Obama From Britain
After Bush, to my knowledge, the worst US President ever, I was excited about the prospect of Hilary Clinton in the White House. The election of Barack Obama was simply stunning. For me, it rejuvenated the whole idea of America – the noble principles of the Constitution, the idea that anyone can rise to the very top based on merit alone. It updated that dream by transcending race, prejudice and history.
Ordinary And Extraordinary
As it happened, I watched his inauguration with my parents. I wept at Obama’s words, at the huge symbolism of his achievement, at Jesse Jackson’s overwhelming moment. My Mum & Dad said that it was like Kennedy was for their generation – the sense of new hope and optimism. The same idea that makes me think of Churchill’s “broad sunlit uplands”.
So what’s going on now? I ‘m sure I don’t understand a lot about American politics. I can only see it from my perspective. That means I get most of my news from the BBC. I balance that with a daily trawl through the blogs and online newspapers on the issues that interest me.
In some ways I think the BBC is more British than Britain. In fact, I trust the BBC more than I trust any politician. Its standards and independence preserve our national integrity better than any political leader.
Going online gives me a broader view, often composed of ridiculous extremes as well as mainstream media. There are so many highly literate, super clever bloggers who are completely deluded and beyond any reason. Going online provides an overall summary of all different points of view and sources of information.
I think Obama is a fundamentally decent man. There is a coterie of bloggers who believe he is a Chicago politician just the same as when Al Capone was in town. I think he is bigger than that.
There is also a sisterhood (men and women) of Democrats, bitter supporters of Hilary, who are determined to undermine him. Republicans say he is un-American and claim that he won the election through fraud.
I still have faith in the man. In the horribly murky world of American politics I don’t think he would have risen to the top unless he was very special. I detect authenticity.
The oil spill has been his greatest challenge. I feel that when he speaks for himself, from his heart, he speaks the truth. When he is confused and manipulated by those around him he fails. Many will say I am naive but how can anyone triumph without support? We need leaders who can inspire, who can make us believe in them.
From the very beginning Obama has “extended the hand of friendship” towards Iran but it becomes clearer every day now that the current regime must be condemned without reservation. He has stood up against Israel better than his predecessors and in the overall moral balance that was well overdue. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt on the attempted kidnapping of Gary Mckinnon It’s probably not high enough in his priorities to have had his proper consideration yet.
No one was more critical of Gordon Brown and his foolhardy, self-serving government than me but the way that some Americans criticise their leader horrifies me. Some of the conspiracy theories and charges levelled against Obama are worse than those against Hitler or Mengele. There are are so many complete nutters in America I really do wonder what they put in the water.
After re-consideration, from my British perspective, I still have faith in this extraordinary man. I urge him to continue to have the courage of his convictions. I wish he could put aside short term political considerations. I think, almost whatever happens, he will win a second term so he can afford to look at least six years in advance and ignore his critics. I still believe in him.
Peter Reynolds 
Greatly written.
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June 15, 2010 at 12:10 pm
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June 15, 2010 at 12:39 pm
I’m still scratching my head here. Your article is very well written and you’re a very articulate person. However I must disagree with you on just about every point. I’ve watched Obama very closely and have done quite a bit of research concerning his past, and I have to tell you, the evidence of fraud is absolutely overwhelming. Perhaps because you live in England you have a different perception, I don’t know. But just because Obama can read a nice speech from a teleprompter and speak kind words it has nothing to do with his actions. His actions have been the exact opposite of his words. I must say, you have no idea about the depth of corruption in the United States. I’ll provide one link just to give you a small example:
http://stevex09.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/dc-knows-that-obama-is-ineligible-for-office/?preview=true&preview_id=7298&preview_nonce=16a57702f4
As far as the Clintons are concerned I’ll just give you this one and you can decide for yourself: (this are just a small part of a much bigger picture)
http://stevex09.wordpress.com/2010/06/12/how-about-being-friends-with-the-clintons/
steve
June 15, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Steve, I read the two links you posted and some other articles on your site and linked from your site.
If corruption in America exists to just one percent of the extent that you claim then I think we might all just as well give up and go home.
I just don’t buy it I’m afraid. With respect, I think you’re hysterical. I believe in the fundamental goodness of mankind. While there is undoubtedly corruption which needs to be rooted out and exposed, I think you’ve got carried away with suspicion and paranoia.
All my experience in life teaches me that the explanation is usually “cock-up” rather than “conspiracy”.
