Listening to Barack Obama tonight brought tears to the eyes.

Politics has long been missing the simplicity of both hope and intention. Sure it’s easy to sell change but I was left with the impression that he realises that the job is just starting and that everyone must pull together.

John McCain too made a speech full of integrity and dignity. What a lesson they both provided for our politicians in New Zealand who noticeably changed their demeanours in tonights final debate.

Could this be the remaking of the US? That’s hard to say but the reaction around the globe will be ecstatic, knowing we can move on from 8 ridiculous years. Watching Obama take Florida so easily just reinforces the injustice of Gore’s loss.

The Lord, however, moves in mysterious ways. Gore may not have been that great a President. Obama may have never been elected. In a way Bush laid the path for Obama. So destitute of ideas and principles the country, nay the world, was holding out for a hero.

Tonight Obama looked like a man who knows he is in for the long haul.

Let’s hope he can take the US in a new direction and build bridges to the world instead of blowing them up.

And with that in mind here’s something to mellow out with on a very special evening.

Following on from my piece on the AMRA, I’m posting a message from Stephen for all Washington D.C. locals who can attend his meeting below. Spread the word if you cannot.

Dear Friends of the American Monetary Institute

Please take a moment to concentrate on this message, and consider the very particular action it asks of you, to help our nation achieve meaningful change to assure that no “Wild West” banking system ever again despoils our people.

Place: Busboys and Poets Restaurant (Langston Room)
2021   14th St.   NW,    Washington DC  20009

 Date:  Thursday, April 10, 2008                  Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Late arrivals OK                 Dress: Informal; all are welcome

 

Reservations not necessary but really appreciated 

Call 224-805-2200  or email  ami@taconic.net

RETURN TO AMI HOME PAGE

I read today of Tata’s impending purchase of 2 of Ford’s great brands, Jaguar and Land Rover. Only last year Tata Steel paid $12bln for Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus. What’s going on here? What happened to the East India Company and all that? Queen Victoria would be spinning in her grave. It seems the plunder of Asia is over. And now it’s payback.

The Arabs are at it as well having bailed out Citibank not long ago and lets not forget the Chinese pumping in $5bln to keep Morgan Stanley afloat.

Those trade and petro dollars are finally being put to good use. The Arabs in the Emirates are showing their cousins the way foward by buying real assets instead of partying away the cash as they did in the 80s. The Chinese, always astute and long-term, are making obvious in roads into the US whilst continuing to make it hard the other way around.

Reverse colonialisation anyone?

Surely this is a joke? The White House is disappointed over the recognition of the 1915 Armenian Genocide by Congress because it might effect trade issues and the war on terror.

Oh the irony.

The Turks have reacted predictably by recalling their ambassador.  And they want to be in the EU?

It makes Alice in Wonderland look sensible.