that he thought it was over the top. As well he felt that the robo-calls, regarding Mr. Ayers should not have been done. He said that Senator McCain had mentioned, that he didn't care about an old, washed up terrorist, if that was so, why keep talking about Mr. Ayers, trying to taint Mr. Obama as some kind of strange person?

Therefore his conclusion was that Senator Obama, was the person who would be better to lead the country at this time. After the interview on “Meet the Press”, General talked to some reporters reiterating what he had said earlier, and mentioning a person from Congress who had mentioned on the talk show “Hardball”, that she felt there should be an investigation into who in Congress was anti-american, this stuff needs to stop, unity and diversity, make us great country. He said that he would not be campaigning with Senator Obama.

At this time, Senator Obama, has a lead in the various polls, anywhere from five to thirteen points. His campaign raised one-hundred and fifty million dollars in September, with over six hundred thousand new donors. The campaign's ground game is unbelievable, according to observers. In the future, this campaign may be a textbook example of how to run an operation. Should all things hold, Senator Obama, has 313 electoral votes from the states that are in his corner, a candidate needs 270 votes on election day to be the next President. It is not over until it is over, but the fat lady may be getting ready to come on the stage. May God bless America, and whoever the next President may be.