Thanks for your input!
Peter Reynolds
June 15, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Your welcome Peter. I’m 60 years old and have been watching this stuff for decades.
My life experience tells me, “the simple believeth every word, but the prudent man looketh well to his going” … and to “try all things, hold fast to that which is good.”
The Jews were a pretty trusting people at one time …
steve
June 15, 2010 at 6:18 pm
Let’s see…this topic is “Honor”. Honor is something we Americans hold in high esteem. Obama has not upheld his honor. He has lied to the American people, made promises he never intended to keep, does not listen to the voice of the American people, makes shady deals, associates with known terrorists, tramples our beloved Constitution, believing it to be a “document of errors”, surrounds himself with socialists, will not reveal any information about his past…and in fact has spent millions to keep it secret, is using a SSN that was issued in Connecticut that shows him to be 109 years old…the list goes on and on.
I am a United States citizen, a veteran from the U.S. Navy and am so proud of my country. When I see my “president” not pay honor to our flag during the performance of our National Anthem, to me there is no honor where he is concerned.
The man is systematically trying to destroy the American way of life as we know it, and wanting to mold it into his version.
The man should be impeached and then tried for treason. And that goes for all his cronies who supported him. Do not try and tell me about honor. I have lived it, and was willing to sacrifice my life for this country, which is more than I can say about this fraud that is now our Commander-In-Chief!
Brian
June 16, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Unfortunately the real truth is, as always, somewhere between…there is much corruption globally and to take one view is hopeless on too many levels to encourage as a world-view…very well concieved article.
As an American and also a citizen of the planet, I still extend outward in hope rather than implaccable certitude. Bless the president and all his efforts.
and they put good ol’ gulf crude in the water…also unfortunate.
lensuniverse
June 16, 2010 at 3:52 pm
[…] After Bush, to my knowledge, the worst US President ever, I was excited about the prospect of Hilary Clinton in the White House. The election of Barack Obama was simply stunning. For me, it rejuvenated the whole idea of America – the noble principles of the Constitution, the idea that anyone can rise to the very top based on merit alone. It updated that dream by transcending race, prejudice and history.
Obama From Britain (via Peter Reynolds) « One Lifetime
June 21, 2010 at 3:18 am
Far as Corruption there is plenty in Washington though i may point out the most is not Obama its more in the senate and house. There are people that have been in there as long as i have been living or at least close to that long. And i am 42 years old i think they need term limits. When there are people in power for too long they become slaves to thier power and the greed associated with it. Obama has merit but he still is a politician. He does some good but has also missed the mark on several things. But this is only my opinion. And every one has the right to their own.
BTW Reblogged this on onelifetimeblog.com Peace.
rbarbier1967
June 21, 2010 at 3:28 am
Peter, I appreciate your optimism of our fearless leader, but feel you might have your faith placed in the wrong place. This is the man, after all, that:
1) Returned the bronze bust of Sir Winston Churchill that had been a gift on loan from London since September 11, 2001
2) Snubbed the Queen’s Prime Minister by not making himself available for the traditional joint appearance before the White House media
3) Offered the same man and his family thoughtless gifts
4) Provided the Queen an iPod full of his own speeches
5) Refused to support Britain in the latest Falkland Island dispute
6) Continues to utilize brutal, thuggish, totalitarian language against BP
And this is how he treats his allies. You find his treatment of Israel refreshing… although I find it dangerous. His insults to the PM of Israel are only eclipsed by those towards Britain. This is the number one ally of the US and Western Democracies in the Middle East.
All that said, I have to agree with you about the nutters surrounding me. There are folks on both the Right and the Left who can only see the worst in their political adversaries, and that is sad. Obama probably would have been a good guy to have a drink with, although he has proven time and time again that he is not up for this job. He is not evil, he is just wrong… and incompetent. His successor in 2013 will have a heck of a mess to clean up.
As for former President Bush, I believe time will clear his name. He took a stance, not unlike Harry Truman did against Communism in the 1940’s, that was unpopular at the time, but we recognize that plain talking man as one of the best to serve. Bush had his faults as a big government Republican, but none of them related to his foreign policy. There is still time for the West to fall… and history will be written by those victorious, so Bush can still take the blame from future historians, but I doubt it. I would bet on his vindication. Mr. McCartney had him wrong… W not only can find a library, but he could easily go toe to toe with Mr. Obama in any intellectual discussion.
