Comments on: Obama’s Inaugural Address: Reflections

By: lisa

lisa — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:55:36 +0000

“We shouldn’t be mere spectators waiting for the hero to do the change.”

You hit it on the nail, Tina. Being elected into office is not the end all and be all of life for the politician. In the Philippines, it is, except when seeking higher office, and when the highest is reached, Philippine Presidents, like Marcos and Arroyo, try their darnedest to stay forever, using charter change — a shift from the Presidential system to Parliamentary.

Mr. Obama looks like he wants to save the planet, with America as leader, with him as leader of America. He can actually do this — BUT — with the help of everybody.

Working alone or for the interests of big business, the world will plunge into chaos like it almost did under the watch Mr. Bush the Younger.

For the Philippines it has to be the same engaged citizenry. We have to wake our countrymen up to this positive attitude and that there is light beyond the limbo we are in.

By: Tina of MyGoodFinds

Tina of MyGoodFinds — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:06:14 +0000

President Obama is a symbol of hope for alot people and the positive energy from the inauguration is a good sign. I believe that hope is preferable to despair. What I like about Obama is that he emphasizes that everyone has to contribute to make things work out. “Contribute” doesn’t necessarily mean only monetarily. Our contribution can be volunteering in our community. We shouldn’t be mere spectators waiting for the hero to do the change.

By: Tiki

Tiki — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:46:15 +0000

I’ve a lot of respect for Obama but I think too much damage has already been done by global economic systems based on increasing production, spending, and debt. The economic stimulus will only buy some more time, but eventually deflation will continue, likely leading to hyperinflation, and probably in the long term de-industrialization to some extent. And if production does pick up we face in turn a resource shortage.

Finally, whatever affects the U.S. will also affect many other countries, including the Philippines. We are already seeing this through major economic problems facing countries ranging from Germany to Britain to Australia and even Iceland.

By: lalaine

lalaine — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:19:48 +0000

I, too watched Obama’s inauguration and all I can feel is HOPE and clamour for CHANGE for America. Why? Because anything and everything that happens there affects the whole world including us. I admire their support for their new president and the way they see the future under Obama’s administration. Like them, I’d rather be optimistic. Yes, the whole world awaits his every action. And the most important thing is he has the mandate. Let’s just hope for the best.

By: Marie

Marie — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:51:01 +0000

I’m writing from the US — yesterday, I visited Washington, DC. Three days after the inauguration, the capital had a homeless man seating in front of the Canadian embassy, enjoying the afternoon sun. Three days after the inauguration, the bleachers in front of the FBI building were still erected. Three days after the inauguration, the white tents, the fences, and the portalets in front of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (the White House) as well as those behind the Capitol are still there. And there was garbage everywhere the people had gathered to watch Obama be sworn into office. . . . I wonder who is in charge of clearing up?

What does such situation mean?

President Obama will be watched for his next actions — that his spoken promises shall be delivered. It is what the world awaits.

I hope that the Land of [relative] Plenty will not disappoint. All around Washington, DC are structures with the principles and sayings of Democracy — I hope that in Obama — the American people [and the world] will know that leadership and management and a slew of other things does not only depend on the person at the top — but that it starts from each one of us.

By: restyrefuerzo

restyrefuerzo — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:49:43 +0000

All the best to the U S A!!!

By: lisa

lisa — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:25:41 +0000

Hi Edgar,

I thought I struck the word envy off my vocabulary but I ENVY the electoral process of the United States, I envy that smooth transition, I envy America for having a Barack Obama. How I wish the Philippines had an inspiring agent of change like the US has.

I do look forward to seeing what happens in the next few months. Will await your comments.

By: edgar garcia

edgar garcia — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:57:40 +0000

I always admire the smooth transition of administration in US, more than anything else. The bickerings were set-aside for a while, see how the US bureaucracy was rarely affected.

Yes, Pres. Obama, no question, is the Man of the time. The world is looking-up to him to inspire a lot of changes in the US and its policies affecting the globe. I will post a comment after his 100 days in the office.