Sunday, September 2, 2012

About roots & votes ...

It is political conventions time in the U.S.A!

Lots of talk about Clint Eastwood and THAT empty chair, Mitt Romney's Mexican roots, Barack Obama's African roots.

A movie about Obama's roots - "2016: Obama's America" - went from one theatre in Houston to more than 1000, in only few weeks. It is almost the equal to viral ...

But my question is: How do all these events above, relate to our future? What are our priorities, as voters?

In the midst of a global financial crisis, when some countries like Greece are expected to default, we are supposed to be electing the next leader of the free world: A capable leader, to correct the declining economy in the U.S. and work shoulder to shoulder with foreign leaders, to achieve this goal. I can not remember such crucial elections, since I became a voter. Its outcome would define not only our future, but it will touch many peoples' lives around the globe.

I think, that Romney's financial skills should matter to voters more than his Mexican roots. Even when it comes to Americans from Mexican origin.

Barack Obama's roots are fascinating. The personal story of the U.S. President is extraordinary. It is a natural material for movies and books. The man who based his 2008 presidential campaign, based on the resemblance to JFK, and was supported by the Kennedy clan, has a lovely grandmother in an isolated village deep inside Kenya.

His family members there are proud Muslims. So was his late father, who managed to climb from his village all the way to Harvard University. The Obama family's tale describes a clash between two cultures. For example: Where in East Africa - polygamy is still part of the culture, where as it is against the law in the U.S. Barack Obama Sr. learnt it the hard way. While women have been beaten by their husbands in East Africa, it is against the law in the U.S. It is called here: "Domestic Violence".

Yet - does Barack's background effect his performance as a leader?  If the answer is "Yes", then - the debate about his roots is important!

If the answer is: "No", then - his personal story is powerful indeed. A great material for authors, directors ... I am one of them, so I should know ..

But for voters???

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