From United States Corespondent Gibbs Burke…

Almost two months after the signing of the health care reform plan the economic repercussions have already started to surface. We were told all these wonderful facts about how the bill would reduce the deficit, cost less, and cover more Americans. This facade was just a hypocritical ploy to convince Americans the bill would benefit them. Like most legislation however, the backlash seems to be harming more Americans then the bill is helping. 

The corporate healthcare plans that have dominated American coverage since World War II are in jeopardy of becoming extinct. Immediately after the bill was passed, major US corporations declared large losses. In retaliation, the Democrats threatened the CEO’s by summoning them to Washington to grill them on their actions. It was also demanded they turn over all internal documents regarding the new health care bill. AT&Tand Verizon were among these corporations that declared as much as a one billion dollar loss due to the new health care bill.

After reviewing the documents and understanding that these corporations were only following the letter of the law (a corporation must make public to its share holders profits and expenses), the Democratic committee revoked its threat, and quietly walked away from the situation. It has now resurfaced stronger and more powerful then ever.

Recent documents turned over to the Democratic committee from AT&T reveal the ultimate consequences of the bill. AT&T by denying coverage to its employees can post a profit of 4.1 billion dollars. AT&T is not the only corporation thinking about denying health care coverage. Many corporations will be considering the cost to profit ratio, and come September do not be surprised if you find yourself shopping for health care.

So while the Democrats admit that the projected numbers were wrong, our phone bills are doubling we’re shopping for health insurance. Who will take the responsibility for it? I’m sure it won’t be Obama, because things just slip off him like a Louisiana Oil Spill. Just remember… I told you so.

Fundamentalism, of any kind, is dangerous by definition, especially in an era where moderation, or possibly even some sense of liberalism, is prevalent in the majority.  With this in mind, it is supremely worrisome that there appears to be a resurgence of fundamentalism, and its cousin extremism, in various parts of the world – especially America.

Religion and politics are the most widely fundamentalist-tinged issues, and they are growing both in number and in voice, on both sides of the metaphorical divide.  Within religion, Christianity is the popular fundamentalist vehicle of choice for America, especially in the South, and it is a highly exclusionary and militant nuisance – similarly, political fundamentalism comes in flavors both conservative (e.g. Tea Baggers) and liberals (e.g. Environmentalists).  Interestingly, fundamentalist Christians are often also fundamentalist conservatives.

It is this trend of fundamentalism in America that is beginning to cause major, and worrisome, problems, ranging from death threats to politicians to inhospitable and argumentative discussions to general disregard for the validity of outside opinion.  While there are fundamentalist liberals, they restrict themselves to peaceful protests and intellectual pursuits, whereas fundamentalist conservatives choose to behave as if the current instance of government is not only inherently evil, but also requiring of childish behavior.  Strict, unwavering interpretations of less-than-clear text, such as the Constitution, is always, unequivocally unacceptable.

Abortion, immigration, taxes, and, oddly enough, healthcare, seem to inflame the fundamentalist conservatives to such a degree that the political process becomes all but inept – a clear sign that the behavior so entrenched with this group of people is destructive at best.  Applied to other areas of interest, such as Islam or communism, this fundamentalist approach is scorned and jeered by the very same people, giving no credence whatsoever to their cries of intolerance and sociopolitical theft.

If America is to once again have a functioning, valuable government, these fundamentalists must be reined in, at all costs, lest assassinations, domestic terrorism, or other horrifying, but entirely foreseeable, events occur. 

The first step in this process involves a change of behavior on behalf of the conservatives/Republicans that insist on conspiracy theories and inciting violence – not with the Democrats, who have behaved rather admirably in the face of extreme partisanship.  Whether this begins with the removal of propaganda commentators such as Glenn Beck or adjusting the attitudes of Congressional members such as Mitch McConnell is entirely up to their party, but the GOP’s likely inaction will inevitably result in political and urban disaster.

From Kyle Brady…

Kyle can be found on his blog, on Facebook, via email, or on Twitter.

American Vice President Joe Biden

Plans for a settlement of 1,600 new homes for Jews only in disputed east Jerusalem were announced this past Tuesday, while Vice President Joe Biden was in Israel attempting to restart peace talks between Palestine and Tel Aviv. The plans were unveiled just as Biden was concluding a series of meetings with Israeli leaders. In an immediate response, Biden issued the following statement Tuesday afternoon:

I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem. The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now and runs counter to the constructive discussions that I’ve had here in Israel. We must build an atmosphere to support negotiations, not complicate them. This announcement underscores the need to get negotiations under way that can resolve all the outstanding issues of the conflict. The United States recognizes that Jerusalem is a deeply important issue for Israelis and Palestinians and for Jews, Muslims and Christians. We believe that through good faith negotiations, the parties can mutually agree on an outcome that realizes the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem and safeguards its status for people around the world. Unilateral action taken by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations on permanent status issues. As George Mitchell said in announcing the proximity talks, “we encourage the parties and all concerned to refrain from any statements or actions which may inflame tensions or prejudice the outcome of these talks.”

