Obama and Change
The mid-term election results in the US have provided an opportunity for voters to express anger, resentment, disillusionment, and blame, but while the balance of power in Congress has shifted, what otherwise has really changed?
It seems likely that the present situation of unwieldy political power and vested interest, economic chaos and social inequity will continue as before until at least the presidential election in 2012, and meanwhile the fears, anxieties and feelings of negativity within a large part of the population will continue to simmer and grow. Change is demanded, and change will come.
Blame and judgment are unattractive bedfellows, and when combined with expectation can create an impossible situation. Barack Obama became president at a time when his country was facing an unimaginably difficult financial and social crisis against a backdrop of global instability and political impotence. Despite this, he was expected to create a miracle of transformation within months. It was impossible, and it seems likely now that he will limp on, wounded and limited, for as long as he is allowed, his good intentions and efforts largely unrecognised in the clamour of criticism and political expediency all around him.
This scenario could change, however, if there is an event of great magnitude occurring, and this is possible. If the President displays inspirational and effective leadership to unite the American people, his reputation and fortune will be transformed at home and globally, and he will be able to achieve everything he wanted in office. If he fails to rise to the challenge, the damage will be irreparable.
All western national leaders are being judged and questioned by their citizens, not just Obama, all are walking a tightrope, all are being forced to do what is unpopular. It is a lonely role they have chosen, but only Obama is a world leader. What he does, what America does, eventually affects all of us. This is why we need to pay attention, to watch and learn. Change there changes everything - and there will be change, sooner or later, and on a massive scale.
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Prekate Victoria
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... Dear Claire Yes, it is all too easy to blame and criticize leaders. Historically speaking, well-meaning leaders around the world have very rarely been rewarded with immediate recognition and public appreciation -quite the reverse… One thought came up though (and I am talking generally here, not just about the US): people, as individuals, societies, or groups, may say that we want change, claim that we desire change, even shout on the streets for change.Yet when change comes, we either resist, fight or deny it. Hidden ambivalence, inner contradiction,inertia, attachment to the old, I believe, are also contributing to the turmoil we see in many places today. But as you say, once the ball started rolling, change will be inevitable. With love Victoria |
Anita
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... The most likely scenario described above sounds really sad. People did have hope and it would be sad for it to be crushed - where then? Thanks for putting it in this light. I want to pray for courage and strength for him to help him to meet his challenges. It must be awful being a leader with so much negative energy from so many people swirling around. It would be incredible to have a political leader that truly inspired and brought people together. I really want that. |
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