To think people are basically deluded, if they think Obama means change?

[DabblesinDebate]

Some thoughts from Chomsky...

Chomsky: The European reaction to Obama is a European delusion.

Chomsky: Of course there are differences, but they are not fundamental. Nobody should have any illusions. The United States has essentially a one-party system and the ruling party is the business party.

mellabella, Congratulations to you and the US. An American leader who not only has travelled the world but lived in other countries. I have loved this for my son, he will grow up knowing that he and his friends no matter where their parents, grandparents where born, the colour of their skin they can work for a better future.

Onthewarpath - lately I've been told not to post stories in the news that people can't discuss (ie can only say 'oh how sad' even though that wasn't the case) and also people have told me not to post links because they can't be bothered to click on the link to read the story. So it doesn't suprise me that you've been told to google for an explanation, though it does sadden me because MN never used to be like this.

My advice is to keep asking the questions as there are some really intelligent, well informed MNers that are happy to help and either ignore the unhelpful comments or tell the negative commenters (in the nicest and politest possible way) to eff off.

I agree with Poshpaws - that the possibly the biggest change has already happened - a country that less than 50yrs had laws which prevented most blacks from even voting, let alone one of them running for the Presidency has just voted in a Black president, not only with Electoral Votes, but with the popular vote too.

Only time will tell if things are going to be different, but tbh I think they are by default going to be different as he's taking over as a Global Recession is happening - he simply won't be able to continue with things exactly as they are imo.

I love your post mellabella and i agree with you entirely. I do not want to have to stop being an idealist and believing that one man can make a difference. This is different in so many ways to when labour came to power - he is a very different man to Tony Blair in charge of a very different nation.

I think he will make a difference and i have a bit more hope for the future now.

I think Chomsky is right, but perhaps McCain is 'Nestle' and Obama is 'Innocent'.

No wahwah, Obama is Bob

As he said in his acceptance speech, it is not about Obama bringing change to the US, it is about Americans uniting behind him and working to bring about that change - that is the only way he can succeed - and who knows, perhaps he can. He is certainly an inspirational speaker, if he can motivate people to desire change and to work for change he may get somewhere.
One of the things that has most impressed me about his campaign is his ability to organise and mobilise so many young volunteers with his vision - something I don't think the US has seen on that scale since the Bobby Kennedy campaign of 1968.

Ah my old Lectuer new Noam Chomsky apparently, rather worshipped him (but she was a nut job- in the loveliest of ways- herself LOL)

I think we should give him a chance before we write him off.

Hathor. Very funny. I hope they can.

This will go down in American history. Obama is the first black president of the USA which will mean alot to all the black people in the USA he will be up there with Martin Luther King. I am sure there will be alot of change within the USA and hopefully the plug will be pulled on the war in Iraq and hopefully our Soliders will be home for next Christmas.

This will go down in American history. Obama is the first black president of the USA which will mean alot to all the black people in the USA he will be up there with Martin Luther King. I am sure there will be alot of change within the USA and hopefully the plug will be pulled on the war in Iraq and hopefully our Soliders will be home for next Christmas.

Oh PLEASE give us today to be happy and excited. And anyway, OP, you're wrong! Have you read his policies? One of the most fundamental things he wants to change is the world's vision of the US as a superpower who acts alone. He wants to forge alliances, use soft tactics and so on, so that the US is deemed great for taking a mature, considered and uniting view on most things instead of as a country which unilaterally does things on its own. Frankly that is such a big change that it will permeate all sections of life. So please just let us get excited at the prospect for today!

Hear hear Littleonemum. I am VERY excited about Obama and really want to believe this will mean good things for the US and the world.

I like to think it will make some difference. Whether that difference will be what he has said he wishes to do, or 'just' a
difference in the perception of America. Perception is a massive, massive thing and I would imagine his landslide victory will change many people's perception of the country.
I'd like to think the disillusioned that went out to vote hoping to make a difference will actually be feeling listened to and a part of not only their country, but democracy will be the beginning.

I am very excited and feel optimistic for the future.

The biggest and most important thing he can bring to the US and the world is "hope".

We talked ourselves into the mess things are in now, and somehow we'll have to be optimistic again, or it will be a downward spiral....

People keep saying that Thatcher did 'nothing' for women. What was it that she ought to have done? It seems to me that women are pretty well able to do anything they want to now.

I agree with drivinmecrazy.

I'm glad to see a black man in the White House... but Obama is a politician, I'm wary of politricks...

I understand the importance of the occasion but I just can't get carried away with the messianic-type celebrations of Mr Obama.

Well as a black person, the fact that Obama has been elected means that a continent that has slavery, segregation, lynchings, Jim Crow etc woven into the fabric of its history has enough white people who are prepared to look at the character of a man and not judge him on the colour of his skin alone.

That change in the USA is deeply profound, unprecedented and long overdue.

Compare the images of the Democratic rallies and those of the Republican. At the Democrats I saw all ethnicities represented. At the Republicans, it was a sea of white faces. The Republicans look like a party that appeals mainly to 1920s white America when African-Americans had no political voice or economic power.

Oh yes, Obama's election signals a monumental change because it says that in the western world, non-whites can govern and lead in all stratas of society.

Obviously it's a hugely important symbolic change for the US but I'd be very suprised if he actually manages to change much at all. The US is a free market behemoth with the government havong far less of a role than any European country.

Hi folks,

A link that gives more of what Chomsky actually said can be found at...

www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-35304.html

Why not give it a try? Alternatively, why not try (a) switching off your computer (b) leaving your house and going to the nearest book store (c) buying a complete book by the man and finally (d) not switching your computer back again (or the TV, for that matter) until you have completed it.

This could prove to be a colossal waste of your time....or, on the other hand, could prove to be one of the smartest things you ever do in your life.