Dear Editor,
Guyana seems to be as much tuned in to the upcoming presidential elections in the United States as those of us Guyanese who happen to be living here. For this reason, I think that it would be appropriate for me to offer some of my own reasons for supporting Senator Obama over the political veteran, Senator John McCain.
My first argument is that Senator Obama would be much better for the US economy than Senator McCain. It is widely acknowledged by the American people as a whole, as well as experts and analysts in particular, that in recent times, Democratic presidents have usually done better in the economic realm than Republican presidents. This is an established fact of history that requires very little argument. Under President Clinton (a Democrat) there were more jobs, better paying jobs, less outsourcing of jobs, a lower rate of unemployment, a better housing market, a smaller deficit and greater economic growth. Under President Bush, the reverse was true and add to that, sky-high gas prices that continue to rise.
And this is only one example, as there are many other examples that have led people to conclude that Democratic presidents do a significantly better job of managing the economy than do Republican presidents. The Republicans themselves are quite willing to concede this point to the Democrats. Under a President Obama, there is every reason to believe that this trend will continue because of his superior economic vision as well as the outstanding team of economic advisers that he will be able to put together. Under a President McCain, the current economic failures are very likely to continue, one reason being that Senator McCain intends to keep the very costly Iraq war going indefinitely, and it is a war that is costing the taxpayer billions of dollars every month, all because of a president’s pride and ego. McCain also wants “victory” in Iraq (at any price).
On the other hand, Mr Obama did not support the war and should he become president, would make every effort to bring the troops home in the shortest possible time and without the US losing face. Yes, this matter of not losing face is a big thing with the US. Never mind that the Iraqis are not only losing face, but also have to wake up every day to the humiliation of having a foreign presence on their soil that they aren’t able to do very much about, other than to needlessly shed their blood in a war that was thrust upon them. But going back to Senator Obama, with respect to Iraq, we will see a reversal of policy and the billions of dollars that are being spent on the war will remain in the American economy where the money should have been in the first place.
Another reason for my decision to support Senator Obama has to do with the US foreign policy. I think that Senator Obama will be a strong leader in his dealings with the rest of the world, but he would also be a compassionate leader and one who is concerned about justice and fair play. It is my view, that Senator Obama would listen more to leaders around the world and show greater respect for people and leaders of the so-called Third World. It is very unlikely that Senator Obama would indiscriminately drop bombs on innocent men, women and children and interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries. Were he to become president, Senator McCain is very likely to interfere, as well as violate the sovereignty of other countries. The same bullying tactics of the current Bush administration are likely to continue under Senator McCain and innocent Iraqi blood will continue to be shed.
As president, Senator McCain will seek to dominate the world, consistent with the interests of rich and powerful Americans. Senator Obama on the other hand will pursue more equitable policies and less unilateralism in his economic and military initiatives against so-called problem states. With Senator Obama, there would be less of a likelihood of the US getting into an unjust and unpopular war as was the war in Iraq. Senator Obama would consult more with leaders from other countries and show greater respect for the UN and other international organisations. He would also leave most of the world’s problems for these latter organisations to tackle and resolve.
Senator Obama will recognise that in spite of its many flaws, the UN is in a position to be more objective than any nation-state (including the US) and can therefore be more fair-minded in its dealings with the so-called rogue states. On the other hand, Senator McCain will seek to undermine the UN and weaken that august body by withholding vital resources that the UN would need to carry out its global responsibilities effectively and efficiently.
Another point that I would like to mention, is that I think that as President, Senator Obama would show a greater concern for the problems of poor and disadvantaged people than Senator McCain. Senator Obama would emphasise education and show a greater concern for the high rates of imprisonment of Blacks, Latinos and poor Whites for frivolous and non-violent drug offences. With Senator Obama, the emphasis would be on building schools instead of prisons, but Senator McCain would pursue a reverse course of action. Public school teachers would also receive better pay and class sizes would be reduced to facilitate a better learning environment and more individualised attention for students who need it the most.
Senator Obama would also work tirelessly to make universal health care a reality for all Americans and legal residents. If a premium for health care has to be paid, it will be affordable and based on one’s income.
No voter would be fully satisfied with Senator Obama, and the same thing could be said of any other candidate running for president, now, in the past or in the future. To represent the interests of over 300 million people is indeed a formidable task and one has to compromise, broaden one’s agenda and sometimes even change one’s position on important issues. As a voter, one has to be politically mature to understand and accept this reality. As voters we can’t always think about our own narrow interests, but we must also think about what’s good for others and what’s good for the country as a whole. Like any other man, Senator Obama has his flaws, but in comparison to Senator McCain he is a much better man for the job and I am confident that as we approach the November deadline, more and more people will come to realise this. Or to quote Senator Obama himself “Together we can.”
Yours faithfully,
Rudy Vyfhuis
