In Obama, Many Overseas See Chance For New Direction And New Attitude

Washington Post:

For much of the world, Sen. Barack Obama's victory in the Democratic primaries was a moment to admire the United States at a time when the nation's image abroad has been seriously damaged.

From hundreds of supporters crowded around televisions in rural Kenya, Obama's ancestral homeland, to jubilant Britons writing "WE DID IT!" on the Brits for Barack discussion board on Facebook, people celebrated what they called an important racial and generational milestone for the United States.

"This is close to a miracle. I was certain that some things will not happen in my lifetime," said Sunila Patel, 62, a widow encountered on the streets of New Delhi. "A black president of the U.S. will mean that there will be more American tolerance for people around the world who are different."

The primary race generated unprecedented interest outside the United States, much of it a reflection of a desire for change from the policies of President Bush, who surveys show is deeply unpopular around the globe. At the same time, many people abroad seemed impressed -- sometimes even shocked -- by the wide-open nature of U.S. democracy, and the history-making race between a woman and a black man.

Read the whole story: Washington Post

Comments

[carpediemfriends]

Congratulations from a Canadian who has lived both in the United States and Mexico. It is with a joyous heart that I commend my American friends for having the courage and the vision to nominate a man that I believe is a gift to the world.

Two years ago an on-line bridge partner from Ohio introduced me to Barack Obama. After reading his book I commented to her that I prayed America had the wisdom and the courage to select this man as their President. I remember her answer: "Oh, he could never be elected President!" How beautiful to know how wrong she was!

The world as well as America is in great need of healing. I believe with all of my heart and all of my being that Barack Obama is a gift to the world and I thank you for having the AUDACITY to HOPE!

The world truly is watching and we are grateful!

God Bless America!

[richardgordon]

Great comment! I'm with you pardner!

[brooklyncitizen]

Americans have a long way to go regarding race...and if we can thank Bush for one thing is that his Presidency was a catalyst to unite people across many many differnces in ordr to have our country back.Obama has inspired that unity and coming toghether.

[neocon666]

Absolutely. If there's one thing that George W. Bush's administration did accomplish, it was being so spetacularly incompetent that people would even entertaing the idea of a person of color in the white house rather than another republican.

[southernsepia]

I think the reason Americans make progress on the racial front when so many other societies seem stuck is because to some extent we are willing to face our problems.

It is not constant, things have been a little slow since the Regan era but over the long term African Americans have just continued fighting and the nation has had to look at our issues.

I feel very proud that the world has noticed our struggles.

On to November!!

[KaAp]

Many of my colleagues left the United States and moved to other countries where the research climate enabled them to do their work in peace and with government support ... I stayed ... at times I longed to be somewhere else where I could work without the fear of intimidation --- as RFK Jr. called the Bush cabal: Torquemada's successors (in reference to climate change and environmental studies) ...
I have traveled all over the world, I lived overseas (every summer) and was an undergraduate overseas (for two years) ... I have family in Europe, Israel, and South America , Canada and Mexico ...
I know in my heart of hearts that Obama can help restore the integrity of the United States globally ... I can sense the anticipation ... although we will still be a debtor nation we may well become a beacon in a shining sea once again ... For Neocon43 a little fact checking without the saber rattling, straw man arguments and over the top hyberbole is what is called for ... if not well then you are not worth my time or effort because we have a president to elect --- a wonderful president whose presence will chart a course towards a more peaceful and just future ....

[Gma11]

I was in Bolivia, working in a system of street shelters and orphanages, when the war in Iraq began. I was in a facility for adolescent boys. They were crowded around a television set, crying . . . and praying. They kept beseeching me, "Why are you doing this? Why?"

It was heart-rending.

Their perception seemed to be that WE (the U.S.) were doing this to ALL OF THEM (the rest of the world).

[WorkingClass]

Its good to know that adolescent boys in Bolivia are still in possession of their humanity. The cold indifference to human suffering here in the states makes me think that my countrymen have died inside.

[peterv]

There is a real 'longing' in the world that the US becomes again a beacon of inspiration, positive course, clear direction and mutual agreements. Obama embodies the positive, energetic, innovative and opportunity of america. With its acting alone, and 'imperialistic ideas it lost respect and standing in the world. A shift is hopefully in the making, whereas after WW2 too much vital resources were put in the military-industrial complex. Other countries invested in their domesic markets to grow substantially, and are thriving. I agree with assessments of such different people as Buchanan and Gore Vidal that US doesn't need to intervene everywhere,and while doing that is in danger of becoming its own worst enemy.

