The lesser evil
My First Choice
In four days, America will vote to choose the next President. I personally think that all the people of the world should be able to vote to decide about the leader of the world’s only superpower. After all, issues in the US Presidential election debates range from “global” warming, “global” financial crisis, poverty, alternative sources of energy, Iran, Israel, Venezuela, Russia, Afganistan, China, India, Europe and NATO, Brazil, Indonesia, North Korea and so forth. The ramifications of the policies adopted by a US President affect me more directly than those by my own country’s government. Whether or not the government should do something to preserve the neutrality of the internet (net neutrality), if it is ok for the governments and companies to breach the privacy and personal freedom (they amount to basic human rights) of people all over the world and many more issues matter to me but I won’t be able to express my choice on who should be able to decide them.
My first choice would obviously be Ron Paul, who is no more in the race, followed by Ralph Nader. I sincerely wish Congressman Paul’s campaign carried on and I hope that he would contest the next elections too. Who all conspired in ignoring Dr. Paul and who all didn’t want to see him in the White House are no more a secret. The American government is sort of run by big corporations and influential families. They make sure that legislations favoring them are passed. The DMCA (to serve the interests of RIAA, MPAA and some of the biggest American tech firms) and Patriot Act are two of the most outrageous legislations that directly threat civil liberty and human rights. The recent bailout money provided by W was used by the ailing firm AIG in partying. Everybody knows who benefited from the Iraq war, the construction projects and oil contracts there and few would be ignorant about why Dick Cheney was in the office for all these years.
The lesser evil
In view of all this, whoever of Barack Obama or John McCain comes to office will make no difference to me. Both of them have similar views on most of the things that matter to me and people like me. Whoever comes to office, will have to work for the mega corporations and rich families. They both are evil. This election campaign saw extensive use of the internet and technology. Additionally, this is one of the most watched presidential elections of all times. I think it’s necessary for me to make a choice.
Barack Obama is the man who represents a minority and seems to understand the powers of technology, why it matters and how it can be used to solve the problems of the world. He also seems to have a balanced opinions on some issues, understand the concerns of middle class people, Asians and such like.
So, I choose the lesser evil, Barack Obama.
Further Reading:
- How W’s policy cost 20,000 Bolivians their jobs.
- Check the facts on Ron Paul.
- The Economist on Ron Paul.
- Media Smear Campaigns against Ron Paul. Read here and here.
- Ron Paul’s campaign carries on.
- Urban Dictionary says that Ron Paul is the only honest man left in Washington
.
PS: Please drop your comments and views on the issue. I am a bit engaged in my family affairs for the time being, but will get back to reply to your comments.
btw, are you following latest XKCD secretary series:
http://www.xkcd.com/494 – /498
Ankur
October 31, 2008 at 11:44 am
No, Haven’t been following xkcd lately, been a little occupied, but I’ll surely have a look- my (our) fav comic series after all
Bibek Paudel
October 31, 2008 at 11:46 am
Bibek,
This point:
“I personally think that all the people of the world should be able to vote to decide about the leader of the world’s only superpower”
grabbed my attention.
If I understood it correctly, this point accepts American dominance and also gives validity to it.
Your point may seem valid from some views but I think we, people from rest of the world, should join hands against the cause of the dominance itself rather than expending efforts just in amending it’s effects.
The causes and effects might be points to be discussed.
-S
memshankar
October 31, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I am not American so frankly I don’t care who wins. At a time like this when countries like China, Russia are equally growing stronger in the world map and America slowly loosing its ground- this election is more important to Americans at the moment than anyone else. To have a change in administration. Or literally bring them back from the dead.
However, looking at the philosophy that republicans or Democrats endorse. In an international stand point. Republicans win would be more favorable to us. And whoever wins this year’s election. Either one of them will have a very very tough task ahead.
There are people who still supports Ron Paul’s vision and value his beliefs. It was really such a pity to see Republicans as well as the media very conveniently sidelining him during the primaries. Despite the fact that he was backed by a strong no. of supporters. It was rather sad witnessing something like that happening in a place where they say its the land of the free.
As you said- American govt is run by the coporations. Indeed. it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the lobbyist of the coporate giants literally run the American govt. So one good thing about Obama is, since hte very beginning he’s tried his best to stay away from the lobbyist. Including for his election campaigns- he’s refused to accept donations from the corporates (specifically for his campaign)- although he might not have a control over what his party does as a whole. That’s why I see Obama’s policy supporting a commoner more than the elitists of America.
