Now that the Bush era is finally behind us, let me express my hope that Obama will be able to restore the image of America around the world, that he will return the United States to a policy of instilling freedom, liberty, and equality not through violence and oppression, but through diplomacy, respect, and tolerance. I hope that the US will return to a policy where violence is a last resort, a means to protect people whose rights are denied - instead of violence being merely an offensive tool to increase the wealth of the United States.
Most of all, however, I hope that Obama will be capable of improving the living standards of ordinary Americans, and improving freedom, liberty, and equality within US borders. I hope that he will be able to lay the foundations that will one day provide true legal equality for all minorities in the US - black, Hispanic, homosexuals - something we have enjoyed for a few years already.
It’s interesting to see the immense amount of attention European media are giving to President Obama. The entire inauguration was broadcast live on Dutch TV, and the media have been filled to the brim with stories on Obama. I think it is a signal that we Europeans are craving for a strong figure as well, that we also want politicians with the ability to unite us, instead of dividing us. What do we have to show for ourselves? That midget in France? The grey sack of salt in Germany? The megalomaniac corrupt botox-user in Italy? That colourless accountant in Britain? Our very own bland and empty Harry Potter? Are those the kind of leaders that Europe deserves?
The past 8 years Europe had the opportunity to fill the void that Bush had left. We had the opportunity to become that shining beacon of civility, equality, and freedom. We had the opportunity to rise above petty differences, politics, and religion and work together to provide peaceful solutions for conflicts around the world.
Instead, we joined Bush in his black/white thinking. We joined him in his west vs. east divide. We joined him in his unlawful and aggressive wars. We joined him in his unsubstantiated support for rogue state Israel. We made all the mistakes that Bush made, and now we are trying very hard to make it seem as if we were against him all the time. We’re pathetic.
Europe needs a figure like Obama. Someone who can unite all the different people of Europe behind one common goal, one vision, one future.
Sadly, we seem to find it much more important whether Muslim women are allowed to wear a headscarf in public or not.
Like I said, we are pathetic. And as always, a people gets the government it deserves. We Europeans have the leaders we deserve.