Teleprompter skills does not equal intelligence.
WC Windbag
June 21, 2010 at 7:54 pm
An ode to barrack obama
Greetings, salutations on this day of our time
Long time coming to pen this rhyme
Glued to your election a year or so ago
Shed tears, waited for change; none came
Then you appointed cronies from the past
To represent, carry your countries torch,
To Countries, far away lands, where your
Country should’t be; understand?
Rahm Emanuel, your chief of staff
Bill Clinton, was shit scared of him
Then there’s your treasury guy
A wall street banker in everyone’s eye
Then you promised to close gitmo
Within 18 months, don’t think so
Its still open, torturing innocents
you can’t believe CIA security briefings
where were all Saddam’s WMD’s?
a crock of shit, don’t you see
More excuses for another conquest
For oil and resources, a greedy mess
And their eye’s are now on Iran, and
will lie to ensure a future invasion
to secure black gold; anything goes
WW3, a definite possibility
But Mr A in Iran; humanitarian
Is forging allies, wherever he can
To make it much more unlikely
That the world has to stomach WW3
And why should we? he is our brother
Like all in the Muslim lands
You should know, your family upbringing
Down to your middle name even
Is this why, you won’t stand again?
Bad stuff weighs too heavy on your heart
OK, you have done some good stuff
Healthcare reform for your people a must
But when you look at the small print
More government control of lives
And thousands of government departments
New, created to save a few lives
In reality, more blank cheques, to
The care companies that siphon off
Billions from the public purse
Instead of wholesale reform
Reports linking you to the elite
The bloodlines that rule the world
Just simply pour scorn on your office
And make you look like a thief
Stealing the goodwill of your people
And making lots of false promises
To get you to the oval Office
Don’t think I’v understated it
So Mr Obama, just who you working for?
The elite, the bankers, more? Not
The people that put you in office
They now know the score
Your countries being raped, though
Your not the main culprit, accessory
Is a word that springs to mind
Aiding financial terrorists on Wall St
Don’t pick on Iran, not worth your time
Though would love to see it in some ways
Two million with arms in 24 hours
Should ensure your army dies by the thousand
But peace and love is the answer always
Deep down, you’re a good man, can feel it
You can stop unnecessary suffering
Your army don’t deserve to die for nothing
Neither do our brothers in Iran, they
Blatantly have done nothing, just
Like Saddam, minding own business
But your security people don’t have a heart
And will try for excuses to invade
Persia, for oil, and more
Please don’t make a mistake again
Live and let live, make tea not war
You got your problems anyway, as
25% of your bees just died: Think,
At that rate all of your people
Will be dead in only five years
Is the mass-murder of bees to be followed?
By the same, to your people, who to blame?
Your smart, you must know who wants this
Hunger, riots for starters, unnecessary suffering
Blood on your hands friend, for sure, despite
Your healthcare bill, quango central, soon
The only jobs in your great nation
Will be at the cost of a chip under skin
Go in hiding, make a stand, against those
Who give a bad name, to your nation
And sell all the secret good stuff, pay
Your people back for the rape, they
Have just experienced, on your watch
They put you there; whitehouse lawn
When they die, will you stomach to peek?
At the death; destruction on your streets
All the time, could have done something bout it
funkslug
September 1, 2010 at 1:31 pm
I’m speechless!
But thankful that, criticise them as we might, we never seem to get quite so cynical about our leaders quite so quickly!
Peter Reynolds
September 1, 2010 at 1:48 pm
cynical quickly? obvious to me
Obama has the same paymasters
as those who came before
with an entirelty bogus agenda
but their house of cards is
about to have a great fall
cant keep a lid on all the lies
have you friend chosen your side?
and any out’s for my kind words?
you dont ask you dont get in this world
time running out for us, instead just more pain
faced with the plans of the bloodlines of cain
shame truthful media out’s are few and far between
peace x
funkslug
September 1, 2010 at 2:08 pm
[…] After Bush, to my knowledge, the worst US President ever, I was excited about the prospect of Hilary Clinton in the White House. The election of Barack Obama was simply stunning. For me, it rejuvenated the whole idea of America – the noble principles of the Constitution, the idea that anyone can rise to the very top based on merit alone. It updated that dream by transcending race, prejudice and history.
Obama From Britain (via Peter Reynolds) – Mind Exposure
June 16, 2016 at 8:54 pm