Obama and populism

Obama’s promises for radical change and “we can do it” slogan , echoes those of recent populist elected presidents such as Hugo Chavez, Evo Morales and Daniel Ortega, just to mention a few. That kind of populist rhetoric is dangerous because it attracts those who are disenchanted, disgruntled and politically immature. His promises are full of hot air and nothing more. I am afraid that the populist plague has finally come to this country. We are living in dangerous times. Obama would be the most detrimental choice for this country, specially at this crossroads in our country’s history.

I have been lucky to have had a professional and a personal life that has allowed me to travel around the world and make friends across oceans and ethnic divides. I was having lunch with a couple with whom I have a personal as well as a professional relationship. They are both Europeans, although from different countries. The wife was praising the nobility, integrity and trusting nature of the average American. During the conversation they mentioned how important it was for them as well as for the rest of the world the results of this election and specially when the Euro continues to gain on the Dollar. When the Euro is higher than the Dollars it means that their products are too expensive for the U.S; the largest market in the world. As I tried to put these thoughts together , I realized that there was something really wrong about these simple assertions. The world is counting on the good trusting nature of the Americans and their overspending. When Americans overspend the rest of world can continue to prospers in the safety and security their governments assures them. All the while Americans are in debt for overspending ; they cannot afford health care, their children are dying in an illegal war and their standard of living continues to decline when compared to the average European. I say to the average American: do not overspend, save at least 15% of your salary and demand from our politicians more and more.