Yesterday (26th Jan) is being called a bloody monday in USA because on this single day 70,000+ americans have lost their jobs. The out look is gloomy and not good at all. Worse is expected in the next few days and weeks. However, amidst all this gloom, there is a reason to cheer. The first week of Obama in office brings a lot of hope not only to america but the world at large. His policies and actions in the areas of energy, foreign policy and economy give hope for a better tomorrow. They reveal that Obama is a statesman and has a vision-- a refreshing change from his predecessor who never knew what these words mean and undoubtedly did tremendous damage to america and the world. Here is what he said and did during the first week.
ENERGY & ECONOMY:
America's over dependence on foreign oil is a serious threat which bankrolls dictators and terrorism. Also a long term threat of climate change. " Our leaders raise their voices each time there is a spike in gas prices, only to grow quite when the prices fall at the pump." he said.
( how very true of india and it's leadership too!!!!!).
Policy is to reverse the dependence on foreign oil while building a new energy economy that will create millions of jobs. He has put forward the American Recovery and Reinvestment plan before the congress that will generate 4 million jobs with clean energy investments. Also to ensure fuel efficient automobiles of tomorrow are built in america it self. Proposes a new emission standards for the model year 2011. Target for cars is atleast 30 miles per gallon by 2020. A 40% increase in fuel efficiency could save 2million barrels per day of oil (nearly the entire US imports from gulf).
(my friends in US, recall what i have been saying in my earlier visits about fuel guzzling large cars, fuel inefficient homes and attitude of indifference to energy saving)
California and twelve other states have shown leadership to reduce greenhouse emissions. But washington under Bush stood in their way & blocked. Obama has now directed EPA to immediately review the earlier denial. States will be free to fix the emission standards. There are rumblings in the auto industry and it's supportes of statu quo. Obama's goal is not a quickfix but to help auto industry prepare for future. America will lead the energy revolution and Obama has asked China & India, two large populous nations to join america in the global coalition on energy.
Foreign policy :
Obama sent a clear message of change when he gave his first major interview to AL-ARABIYA on 26th Jan (the significance should not be lost on anybody!!!!). The interview reveals a great shift in the policy,tone and language.
Here are some of the salient points :
--- Appointed Senator Mitchelle as personal envoy to middle east.
--- Ready to intiate a new partneship with muslim world based on mutual respect and mutual
interest.
--- On Isreal-palestine conflict shows his vision when he says that the bottom line is , is a child in
palestine territories going to be better off? Is a child in israel going to feel confident about
his/her safet and security?
--- Going to address the muslim world in his first 100 days from a muslim capital.
--- To Al-Queda and other terrorist organizations he said you will be judged on what you have
built not what you have destroyed.
--- Says his job is to communicate to american people that muslim world is full of people who
simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives. Likewise to
communicate to the muslim world that america is not your enemy. We sometimes make
mistakes. We are not perfect. But we are not a collonial power.
(it takes a great courage to accept ones mistakes , a sure sign of a statesman).
--- Withdrawal of troups from Iraq and closing Guantanamo on a time bound basis.
--- Language is important, will not use words like islamic facism, seperate Al queda from other
muslims ( a far cry from Bush's " if you are not with us , you are against us")
--- To Iran he said "... you unclench your fist, we will extend our hand"
World should breathe easy that Barack Obama is the american president now. An excllent begining, Mr.President.
