Thursday, July 24, 2008

Being a Uniter




Together we can meet the global challenges of the 21st Century.

God bless Barack Obama and family.

God bless the people of the United States of America.

God bless the people of the world.

Together we can do so much.

9 comments:

- A - C - said...

it's a pity my vote doesn't count in the US. He would get mine for sure.

Judith Ellis said...

I see according to an article written today that Obama has raised more money in Europe than his counterpart. I guess there's more than one way one can contribute whether they have the power to vote or not. The crowds abroad was simply heartening to see.

Who can argue with Barack's message of change, especially considering the dissatisfaction of the American people with policies over the past eight years. I do, however, honor our current president for the service rendered.

- A - C - said...

Dear Judith, two remarks here:

1) one cannot apply the "good" and "bad" categories to politics. Hopefully all leaders try their best... hopefully....
I don't deny my disaffection to your current president, as I lived in the US in the Clinton era and I felt it was a rather different country. Consider that my view is that of an European and I understand your perspective.
I think Obama has what one needs to take the US into a new era. He is not perfect of course, nor will he fulfill all what he is promising now. Still, I frankly wish we had such a leader in Italy.
Whether we like it or not, this coming election is going to affect the whole world, and if we want to stop some dangerous fringe tendencies, i believe his vision can start the process, if not accomplish it.

2) I tend to avoid speaking about religion and politics in blogs. Not because they aren't interesting topics, but because the format isn't suited to properly express one's point of view without the risk of offending somebody else's feelings. These are very delicate topics and I can tell you about experiences (particularly with some US friends) where nuances in the interpretation were the source of a neverending dispute.
This is why I was so prudent on my previous comment.

much love
A.

Judith Ellis said...

-a-c-, Thank you for your comments. I agree with much of what you've expressed and understand the reason of not discussing politics or religion on blogs.

But where can such dailogues happen across national, cultural and international divides? I tend to think that perhaps the blog is the right medium for such discussions, save discussing such matters fact to face.

My whole idea of holding variables singularly and love being the modus operandi is essential in such discussions whether privately or publically, no matter the medium. "Love covers a multitude of faults" and lessens verbal assualts that accomplishes little.

I am happy you lived in my country and enjoyed the experience. As you know, I had extended stays in Italy for various months at a time over more than a few years. I LOVE Italy!

One of my dearest friends, the great now deceased director of the Teatro della Perogla in Florence, Alfonso Spadoni, showed me a grand time each time I visited. My love and memory of him vividly remain as does my time in Italy. I hope to make it back sooner rather than later.

Much love to you too...

JOHN O'LEARY said...

Judith, I'm amazed by the fact that 12% of the electorate STILL believes Obama is a Muslim (according to a Pew Research poll 2 weeks ago). What religion he practices doesn't matter to me, but it does to many, and the research by Pew indicates this perception will suppress Democratic (not Republican) votes. Obama's recent trip confirms my long-standing impression that Europeans are far more politically educated that Americans.

-a-c-, I've found Judith's blog to be a place one can discuss politics and religion "dialogically." (Judith, I'm long overdue on responding to an earlier post on a religious topic, but sometime in the coming weeks I will do so.)

Judith Ellis said...

Yes, John, this I know and it concerns me. Fear is a powerful motivator and I think his name adds to this concern. I also wondered if his reception abroad would cause concern here, though those Americans livingv abroad seemed to embrace him openly. Funny thing...all the traveling McCain did weeks ago did not concern Americans in the least. Hmmm?

Judith Ellis said...

And...John...I'm aware of your writing time constraints. (I'm awaiting your book.) Whenever I see your name I smile.

JOHN O'LEARY said...

Judith, it drives me nuts that talk radio is complaining about Obama bashing America on foreign soil (Germany). His speech - which simply acknowledges mistakes - was wonderfully understated but made the point that he, if elected, will be a leader who won't be drinking the jingoistic koolaid.

Judith Ellis said...

Isn't that simply amazing?! And what about the fact that Obama did not visit troops in Germany although he visited them in other countries? To leverage that for political game seems so lame. But it is once again the game of politcs. We have seen cheap shots before; this appears to be one. Usually Obama directly addresses these matters. This time he has not.

It seems to me that Obama has chosen right to move forward with his economic agenda and not be bogged down by a potential war of words over who is more patriotic. There may be many Americans who will run for office who have not served in the Armed Forces. Will that make them less patriotic?

Whose advising McCain? It is most certain that they are trying to get those fearmongering non-patriotic claims to stick. Will they? It may totally depend on Obama's response. It does appear that McCain is merely reacting as opposed to acting. Does he have any plans or ideas that are not initiated by Obama?