Relations between the Obama administration and Israel have been cold at best almost entirely because of the settlement issue. Biden’s comment may very well be an unprecedented American condemnation of Israeli actions in Palestine.

The United States and the International community as a whole believes Israeli settlements built on lands claimed by Palestinians drastically reduce any prospects of peace. Obama has been more outspoken on the settlement issue than any other President in American history.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ignored White House calls to stop all settlement activity. Saeb Erekat, Palestine’s chief negotiator, said the move was destroying chances of going forward at a meet set to take place under the mediation of U.S. envoy George Mitchell.

“With such an announcement, how can you build trust? This is destroying our efforts to work with Mr. Mitchell. It’s a really disastrous situation. I hope that this will be an eye-opener for all in the international community about the need to have the Israeli government stop such futile exercises,” Erekat said.

American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton weighed in on the issue this past Thursday.  She openly berated Israel when she declared,  ” The two state solution requires confidence in both sides. The announcement of these settlements the very day Vice President Biden was there (in Israel) was no less than insulting. It was a very difficult moment. I deeply regret this occurred.”

To make this announcement while the American Vice President is right in Israel shows the blatantly contemptuous nature of the Israeli government, humiliating Biden in the process. Once again, Israel is taking the eff the world approach to the settlement issue. Once again, it becomes clear Israel is not interested in peace and even less interested in Palestine ever having a state of its own. To the Israeli government, the Palestinians are worthy of little more than concentration camps, road blocks, and checkpoints, all under the absolute power of a dominating occupation that grants zero rights to those occupied.

Despite any statements from Tel Aviv to the contrary, this is Israel’s policy on Palestine – plain and simple.

From David Anthony Hohol…

It’s been over a year since the start of the healthcare debate, and for all the progress made there is little to yet show for it; however, President Obama released an outline for what he expects from a healthcare overhaul bill and while his direct intervention, however late, is welcome, it is not without problems.  The two glaring omissions of this entire process, President Obama’s efforts included, are that this reform process is not healthcare reform, but rather insurance reform, and that there is sill no public option or extension of Medicare.

President Obama’s outlines for a bill include a requirement for all citizens to purchase insurance plans, or receive a penalty – this is, to bastardize a phrase, feeding the hand that bites you.  One of the very reasons that the United States is in its current position of poor healthcare is the insurance companies that are more interested in profit than they are fulfilling the sole reason for their existence.  Besides argument of reactive vs. preventative care, insurance companies have continued to raise the financial bar for individuals to simply be able to see a doctor, have a broken bone addressed, or even visit a hospital in an emergency.  More importantly, in the event that an individual or family can afford to pay the absurd amounts demanded of them, their coverage is denied for a variety of obscure and self-serving reasons.

The entire process has focused almost solely on insurance, but from the substantially wrong perspective:  to provide insurance for the whole country, not to remove or, at minimum, fix the insurance system itself.  Rather than provide a Medicare-for-all package, public option, or the easy answer that would be socialized medicine, it has been deemed better to force some small, token amount of regulation on the insurance companies and require that their services be purchased.  Quite honestly, rewarding such abhorrent behavior with millions of new, coerced customers is not the rebuke of business and ethics practices that the insurance industry deserves, but is instead a twisted validation.

There is surprising growth of Congressional support for the public option, when it has been thought dead for months, that could be accomplished during the process of reconciliation between the House and Senate bills.  No matter that a public option, defined as the ability to purchase into a government-run healthcare plan, is not even close to socialized medicine does not seem to phase the screaming masses that can be found both inside and outside of the halls of Congress.  One of the typical arguments is that while Americans may go to Canada or Mexico for medicine, the citizens of those countries come to America for surgical procedures, but, like most of these talking points, it is a false and invalid comparison:  America has the best doctors not because of a better healthcare system or medical law, neither of which are true, but rather the simple truth that American doctors have substantially higher incomes and public visibility than any other nation in the world.

While a public option would not solve all the needs of true healthcare reform, where the system would be tightly regulated and converted into that of preventative medicine, it would be a substantial start.  A public option, essentially no different than paid-for Medicare, would provide the competition to the insurance industry that is sorely needed in order to stop their disturbing behaviors and insane price hikes.  Furthermore, the public option, if proven successful, could eventually be a gateway to a true nationalized healthcare system – one of the few talking points that the reform bill’s detractors have gotten correct.

If healthcare reform is to happen, it must happen now, in the immediate present – but healthcare reform without a public option, tighter industry regulation, or any substantial action against the predatory practices of those who latch on to the pockets of all Americans is not reform and should not, in any fashion, be passed into law.  For Congress, and ultimately President Obama, to approve such toothless and ineffective legislation is nothing less than political theater that will inevitably produce results only worse than those that currently exist – especially if the process takes another six months under the guise of false bipartisanship, consideration of a public option, or various other carrots to the American people that are truly just billyclubs.

