Second, I agree with you the US is “the earth’s most dangerous nation.” To me, that goes with the territory of being the earth’s most powerful nation. So, I am very hopeful President-elect Obama will take a multi-lateral approach to problems and initiatives. I think he’s indicated he will. Which pleases me because I believe the advice, support, and criticism of our allies are among our best reality checks when it comes to formulating and implementing policies.

Next, I appreciate the support you and many, many other people lend to those of us in America who oppose the Authoritarian Right in our country. The comments and insights of nonAmericans have been invaluable to me in understanding that faction, and what it might portend for America and the world. When your own media is propagandizing you right and left, the importance of outside views cannot be overvalued.

I think Obama won in most part because he provided a voice and leadership for the majority of Americans who for so many reasons have been appalled by the mismanagement of their country, and the lack of government support for even the most reasonable policies. In a sense, he’s done what JFK recommended would-be leaders do: Figure out where people are going, take a short-cut, and come out ahead of the crowd. He’s done that, rather than impose his own direction on the crowd.

Since he’s a centrist, Obama is sometimes to the right of my heart, but I can live with that. I think, despite some differences, he and I share many values and ideals. Enough that I’m almost as optimistic now that he’s won as I am relieved he won. I think Obama has a shot at becoming one of America’s great presidents. Not because his policies are likely to be progressive enough for me, but because I strongly suspect he will do most of what can realistically be done in the American political environment to move the nation forward.

Again, I want to thank you for all the insights and ideas you’ve shared on American politics which have been so helpful to me — to say nothing of their being refreshing and often inspiring.

I don’t expect miracles. Obama’s a pretty staunch centrist so it’s unlikely he’ll do anything brilliant from my radical / anarchist / progressive / socialist perspective. I’ll be more than satisfied with general competence and a bit more international diplomacy. I’ve been under constant, low-level psychological strain for the past 10 years – ever since the Bush-Rove-Cheney three headed monster made its first appearance in the most dangerous country in the world. Now I’m just feeling relief!

I agree about the creepy-scary relationship between religion, politics, policy and patriotism in America. It is dangerous and volatile. That’s the main reason I’m so relieved McCain the Hothead and Palin the Airhead didn’t end up with their fingers on the button. I’m downright euphoric, actually. War with Iran (and the global bloodbath this would have set into motion) seemed inevitable under another Republican administration, so I’m grateful to Americans for averting this horrific prospect on behalf of the rest of us who sometimes have to fight in their wars.

I don’t think Obama has much interest in the New American Century built on American exceptionalism and the unrestrained use of force. I did hear him drop the phrase into a speech, but he seemed to have co-opted it for the example his domestic policy platform is supposed to set for the rest of us. Which is still pretty annoying, mind you, considering how far behind the rest of the developed world the US is after 8 years of bush, but it’s much less bloody than the neo-con version.

As a nation, they still have a long way to go. For example, just about everyone seems to agree that Obama is ‘black’ and it’s a big deal that a ‘black’ man has been elected president. This is about his complexion. When it comes to heritage, he’s no more black than I am. Americans need to see past skin color.

The other scary thing about America is patriotism as a religion. It makes them dangerous.