From Bush to Obama

Yesterday’s inauguration of the 44th president of the United States Barack Obama created a frenzy even in Canada. Across the hallways I could feel “Obamamania” happening – people quoting Obama’s inauguration speech, imitating his gestures and tone, comparing him to the political leaders of this country… I must say, it was quite a sight, especially considering the fact that many Canadians have long been despising our neighbours down south. The whole scene was just surreal, if you ask me.

Here's the first part of Obama's speech. You can follow the "related videos" to watch the rest of them:

Drama, and emotions aside, one cannot deny that Obama’s inauguration speech was well-written, and it did deliver a message of passive, but strong determination and hope. On a personal level, I am the most impressed with the framework he has laid out on his foreign policies:

“Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint. We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations.”

While stating the obvious fact that US has the military power to dominate any other nation, Obama is also extending an olive branch of sort in wanting to cooperate and wishing for better understanding, two things that the Bush administration was not able to do well.

“To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

Here I see a little pride and a little threat even uttered to those who defy the “American way,” but it was nonetheless spoken eloquently in arguing that the liberal way is the better way. It also maintains the notion of not wanting to exclude anyone to get on board, as long as they are willing.

When the speech is done, it was obviously well received. But now, the true work begins. The whole world has known for quite some time that Obama can talk the talk. Now, it’s time to walk the walk. His vision seems noble, and he has mentioned over and over again that he will collaborate. Let’s hope he is truly a president of collaboration and understanding.

While talking Obama, I think it’s worthy to talk about his predecessor, George W. Bush. Unlike many people that I know, I am not an anti-Bush person per se. True, I think the war on Iraq was an unjust one, and I think his foreign policies are generally bully tactics that do not belong to this age, but that does not take away my respect for Mr. Bush for his steadfast support for the firefighters, the policemen, and the victims of the tragedy of 9-11; it does not stop me from admiring his strong stance on certain social issues that he has convictions in. One may not agree with the stances he has chosen to take, but at least, “W” has always been upfront about where he stands on those issues. Check out his national address following the tragedy of 9-11:



I have always been someone who believes that there is a time for everything (politically, in a democratic world anyway…). Bush was meant to be the leader that takes America through the horrors of 9-11; his time is up, so he is moving off the stage for someone else. May Obama be the right person for this age, and though I am not an American, like Mr. George W. Bush always says at the end of most public address to his nation, “God bless America.”

(P.S. for something lighter, here's a clip showing "W" and his impersonator, Steve Bridges, delivered a duet of a speech in 2006. It takes something special to be able to laugh at yourself, particularly if you are a person in power. Bush did that well, and I respect him for it).