Brigitte’s Diary: “May I?”
June 21, 2008
From a very unqualified but certainly highly enthusiastic and excited “non-political” person. I would like to share my enthusiasm with any that are prepared to listen. Needless to say the failing Bush administration has caused so much damage that I believe it will take a miracle to undo what they have caused nationally and globally. Internationally the US is being more than just frowned upon, the ever weakening Dollar to its lowest since the second WW, the horrible economical crises we find ourselves in, some believing we are indeed in a recession now. Healthcare threatens to bankrupt the nation! Then, a heart wrenchingly senseless war that amounted to very little so far, other than costing many precious lives and trillions of Dollars. All these disturbing issues made me think . . .
With an upcoming election on the horizon, I knew one thing for sure, Bush had to leave and there is no place for any candidate that would support the war to continue for another 100 years, if it had to. However, who could we expect to fill his position? Another person in the same mold, shaped by Washington’s elite, driven by power and money?
For the first time when I heard Senator Barack Obama speak a few months ago, I stopped to listen, thinking, wow, here is someone that seems humble, addresses controversial issues from his heart, even though risky. Barack remained consistent all this time and was opposed to the war from the beginning. He seems to not fit the mold of the “groomed” elite that seems to only care who is up and who is down. I started paying more attention to his message “Change We Can Believe In”.
By listening to Senator Obama more frequently, I became so curiously excited, I started following every news channel , listening to every possible discussion he was involved in and reading everything I could about him. My opinion has evolved from just curious to an adamant follower of his campaign. Is he really the answer to this ailing nation? I feel the pain, after being here for almost seven years . I am embarrassed to tell anyone I live in the US (it reminds me of the old SA days during the apartheid years). A few months ago, I read that people in Europe did not like accepting the US Dollar any longer, when it started weakening badly against the Euro, I was disillusioned. On the international front people are outraged by Washington continuously interfering , everyone seems to hate Americans. Threats of War continually hunt us and after all this war we seem to be no safer. Nationally, people are hurting because of staggering medical fees, it bankrupts so many. Gas prices are soaring and for the first time in a long time, inflation rises to levels of disbelief. People are struggling.
I look at Barack, I feel I know him. I think I had ample experience in my previous life in SA to appreciate his ongoing enthusiasm to bring about a much needed and deserved historical change. I feel he knows me since I also live the life of an average American Joe, he seems to understand the issues ailing the nation because he too lived at the bottom . He does not fit the “mold” of the rich and powerful, not yet anyway. I believe he wants to leave a legacy of his own, not of power or fame, but of changing the nation, bringing all people together, beyond a racial divide. One of his priorities is better education, importantly, affordable education for all. Everyone knows that education in the US has become appalling . For those that wish to go to College it is almost impossible, unless you have wealthy parents or other help. How about the health care issue, currently there is no easy solution to this crises but I believe he cares enough to really try and bring about change that can work. Barack Obama has proven it over and over, he discourages political bickering, “kitchen sink politics” , he does not employ the ugly side of politics, engaging in personal counter attacks even when being tested to the utmost. A man I believe that has already shown the integrity of a worthy leader , a man that will ultimately allow history to change its coarse and build a united and stronger nation. I believe with Barack Obama as President, the world will recognize the change and will hopefully open the door for the US again, also widely support the US in the fight against terrorism.
Change is inevitable. I believe we are all ready! I endorse Senator Barack Obama 
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5 Responses to “Brigitte’s Diary: “May I?””
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Strong words from a strong woman! I agree mom. I loved your atricle. I too endorse Senator Barack Obama.
Okay…I guess I’ll step up for the family and vote for him!! No worries, B, I’ve got your back!
Go Mommy…that is such an awesome and powerful combination of words. I hope he wins, and I hope that the world can see this article and put all this “kitchen politics” in the trash.
wow, looks like I am going to have to pay more attension with this whole political stuff, if I may palce my two cents on the table….Gerrie came to me a few weeks ago with great hope in his eyes, he was following the Zuma elections and paid attention to the promisses made, on how Zuma would like to change the rules set, allowing white South African to finally ahve the same rights as other brothers, they have finally come to thier sences (or so they say) that th whole BEE (Black empowerment) isnt really working out for us (you think) I mean look at the situation we are in with Escom and our Power shortages, they were gievne a full mandate in 1994!!! Warning them thta action would have to be taken to ensure enough provision for our ever growing county, oh but now they wake up…..
So while all the newly appionted, “qualified” brothers scratch thier heads and conjour up all sorts of evil plans, we have to suffer “load shedding” (a politically correct way of saying…just paln common black outs), places our business at risk and just amking our lives that much more enjoyable….. what are these people thinking, paying the head of the now Goverment owned Escom, R 13m per year?
Then still want to increase the already desided, 14% electricity increase to 54%?? Love to see how they are going motivate that one!!
But we too are close to election time, and my honest opinion, BullShit…..they are just telling us what we what to hear, they always do.Only good thing about Zuma would be that it would cause a split with in the ANC, and then what? Zim all over?
If i had to follow all these views and beieve in them, i would go mad……loks like we all have the same issues, no matter what counrty, only differance is the rest of the world doesnt tell investors “not to currentky invest in South Africa”, i mean, HELLO….?
A change is as good as a holiday, we all need it, so we tend to have faith in man kind nd have a strong hope that the next person would get it right, and there is no harme in that, if we all stand together, we can amke a change, its just trying to get everyone together that is the challange.But….we are all just human, there is only one being that could really give us what we ask, so……just believe that all will be well, no matter what country we are in……
PS would that last person to leave SA, please blow out the candle!!!
An emotional, though well reflected, strong article! I fully share your analysis of the status quo. I also agree that Obama is most probably the best choice. However, I’m a bit more sceptical with regards to the structural changes in the social system he can actually acchieve. The inherent conservative power within the socio-economical system is enormous and has - more than once - sucked up any momentum of change (like trying to stirr thick honey with a spoon).
All this should not keep one from hoping and - even more important - from getting involved and trying to change things for the better.
(Written by someone who will soon light his candle in SA.)