as someone who hasnt really been convinced about Obama- I feel humbled at being witness to history as just moments back, he clinched the Presidency of the most powerful nation on earth. Seeing millions in Chicago's Grant Park and the genuine feeling of joy and empowerment among the African-Americans across the USA is indeed humbling.
History has been made. And I am honoured to see it all in live action - all the way from the gruelling primary battles with Hillary to this day here. I watched McCain concede defeat graciously and Obama deliver his eloquent acceptance speech, ending with his famously preachy tone of 'yes we can' live on the BBC webcast.
Well this Obama presidency may really not turn out to be all 'goody-goody' as people, often even naively, expect it. For India particularly*, the 'special relationship' with the US under GWB might be diluted. There might be pressure on Kashmir and non-proliferation. But just for the sake of sheer joy of millions in America whose faith in their democracy has been restored this is a remarkable victory.
*But then this is how the world is, what happened during the second term of W. was grace, a rare apportunity for India and obviously it was not going to last forever. Now is the time for India to realize the limits of patronization and the necessity for perseverence. No matter who rules in the US and the world, we in India must work to solve our problems and work towards fulfilment of our destinty.
** on a related note, we can take this rediff.com (which is unabashedly pro-Democrat usually) compilation of Obama's views on India taken out of context with some pinch of salt.
No comments:
Post a Comment