Index of articles from the Blog |
Animals |
Anthropology & Archaeology |
Art & Cinema |
Biography |
Books & Authors |
Culture |
Economics |
Environment |
Fiction & Poetry |
History |
Humor |
Justice |
Philosophy |
Photography |
Politics |
Religion |
Science |
Travel |
Books by
Books by
|
By Namit Arora | Feb 2008 | Comments
Two eager contestants, tooting their horns and dissing each other. The media readying us for fireworks, sharp attacks, a "do or die" fight. Showdown in Texas is how CNN bills the live event. No, not a big boxing night, only the 19th Democratic Primary debate in Austin. Held in a giant auditorium, the event is less debate, more performance and spectacle, with snappy phrases, choreographed delivery, calculated show of charm and emotion. With millions watching and thousands cheering lustily, what matters above all is the air of authority and confidence—in voice, body language, rhetorical flourishes. The people want theatrics, verbal sparring, sticky moments. People-meters report audience sentiment in real-time. Smooth, photogenic pundits wait in the wings to offer post-debate punditry. Welcome to democracy in America. It is no small miracle when—despite all the dubious qualities required to survive the endurance test that the primaries have become—a worthy candidate still emerges. This time, Obama holds that promise. He seems to me more decent than others and exudes a more nuanced, reflective, and principled approach to issues, though his platitudes and populism worry me ("yes we can", "turn the page", opposing Nafta, promising lavish economic stimulus packages). He'll likely be less jingoistic and less ideological than others. I'm encouraged by his years in Indonesia, which surely help him see an equal humanity in non-Americans (as should his father's Kenyan and Muslim heritage). This is hugely positive, if you pause to think about it. But while Obama may be a fine person, will he focus on the right things and deliver results? Unless he does, he'll not make a fine president. Beyond all the voluptuous talk on hope and change, here is my list of the "right things" I want the next American president to focus on:
Second-tier issues include: enacting comprehensive immigration reform, reducing global nuclear arsenals, dissolving the Patriot Act, fixing the US penal system and abolishing the death penalty, investing more in American schools, reforming the UN to reflect today's global order, promoting liberal judicial appointments, revoking the trade embargo on Cuba, changing US stance at the WTO, ensuring net neutrality, etc. Does this differ from your own view of "right things" or their priorities? Tell us how. |
Designed in collaboration with Vitalect, Inc. All rights reserved. |
|