As for Obama appealing more to the minorities (Well his skin color- does come into play here). But here’s the fact by the year 2010. WHite Americans in America will fall into the category of the monorities. Majority of the Americans would be from the Hispanic community, followed by White,black Americans, Asians and others. So this election- its not just Obama but also is McCain running after the current minorities
of present America.
And I refuse to believe that Obama is at all an evil. He’s not god – he might not change the world overnight. But he’s the man of dignity- a man who can think for himself and also has the capability to think for his country. I cherish the fact that he is as ordinary as you and I are. and is genuinely out there to serve his nation and its people – Not because he wants to fill his pocket because he wants to transform the lives of those who sufferes the most because he’s lived the similar life himself. Unlike McCain who’s primarily been able to come so far because of his bank balance and other obvious factors.
S
October 31, 2008 at 10:22 pm
;;The ramifications of the policies adopted by a ;;US President affect me more directly than ;;those by my own country’s government.
this is a gross exaggeration.
in order of influence
-india -china – nepal -usa
k
October 31, 2008 at 11:43 pm
memshankar,
Yes, that is acceptance. The helplessness on the part of the rest of the world and practical reasons make US the only superpower today and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Agree that resistance should be there, and there have been some, none of which worked so far.
K,
I don’t see that as an exaggeration. As you saw during the King’s direct rule, the US interest manifested through its ambassador Malinowsky, the Tibetan refugee crisis in Nepal etc have nothing to do with India, China or Nepal. The issues like net neutrality, DMCA also have nothing to do with any other country in the world. In fact, how India operates in Nepal is in a large part, guided by American interests in the region, if you don’t already know.
S,
I didn’t know that whites are soon going to be a minority, thanks for letting us know. My implication of minority implied access to power and Washington.
I have my reasons when I say that Obama is no saint. He isn’t the one who stands for “Change.” He is just better than McCain, that’s all.
Before getting the Democratic nomination, he so ferociously spoke of change, of principles and how he would overturn the ways of Washington. The day he got the nomination, he started to become more right wing than the Republicans. He went out of his way to support Sarkozy. He, who always stood against Iraq war, said that Bush’s troop increase succeeded “beyond wildest expectations”, while analysts say that it was only a secondary reason for the reduction in the level of violence in Iraq. He hasn’t yet criticized the ethical aspect of the war, he just says that it was a “strategic mistake” and I think that is a crime, a disrespect to all the sovereign nations including Iraq.
I hope you understand the importance of Jewish money in American politics. Obama’s has left behind McCain in his lack of concern for the treatment of Palestinians by Israel. The day he got the nomination, he “ran to the conference of the Israel lobby, AIPAC, and made a speech that broke all records for obsequiousness and fawning” [0] (i wont mention his israel visit). He has also said that Jerusalem shall be the undivided capital of Israel (though he partly changed that statement later). McCain and Obama both agree with Bush’s exaggerated claims about Iran being a “serious threat” and supports sanctions against the country. He also supports sanctions against Cuba.
The IAEA and UN say that Iran halted an effort to build a nuclear warhead in mid-2003, while Obama believes that Iran is actively doing this and wants to attack Iran if needed (of course to protect Israel at any costs). Obama believes NATO should be expanded to include Georgia and Ukraine, and sees only Russia’s fault in the recent Georgia farce. While talking of Venezuela and Bolivia, like McCain, Obama condemns Chavez and Morales, effectively supporting the terrorist opposition in those countries.
And you know what? The Oil money, war and american politics dont stop getting uglier. Obama’s “windfall profits” tax is at just 20%. This is just a circus. It should have been as high as 70-90%.
I would like to correct you on a few things. Obama, like McCain, gets lots of big campaign contributions [1] and favour from lobbyists [2]. He even joined McCain in twisting the the law [3] to raise funds. They reflect the fact he will not challenge the dominion of big business and the organization of society primarily for the rich. My concern about the RIAA and MPAA (and thus DMCA) aren’t unfounded. Obama is the top receipient of the TV/Music/Movies industry’s funding [4]. He also voted for Senator Leahy’s PRO-IP bill [5]. For someone related to the tech industry, this is a very big evil. Obama also supported the immunization of telecom companies that helped the illegal wiretapping.
