Comments on: What will Canada Do With Barack Obama? http://www.james-strocel.com/what-will-canada-do-with-barack-obama/ Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:52:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Son Yong http://www.james-strocel.com/what-will-canada-do-with-barack-obama/comment-page-1/#comment-13124 Son Yong Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:37:38 +0000 http://www.james-strocel.com/?p=267#comment-13124 NAFTA was a raw deal in general and a big f up. However, I'm already bothered by the reaction and demands being made by the leaders of other nations so immediately as if Obama isn't aware of the less than favorable world view we Americans have with non Americans. I feel the need to remind non USA people, He is our president, not yours. His priorities will be home turf issues first. Of course, he's going to promise his voters that he will do work that will benefit them. It's unfortunate and shameful that the current administration has done so much harm not just at home but on the global front as to create such a reaction by foreign powers. It's a blessing and a curse. There always seems to be this expectation that America must be the main do gooder, leader, etc. while other leaders can sit back and claim some excuse or another for their lack of involvement or less than righteous actions. I believe it's hypocritical, especially given the age of our country compared to so many others. America will not be able to solve everyone else's problems. Sure, our government can take steps into becoming a leader, again, but the rest of the world has to be willing to work with us in making it happen. Obama's vision is vast and he is right like JFK to ask the American people to be involved in changing and restoring not just our place in the world but our own country. However, he is also saddled by the gargantuan expectations not only of his own country's citizens, but those of the world so of course, everyone is watching...Perhaps less watching and more doing is in order. I've observed all over the world a seeming lack of personal responsibility and common sense many times trumped by personal greed and selfishness. Not just in America, everywhere. For my own part, I've always tried to make informed decisions, understanding my actions could have undesirable consequences and it is my responsibility not just to myself but to those around. I agree with you that your country will also need to create it's own great vision so that your country will become strong and healthy with a happy populace. I believe it's what most of us wish for. NAFTA was a raw deal in general and a big f up. However, I’m already bothered by the reaction and demands being made by the leaders of other nations so immediately as if Obama isn’t aware of the less than favorable world view we Americans have with non Americans. I feel the need to remind non USA people, He is our president, not yours. His priorities will be home turf issues first. Of course, he’s going to promise his voters that he will do work that will benefit them. It’s unfortunate and shameful that the current administration has done so much harm not just at home but on the global front as to create such a reaction by foreign powers. It’s a blessing and a curse. There always seems to be this expectation that America must be the main do gooder, leader, etc. while other leaders can sit back and claim some excuse or another for their lack of involvement or less than righteous actions. I believe it’s hypocritical, especially given the age of our country compared to so many others. America will not be able to solve everyone else’s problems. Sure, our government can take steps into becoming a leader, again, but the rest of the world has to be willing to work with us in making it happen.

Obama’s vision is vast and he is right like JFK to ask the American people to be involved in changing and restoring not just our place in the world but our own country. However, he is also saddled by the gargantuan expectations not only of his own country’s citizens, but those of the world so of course, everyone is watching…Perhaps less watching and more doing is in order. I’ve observed all over the world a seeming lack of personal responsibility and common sense many times trumped by personal greed and selfishness. Not just in America, everywhere. For my own part, I’ve always tried to make informed decisions, understanding my actions could have undesirable consequences and it is my responsibility not just to myself but to those around.

I agree with you that your country will also need to create it’s own great vision so that your country will become strong and healthy with a happy populace. I believe it’s what most of us wish for.

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