Obama’s victory sparks cheers around the globe

Shortly after CNN declared Obama winner of the 44th US Presidential election, (just before 7am Kenya time on Wednesday), President Kibaki announced Thursday a national holiday to mark the historic ascension of “one of its own” to the most powerful office on Earth.  President Kibaki remarked that Obama’s unassailable victory (364 electoral votes) is clear testimony to the confidence of the American people not only in his leadership and vision for the United States, but for the world.  While there has been contention regarding Kenya’s claim to Obama’s ancestral identity (his father was predominantly absent from his life) and even criticism launched against the Kenyan government for the hypocrisy of such a celebration (erecting electronic billboards with the candidate’s image while children go hungry and its own democratic processes leave much to be desired), I think such reactions (regardless of their relevance) miss the much more important point.

Obama’s election has created a tide of renewed hope in the US, both as a democracy and as a global leader (See Reactions Around the World).  Raised in a multi-racial, non-traditional family.  Schooled in Indonesia, Hawaii, and Harvard Law.  Rooted in community organizing.  Now President-elect.  Obama defies most accusations against the US as a greedy, racist, isolationist country.  Yet, as Marceline stated in her post, our work it not over.  In fact, congratulating our progressive selves without a continued analysis of colonial history and its lingering impacts on development, peace, and the environment will not move us any closer to our ultimate goals of peace and prosperity for all (or at least for more than the select few that currently enjoy it).

Experts like Howard Wolpe, former House Representative and chair of the House subcommittee on Africa, state that Obama (due to his upbringing?) has a “general sensitivity about the nature of the economic, social and political challenges that are facing the so-called Third World” and that his administration will certainly adopt a different approach towards economic integration, peace building, and democracy (Source: Corey, America.gov).  Many of us have rallied behind this possibility.  But, we must continue to push ourselves to work together and think outside of the box if we are to make good on any of Obama’s campaign promises.  And don’t think that simply because you don’t hold public office you are exempt or powerless in this process.  If anything, this campaign has sparked a revival in the strength of ordinary people (remember Joe the Plumber?)

Senator Barack Obama’s election is indeed a victory, for the US and the world.  Now, let it be the beginning of a true paradigm shift.

Celebrate and get to work

Congratulations! After a long, tumultous, and historic campaign, the votes are in and a new Administration is about to take office. Everyone who participated–who learned what the candidates positions were on issues that they care about, who registered to vote, who registered others to vote, who did get out the vote, and who voted deserves praise.

This election involved and engaged those who have been absent or disengaged from the political process. This election elevated foreign policy issues in ways that have not happened in decades. In this election, candidates whose relatives may have fought for suffrage or for civil rights were nominated by their parties to lead our country.

And as the excitement of the election subsides and the analysis of the transition begins, I want to remind everyone that our work is not yet done. This marks the beginning of a new phase of engagement and civic participation.

The President-elect will be busy selecting candidates for his Administration, filling roles in the White House and in federal agencies, and determining his priorities in the next few months. However, the work of increasing and promoting democracy has just begun. The new Administration will face tremendous challenges with two wars and a financial crisis so it will be important to help support and ensure that they are also able to promote positive changes in U.S. policies that they articulated on the campaign trail.

President-elect Obama has committed to opening up government processes to the average citizen. He stated in a speech in New Hampshire that “Americans of every background and belief are hungry for a new kind of politics — a people’s politics that reconnects them with their government; one that offers not just a vote at the ballot box, but a voice in Washington and an assurance that the leaders we send there will hear it”.

AID is working to ensure that young people’s voices are part of this promise of engagement and participatory democracy. We are working with others to develop ways for young people’s voices, ideas, and energy to be coordinated and integrated into U.S. policymaking. We hope that you will join us in continuing to learn, engage, and promote policies with the new Administration.

Marceline White