His right-wing inclinations become clear from the fact that he supports the death penalty and his changed views about gun-ownership.
Yes, Obama is a very ordinary man and also honest (economically) to a very large extent. But he is no hop e for change. Under his term, US hegemony will continue all over the world and big firms will have their hey-day in Washington. The US sponsors some terrorism in the world and fights some. While Ron Paul seemed to understand this and vowed to correct the flaws in US foreign policy, Obama doesn’t seem to understand it at all. Why do you think so many Republicans have switched sides? He is more right wing than many Republicans.
Bibek
[0] http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1212871846/
[1] http://www.prwatch.org/node/7632
[2] http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/32/
[3] http://citizen.typepad.com/watchdog_blog/2008/06/campaign-financ.html
[4] http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/recips.php?cycle=2008&ind=b02
[5] http://www.defectivebydesign.org/stop-revised-riaa-ip-enforcement-bill-s3325
Bibek Paudel
November 1, 2008 at 3:51 pm
the issue raised concerns me too ,though i can say i know not the abc of politics. However, the US politics has its influence in every living being , even the rhino cant escape its influence, so sad but so true. America is world super-power n its citizens no doubt tend to assume that only they live in this world, everybody else is here just to do what they impose upon others . They are all myopic and worst of all they dont want to realize this.
barshaa
November 1, 2008 at 4:52 pm
To begin with:
yes Obama considers Iraq war to be a strategic mistake. Something like that coming from him this time- does make sense to me. At the moment he is trying to acknoweldge the mistake the government made back then. Other than just simply touting the fact that he had always voted against the Iraq war. I can understand your sentiment as a foreigner may be but lets take a look at this situation in a different way.
AMerica may be getting less popular these days- but yes it still has soem time to pull up its socks. and restate its power to the world. Lets face it- its still in the run that counts them as the superpower.
So people like us from a different country- blaming him on the part where or why he switched his stand would be really unfair. Because- at the end of the day its one man against the world. and There are times when you have to play it by the rule or else in no time you’ll be out of the game and one very good example is Ron Paul.
As for your comments on his foreign policies. Its not as easy categorising any issues as black or white. This tug of war goes back a long way. In the current world- the power is defined by the presence of the nuclear power plant in your nation. SO if either McCain or Obama is worried about it – its very obvious. It is in fact a national threat.(Oh yes, even if the US says otherwise- cause if its coming from Ahmadinejad I wouldn’t believe it myself). However, what I do think is, in sensitive matters like this – Obama would be able to handel matters more logically than McCain (based on his earlier judgments).
I do have a brief concept of windfall profits: but how does this windfall profit tax applies to us- that you may want to explain. I would love to know.
As for the donation factor. In general election candidates can receive money from the government – this year they distributed $ 84 million to McCain. But Barack Obama didn’t accept it and decided to raise fund on his own. SO if you follow the reverse rule – you can spend as much as you want (which again sprung out of bending the Campaign finance law) in your campaign- provided that you are willing to spend and also have enough funds to back the campaign. Where as McCain accepted the federal money- hence he’s just stuck with whatever he has.
Yes in this entire history of US election- Obama has become one single candidate to raise the highest donations possible. But please mind you- it didn’t just begin with big corporates donating. This has much to do with common individuals who believe in his vision. Those people range from poorest of poor America to the hollywood stars. He was way ahead of hte game interms of raising fund for his campaign- he managed to reach out to small donars. Which still continues. Right now there’s more effort being put in – to bring the democrats back in action. Hence Obama clearly has money to spend.
In fact just this last wednesday he bought 30-min ad space in multiple TV channels to clarify his policy’s on economy and hte blaah…blaahhs…..it was a multimillion dollar campaign- SO ofcourse it looks like- Obama is going on a spending spree..like as if he has all the right conenctions. and what nots (which he does have apparently hehe). But try to understand the basics behind this. The staregy he planned out long time ago. Before the race even began. Still having said that- we can’t really ignore hte Campaign finance reforms made primarily by McCain. and its controversy. you can write about in a more detailed format may be someday. From Mccain Feingold bill to – The federal election law prohbiting candidates cordinating with any of the 527 political groups to what nots.
