Anxious for President Barack Obama

Jan 23, 2009 Letters

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Dear Editor,
Guyanese and other Caribbean Americans are excited about the inauguration of America’s first black President. They are anxious to begin calling President-elect Barack Obama Mr. President Obama.
Guyanese and other Americans are glad to see the back of outgoing President George Bush, who has ruined America’s reputation abroad and presided over the near collapse of the economy.
Even those who did not vote for Barack Obama are excited about his inauguration, and consider him as their President. Supporters and opponents among Guyanese voters view Obama’s inauguration as a triumph of black Americans, other minorities, and immigrants in overcoming obstacles (associated with racial discrimination) in the US and in putting the country back on the right track, correcting the mistakes of the Bush Administration that got the country into all kinds of trouble.
Whether they like him or not, Obama ought to be respected, because he is their President (of all Americans, regardless of origin).  The election of Obama shows it is possible for anyone to rise to the highest position in the nation. Obama’s inauguration is expected to be the most watched TV programme in America’s history, including by almost every Guyanese with whom I spoke, who will be at home. There will be record turnouts in DC at the swearing-in and in the number of people who will tune in to the event on TV. Already, as President-elect, Obama has set records for the pace in choosing his Cabinet, raising money for the inauguration and for his transition team, and for approval ratings for a President-elect – over 60% have given him thumbs up on various issues.  In terms of record, Obama has also raised the most money for anyone who ran for office – a staggering $800 million, which, when added to the other funds he has collected from donors, totals a near billion, unprecedented in world history.
Many Caribbean Americans I interviewed say they want to be part of Obama’s inauguration because it is a historic event. They view Obama’s swearing-in as a culmination of the long struggle for equal rights for African Americans who had to battle inequality in America since the time of slavery.  Many Afros said they don’t want to pass up an opportunity to view the swearing-in.  Those who are not going to DC plan to watch the event at home with family and friends. But many plan to drive or to take the bus (a five-hour drive) to DC to be part of the festivities, because for them it has a lot of cultural symbolism and it gives them an opportunity to celebrate an event not thought possible.  Even non-Afro minorities are also excited, because they see Obama’s triumph as opening up gates that were also shut to them.
In NY and perhaps other cities, jobs and schools will record a huge absenteeism on Inauguration Day and some are planning for that outcome. People of African descent, including those from the Caribbean, are beaming with pride about Obama’s inauguration, as they should. After all, Obama’s election to the American Presidency is an incredible milestone in the nation’s history, thought unthinkable only a few months ago. People want to savour the moment in history in which the first African-American, or the first child of an immigrant, is sworn in as America’s 44th President. Many blacks say, “It is our time now” in viewing Obama’s swearing-in.
Also, at various locations, Caribbean people have organised fetes or balls to mark the event. I was invited to one in St. Albans, near Jamaica. Unfortunately, I will be in Tobago to conduct a poll, but I will be back in NY in time to watch the inauguration with my students in the classroom on Tuesday.  Many students (including Guyanese whom I teach) feel compelled to miss school, because they see the event as part of their cultural history as well.
On a separate but related issue, polls say that ever since he was elected, Obama has maintained high approval ratings, hovering at around 60%.  When Bush was about to be sworn-in as President in 2001 and 2005, his approval rating was about the same as Obama. But Obama has logged in 70% rating for his transition team and the selection of his Cabinet – the highest of any President. And despite a crumbling economy, downbeat public, and Middle East crisis, the new president gets 88% approval on job performance. He is a workaholic, who appointed his Cabinet in record time.
In terms of other poll numbers, there is overwhelming approval for his economic recovery proposal.  Sixty-seven percent approve of the tax cuts (almost $200 billion) in the stimulus plan ($850 billion) offered by Obama. And 65 percent agree with the expansion of unemployment insurance and government-assisted health insurance.
So, as Obama takes the oath, there is a lot of excitement and hope in his Presidency – a theme he has echoed throughout his campaign that began almost two years ago. And whether they voted for him or not, they plan to give him full respect, unlike for his predecessor.
Vishnu Bisram

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