[Gma11]

"Where there is no vision, the people perish . . . "

[carmen63]

I was born in South America, studied Law, moved to the USA , worked at a university there, now I live in Holland, Europe and I have travelled quite a bit. My impression is that everywhere in the world, no matter your color, there will be some kind of 'prejudice' which is engraved in society due to historical issues. In India, for example, you can only marry somebody from your own cast, not even a white rich man would do there. The problem is when we start generalizing and treating people from a specific group in a certain way without even trying to get to know the individual first.
America has taken a leading stand in the world because it took up the role of spreading and defending democracy and unfortunately in a few cases, the international principle and treaty of no intervention in foreign countries, was violated.
The only reason, internationally and legally valid, to invade/attack another country would be self-defense or inminent threat. In this sense, Sen.Obama is doing an excellent job promoting dialog first but he doesn't rule out the option of using force if needed.

[Gma11]

There is a razor's edge between categorizing and stereotyping. We see that slippage often on posts here. Categorizing is fundamental in the social sciences whereas stereotyping is anathema.

I love sociologist Ruth Hubbard's warning to the social sciences - "Statistics are people with the tears washed away. It's never just numbers, proportions, and/or percentages we're dealing with. It's human beings.

[Gma11]

I love Holland.

A little more travel would also assist U.S. in realizing we are NOT #1!!

By trying so desperately to hang on to the ideology of a dying empire, we continue to fall behind the "leading fringe" in many ways.

[researcher]

16 comments on this post

that tells you something about america's idea of worldy.

arrogance will do us in

in the process now living on of all things chinese money

what !!!! a capitalist country living on commie money

say it aint so

karma is so interesting

could it really be that what we sow we reap

appears to be so

[Gma11]

Enjoy your posts, resercher.

[Bella Liberty]

Of cause many overseas have chance for new direction and new attitude that would be terrorists power strengthen and Iran will succeed its nuclear program and become super power in middle east.
Iran will seek for Veto power in United Nations . Terrorists, Iran and communist nations are rowing on the same boat and all are anti Americans and after its nuclear program succeeded Iran will strongly tie with China, Russia ,North Korea including all anti American nations. Middle East will be out of America influence, that would be super power Sunset time. American economic recovery would be in vain.
Obama should learn about nature of super power and nature of terrorists, Iran including Communists nature, their strong hold policy is anti American policy which also is they never change.
So talking with Osama Bin Laden or terrorists or using appeasement policy on Iran is impossible mission and that would be beneath super power dignity and driven to super power sunset time. If Iran succeeded its nuclear program any minute middle east will heading to nuclear war. Israeli holds atomic bombs will safe for only Iran has no nuclear arsenal.
Every day Obama pointing out the Iraq War and voicing for change but he should know that, the Iraq war is not an illegal war or unnecessary action. That Iraq war is called NSP war ( National Security Program war or National Security Precaution war,) But after 911 waged war on Afghanistan war is called revenge war.

[Tropiholic]

Was that an attempt at English Bella Liberty ??? Very poor.

[Bertha40869]

Obama graduated from Columbia in International Relations. I think a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard is probably more well versed than you, me, and definitely third from the bottom of his class from the Naval Academy McPampers.

[biglover]

Here Here. Way to tell it. Bertha40869

[neocon666]

Radar will notify us when you're approaching english.

[biglover]

LOL. I wonder where Bella Liberty is from.

[Zeje]

No, no, no. Iran is ALREADY a power in the Middle East -- the war in Iraq made it so. China, Russia, and North Korea are ALREADY economically tied with Iran. American influence has ALREADY waned.

[mamacat]

I have an uncle overseas who likes McCain. Oh well.

[WireDolly]

LOL! Tell your uncle, he can have him.

Sorry for you,

Wiredolly

[lennix]

the bottom line is people all over the world are tired of war and hunger killing of hundred and hundreds of people in the name of greed they are waking up it's a new day lets make this world better for every one lets lead again america and stop being the joke we have become god bless the world god bless america

[neocon43]

I thought they were just tired of dictators who slaughter their own people and gas them.I thought they were tired of people lobbing rockets every day into their towns and killing innocent people.We are not a joke.We are the ones that liberate.Y­ou are a idiot1

[rowzeer]

sure we did, we liberated all those Iraqs from life on earth...

[ilcapo]

the news footage of Iraqis begging us to drop bombs on their heads escapes me...can t seem to remember them,did it happen??oh yea!!now I see Iranians marching in the streets asking us to bomb,bomb,bomb Iran!!!Foreigners like getting invaded!!!Neocon knuckledragging neandrthals are right!!!yeeeeee!!!

[neocon666]

Right, just ask hundred of thousands of "liberated" Iraqs -oh that's right, we can't -they're DEAD!

If the United State's real motivation is to "liberate", why haven't they done anything about the genocide in Darfur? Oh right -NO OIL!

With a potential Barack Obama presidency, people all over the world see a glimmer of hope that the US may actually stop acting like a schoolyard bully and work with the rest of the world.

