Editorial
The right choice
America shows its best face to the world
THE election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States is a truly historic event. We congratulate President-elect Obama on his win and also the American people for the courage and boldness of their choice.
The election as president of a man who, one generation ago would have been a second-class citizen in his own country, and who a mere seven generations ago might have been born into slavery, reflects gloriously on the country, and shows that America can truly be considered a land of opportunity, where a person, no matter what his or her origins, can aspire to the highest office in the land.
President-elect Obama's victory, however, is significant not only for the milestone of his race, but also for the fact that it signals, after eight years of the Bush presidency, that America is ready to turn the corner and open a new chapter in its history. With Obama's election, this is the chance for the country to reverse eight years of failed and contentious policies, and redeem itself in the eyes of the world.
We take heart from the measured tone of Obama's campaign and the prudent and compassionate policies that he has pledged to enact as president. In these times of financial crisis, he has promised a government that will do more to help ease the burdens of its citizens and to look out for the down-trodden. Internationally, he has pledged to renew America's frayed alliances and to bring the US squarely back into the community of nations.
For a world grown weary of the bellicosity and arrogant unilateralism of the Bush administration, a US presidency that promises to treat other countries with more respect and forbearance is welcome indeed. These are fraught times. The world is a far more dangerous place than it was eight years ago, and we welcome a leader who would seek to forge unity and common purpose among the peoples of the world.
What impresses us most about the president-elect is his message of hope. He has proved himself to be a man of uncommon integrity who appeals to the best in human nature, who inspires and challenges people to believe both in themselves and in their power to change the world for the better. In these jaded times, his brand of leadership is just what his country, and, indeed, the world needs.
Let us also spare a thought for Senator McCain and his gracious concession speech. The fight for the presidency was a tough and often bitter one, but at the end he exited with great grace and pledged sincerely to serve his rival. The example of both Obama in victory and McCain in defeat is one that our own leaders would do well to emulate.
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