The Golden Arple

I must admit, up to this point I’ve been guilty of this myself too. We align much too quickly to political parties. That unfortunately not only hinders our objectivity and the development of our ideas, but it lets us fall in love with our politicians. This past year Obama was definitively the popular choice among the college age kids. Sarah Palin has herself infatuated a particular segment of the conservative America. There were strong grassroots movements for both during the election. And yet, while I voted for Obama and still believe he will do a great amount of good, I do not believe we should unify in full support behind him. While we should definitively maintain that movement and cooperation that elected him, we should not throw that support behind him blindly. I think it is our responsibility to question all our politicians, regardless of whether or not you voted for them, regardless of whether or not they adhere to your party, as long as they are in office they should face constant pressure.

The politicians do not get enough of that pressure to do whats right these days. I’m not referring to just criticism. They get plenty of that. Unfortunately, that criticism is unorganized and usually very decisive. If someone calls Obama a Nazi or a Communist, one of his supporters will get angry, and they’ll spend the rest of their time fighting each other instead of keeping their pressure on Obama. We need organized, united public pressure on ALL politicians, not just the ones from the opposing party. That’s how the lobbyists do it. While obviously the two parties are friendlier to some groups than others, when it comes to major issues, the special interests do not discriminate. …

Comments | In: Random Musings | tags: Democrats, healthcare overhaul, John McCain, Obama, Political Pressure, republicans, Sarah Palin. | #

Obama’s Nobel has definatly garnered a lot of head scratching. Many people I talked to, Democrats and Republicans alike, thought it was an awful idea. Many felt that he received that award without actually accomplishing anything. Heck, he himself even said that.

I disagreed with them though. I felt that Nobel was not only appropriate, but also needed. In this particular instance I don’t see Obama’s Nobel as an award (although maybe it’s deserved after all). I see it as a call to action. I see it as a call for change and new responsibility. Not just to the President, but to our nation as a whole.

Obama, as our President, is the most prominent symbol of the United States. However, he is only the extension of our country, a single man who has to deal with a very divided legislature, and an unsure and scared populace. He cannot change the world alone.

Ever since Soviet Union collapsed nearly two decades ago, United States has been the sole super power in the world. Other countries have develop greatly since, but in terms of political, military, and cultural influence United States is alone at the top. It is a status we are very much aware off. And while we seem to embrace being the ‘best’ in the World, we have turned our back on the responsibilities that title carries.

To me, this Nobel Award is a reminder of those duties. Instead of arguing over whether or not it is earned and deserved, WE need to live up to that Award. I say we because that responsibility doesn’t fall on Obama or the Congress alone, we all need to contribute.

Comments | In: Obama | tags: bipartisanship, Democrats, Obama, republicans. | #