There’s so much to write about- I’m finding it difficult to narrow down. so if you divide your opinion into different peices. It would be more helpful to people like me as well to give an organized comment.
And my firend at the end of the day – its politics. and When it comes to American politics- its bigger,better and grandeur. and involvs filthy load of money. Then there’s controversies involved, Media blowing thigns out of proportion…or filtering information simply way too much.I guess this is all what they call American Politics.
S
November 1, 2008 at 11:06 pm
And, Jesus F Christ is always there.
ShutUp
November 2, 2008 at 6:18 pm
wtf is this dude.
tonmoy
November 3, 2008 at 12:19 pm
If the world could vote:
http://iftheworldcouldvote.com/
वेनामी
November 4, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Benami, sadly they have the candidates of the two corporations only. I can’t see Ralph Nader there. so, it fails to even mimic the US elections.
Bibek
Bibek Paudel
November 4, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Now the result is officially out and Obama is clear winner with large margin (almost double). McCain already congratulate Obama. sigh….. its over and done, for atleast next Four years.
Ankur
November 5, 2008 at 10:08 am
Now the result is officially out and Obama is clear winner with large margin (almost double). McCain already congratulate Obama. sigh….. its over and done, for atleast next Four years.
Ankur
November 5, 2008 at 10:10 am
Lord Jesus F Christ does work in mysterious ways. God bless you all.
ShutUp
November 6, 2008 at 7:07 pm
hi bibek, Just visited your blog for the first time and cant stop praising your good work.
I personally dont think obama is lesser of the two evil. I see republicans/democrats as two sides of the same evil. Both totally controlled by jews. Only candidate who was making any sense was Ron Paul. Dennis kuchinich, Mike gravel,cinthiya Mkkiny were not to bad.
You mention about ralph nadar. I appreciate his view on middleeast and AIPAC. He recently gave a powerful speech on Mccain famiy’s involvement in USS liberty tragedy ( where Israel attempted to pull out a false flag operation, just like 9/11, killing 34 American soldier and wounding 174 ?? ).
Now, since the electi0on is all over this comment maynot make any sense, but we are getting 4 more years of Clinton. 90% of obama’s administration is all jew with some being israeli citizens
( Rahm emanual). Israli citizen, Fisher, is going to be chairman of NY federal reserve under Obama. Only god knows what the hell they goona do with economy. Obama is very easy to be blackmailed by jews as he is constitutionally ineligible and also had some homosexual relation in past. He was also drug addicted during his college days. Jews knows all that.
Do you remember, when clinton was negotiating with ehud barak and yasher arafat for peace, he was strongly purposing 2 state solution with 1948 UN mandated border ( resolution 242).. and all of the sudden Monika Lewinsky ( russian decent JEW ) appeared from heaven do destroy him ??
bibek, i am very optimistic abt new american revolution by 2012 and i guess there will be worldwide revolution too. BTW, do you listen to gerald celente ?? If you havent already, plese do.
take care buddy. Keep up your good work.
Uttam
December 9, 2008 at 3:20 am
hello bibek, I just want to quickly reply to your statemtnt “I sincerely wish Congressman Paul’s campaign carried on and I hope that he would contest the next elections too.”
Ron paul did made it clear time and again that he wont be running for any president election in future. However, there is huge rumor that his son, Dr. Rand Paul,eye surgeon, will be running in 2012 from libertarian party.
Rand is also a great man, intelligent and good speaker. He was very active during his father’s campaign.
These days, Ron is busy preparing for silent revolution. His new website is campaignforliberty.com
I have utter respect for this man. I consider his as american version of Mahatma Gandhi.I pray he wont get assassinated by mossad as they did to JFK .
Uttam
December 9, 2008 at 3:48 am
I have to say that after reading this post, I found you are not quite supporter of American Policy. Yes, it’s true that its policy in the middle east has been kinda Israel centric and disaster and there will be and are people who will always hate the US.
But what has inspired me to be pro-American is this country’s passion to fight back (esp. after Pearl Harbor and during the great depression) and the sense of unity and nationalism not directed by religion, race and ethnic values.
I certainly don’t want to see the world dominated by Russia or China; US is far better than theem.
I also want to see elimination of DMCA and patriot act.
Prajwal Tuladhar
January 20, 2009 at 11:06 pm