anything can happen and probably will

I was having a conversation the other day with a friend and we started talking about politics, well I did. I asked my friend what he thought about Barack Obama and his reply was short

Friend: "Who is that? Is he an actor?"

Me: "Uhh no, he’s the Democratic nominee in the US 2008 presidential campaign"

Friend: "Oh, so why do I care? I don’t care about US politics"

I got to thinking about a few things, 1. Im pretty sure said friend doesn’t care about ANY form of politics, and 2. Why do I care?

I care because I know our countries relationship with the US has an affect on our other international relations. I care because the US has the world’s largest economy and that changes in the US economy inflict changes in ours. Finally I care about the US election as I feel it’s important to remain informed on world issues.

Im not an expert, I don’t know everything and I don’t concede to knowing everything. I know enough to know that it’s fine that I care and it’s probably fine that my friend doesn’t.

In the same way that a company should be socially responsible I believe as a citizen of the world it is socially irresponsible not to be aware of world issues. I wonder if my friend’s conscience tells him the same thing.

Recently John McCain (the republican presidential candidate) nominated Alaskan Sarah Palin as his vice. Palin's name has not been spared from headlines across the world and rumour and scandal is rife.

Many people are asking why McCain would select a vice who:

• Admits to smoking pot

• Has strong anti-abortion views, and a pregnant teen daughter to prove it

• Has previously appointed a known sexual-harassment offender to office then had to fire him

• Sounds totally clueless talking about Iraq or foreign policy; and,

• Wants to teach Creationism in schools

That sounds like a nightmare to me, but, it’s not my country. I am not electing anyone to represent my country here so technically my point of view doesn’t count. I am not a citizen of the United States of America and perhaps I need the perspective of a citizen.

In response to an online article titled 'Character v celebrity' on The Australian website that served as a 'bold and fearless prediction for the US presidential election' New York resident Sam said "The media elite from whom you learn about the U.S. don't really understand much of the country beyond D.C., NYC and L.A. Yes, Palin does reflect Americans well. A large majority of Americans believe in the right to own firearms and millions do own them (and hunt). A large majority of Americans believe that abortion should be significantly restricted." [source]

What seems so wrong to me (legalized ownership of firearms and illegal abortion) are not so wrong to millions of people living in the US. Scary.

When it comes around to the end of the 2008 US election and the new President is announced, ill be watching.

Will you?