[queotic]

Oh, is that what the War on Terror is about? Getting rid of dictators? I always thought it was about finding Al Qaeda...

[biglover]

You believe your own bullshit neocon43. You have no capacity to think for yourself You just march in lockstep with the party. Who enabled the man whpo gassed his own people? Who propped him up in his war with iran? Wake up tyou fool

[DCtrain]

It is interesting that the rest of the world is interested in Barak. Barak isn't a sabor rattler... not a creator of fear... what was HRC's comment...­? "we'll nuke you off the map" And McCain's comment.? "100 years in Iraq."

This November will be clear. Do we want to be the inernational police force or do we want to be the international peace maker? Interesting contrast..­. Being the international police force is expensive financially and in human life... being the international peace makers.. brings a blessing to the rest of the world and not terror or fear.

It is pretty clear that Barak is a peace maker... what a breath of fresh air compared to the atmosphere of fear we've been in for the past 8 yrs.

[neocon43]

there are no peace makers without force to back you up.I am so happy your kind are a small fraction of our population­.You are dangerous to the existence of what most of us call America!

[mamacat]

weird

[rowzeer]

there is no peace without force....p­reemptive war is like committing suicide in order to prevent death...

[ilcapo]

Neocon43 is the classical armchair warrior,ooooh BIG MAN behind his PC!!!!!

[ddharder]

And the war on terrorism is like attacking a beehive with a shotgun. So what's your point?

[Tropiholic]

Neocon when is your screen beret unit being deployed to Iraq? Real soldiers have been there 3 or 4 times,meanwhile the chair force spews about their toughness and bravery in war while hiding behind computers. How impressive!

[jukesgrrl]

PLEASE American voters: There's some hope that the rest of the world might regain its respect for the US of A. Let's not blow it again by putting another Bushbot in the White House.

[lisakaz2]

Indeed. Even the Irish love him, calling him O'Bama. His mother had an Irish background, too, so they feel they have a stake.

I'm hopeful.

[GotRights]

Maybe he'll reprise JFK's Galway speech.

[kingshmoopy]

Very true, I've been stopped many times while out and about in Dublin when I'm wearing an Obama t-shirt. Without exception the Irish who stop me are very excited about Obama!

And every single Irish person that I've spoken with (friends, parents of my kid's friends, people in stores, etc) is excited about him and how different an Obama presidency will be from Bush (whom they dislike intensly). It feels good to be proud of our democracy and our Democratic nominee.

The definitely feel that they have a stake. We have a very special relationship with Ireland and, of course, our economic decisions, foreign policy decisions, etc. effect the world.

[neocon43]

When I see headlines like this I know America is doing just fine.Most Americans could care leas what other nations think about us.They sure do like our money and also to come live here.looki­ng forward to Susan Serandon leaving the country for good after Mccain wins!

[ilcapo]

Neocon43 must be a fake,he s parroting the far right s greatest hits!!!He must have an original thought,or is he just a Hannity man slave,hmmmmm

[going2ireland]

You are nothing more than a bully who pokes someone in the chest with your finger, just egging them on for a fight.

Guess what. The US is done with the likes of you. We are taking a different path - one that will help to heal and bring about peace.

You want to continue to pick fights - I think perhaps you should try China. They would squash you like the bug you are.

[ddharder]

Ha ha. You should try traveling a bit. American money is becoming about as worthless as a 1980s Agentine peso.

I'm an American who choses not to live in America anymore as I'm tired of hearing ignorant comments from the likes of you.

In fact, I happen to live in Russia. Remember that old devil of a communist country? Well, over here the Ladas have all been replaced with Mercedes and BMWs, housing prices are doubling every year or two and construction is booming, people are actually earning a wage that allows them to travel around the world 4 months out of the year. Businesses are seeing 35% return on investment minimum. And to top it off, the girls over here are so pretty they make your heart melt.

How's things going in your part of the world lately?

[Zeje]

We aren't the ones with the money. The Euro is the strong currency -- not the dollar. Go back to Israel.

[nonofyabusiness]

O bama. Prime Ministor and President to the WORLDDDDD!!!!

O BAMA/WEBB 08

[sanywhere]

that is too far for me. i will be happy to have him be president here. no taking over the world for this guy.

[Bertha40869]

Please don't say stuff like that. All that does is stir up the "Obama is the Antichrist" nuts. They don't realize that the Bible says that the Antichrist will rise out of Europe, but I digress.

[biglover]

Who cares what the Bible says. I don't and I don't believe in Antichrist crap either.

[heal57]

Finally, we have a candidate who we will be proud of as our President and we will be respected again by the rest of the world. We can be proud [that's right, proud] to be an America again.


Independent for Obama '08

[booksnmore4you]

As someone who has lived and worked abroad in half a dozen nations, this is so heartening.