Thanks for dropping in. It sounds like you have some good ideas. I lean more toward creating employment via large infrastructure projects, which is the tried and true method of economic recovery in times like these, from what I hear. Investment in a sustainable infrastructure (i.e. wind farms, solar farms, climate-friendly retrofits, the implementation of perma-culture principles) is all the more pertinent because of the enormous changes we all need to make to combat climate change. Science and technology are a big part of this, but there will also be lots of work for labourers in the decades to come. There is a way out of this hole, but punitive policies designed to torment the unemployed in a time of rising unemployment is not it. Paying jobless benefits to people who cultivate allotments (voluntarily) in conjunction with providing enough free-rent allotments to go around is the type of thing that could really save our asses.

It’s a small world. Go for it!

In fairness, the total lack of other candidates probably helped more – they searched for weeks to find a qualified person for this job, and when they finally hired a guy (with a suit and all!) he lasted three days and ran, screaming.

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.