Real healthcare reform must be passed now, not later, in order for both the American people’s faith to be restored in the political process and their health retained before another medicine, procedure, or facet of care is denied to them under false pretenses.

From Kyle Brady…

Kyle can be found on his blog, via email, or on Twitter.

Do you ever wonder why Americans can’t pass a healthcare reform bill? Do you ever wonder how in the world George W. Bush, after lying about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and showing four years of overall boobery, was actually re-elected for a second term? There are plenty of intelligent people living in the United States of America but unfortunately, they’re are also a lot of uninformed and easily manipulated toy soldiers. This clip shows how debate on healthcare degenerated into religious, racial, xenophobic nonsense that includes the IRS, global warming, the end of America, abortion and more. Groups of people who called themselves “Tea Baggers” passionately united against Obama’s plans in protests across the country - problem is none of them really knew why they were there. They were only told they had to be. If there was ever a downside to democracy, undoubtedly the best form of government ever invented, this is it.

The now  infamous rant about the White House and its handling of Haiti from Rush Limbaugh is perhaps the most vicious and dark form of partisanship of its kind, as is Pat Robertson’s vile and digusting use of religion to explain the Haitian earthquake.  Estimates of over 100,00 dead and 300,00 homeless in the tiny island nation, and Limbaugh chooses to attack Obama for how he is helping  them, even accusing him of doing so to benefit himself. American people as a whole are fuming over Limbaugh’s hate-filled words. Unbelievably, sponsors still stand behind his show and they’re are still a few members of the American in congress who sympathize with his cause. Pat Robertson show rolls on as well.  MSNBC anchor Keith Olberman, however, speaks the truth.  Here he calls Limbaughand Pat Robertson for what they are, pulling no punches in the process. RELATIVITY OnLine gives two big thumbs up and calls on more people to do the same.

With the American Congress and much of the country’s population debating healthcare reform, people from the outside looking in don’t quite understand what all the fuss is about. Even more so, many look on in disbelief over why things have gone so far off the deep end. Name-calling, racial slurs, accusations of communist or even Nazi like behavior, and above all else, a steady stream of fear-mongering - all inspired by a plan that simply tries to provide medical coverage to more Americans. With enough of the populace now successfully confused or afraid and lawmakers appearing more concerned about saving political face, healthcare reform as it was intended appears over. Why did this happen? Why can’t the wealthiest country in the world come up with a way to provide  medical care for all of its citizens? This week RELATIVTY OnLine welcomes American writer Kyle Brady into our humble mix of multiplicity. Our first correspondent to come to us from the United States, each week Brady will take us inside our planet’s most powerful nation. In his first peice, Brady discusses recent attempts at healthcare reform in his country and what he calls the disappointing behavior of his congress.

Congress, it would seem, is hell bent on upsetting and ignoring the American people on a consistent basis, as evidenced by their recent actions within the realm of what is supposed to be healthcare reform.

Even with staunch Republican opposition to any legislation not borne as their own, the House of Representatives passed their version of a healthcare reform bill that stood as a decent start for the legislative process, public option included.  While the bill had its flaws, such as a lack of support for abortions within the public option, victory appeared within grasp for the majority of Americans that have been clamoring for such legislation since President Obama proposed this action during his campaign.  However promising the bill may have been, the Senatorial half of Congress has proven this so-called reform to be an exercise in futility.

The status of true healthcare reform, the public option, and regulation of insurance companies is quite simple: dead. For all intents and purposes, Democrats, Harry Reid especially, have shown a surprising lack of tactical brilliance by negotiating away any legitimate benefits to the American people almost before it started, all while insisting on a 60-vote passage of the bill, rather than the 51 votes needed for a reconciliation between the House and Senate versions.  To many following the issue, the process of reconciliation seemed what the majority party was aiming for after the passage of the House bill, where the bills in each half of Congress could have flaws that would be fixed at a later date with a higher chance of success.

But recent behavior has shown otherwise, as the insistence on 60 votes continues:  numerous Democrats have refused to vote for the bill for various reasons that range from the petty to the easily disproved, which has weakened the majority.  Furthermore, those in power within the Democratic party have attempted to include Republicans on the making of the bill, despite the last eleven months proving they have no interest in cooperation, only obstruction – this has resulted in the stagnation of the bill and whittling away of any value it once had.

The public option is now considered to be dead, but insurance mandates still exist that would require the purchasing of private insurance by all citizens.  There are little to no regulations left to place on the insurance companies.  Medicare may be extended to those starting at the age of 55.  Insurance companies will still have antitrust protection.  How does any of this solve the problem that the legislation was created to address?  As it stands, the only real outcome of the Senate’s version of what is decidedly not healthcare reform is a requirement to purchase insurance, and severe penalties for those that do not.

This is as much the Republicans’ fault as it is the Democrats’ – Republican obstructionism forced concessions almost immediately, and the Democrats have shown a considerable lack of spine.  It is entirely unacceptable that passing legislation would take an entire year and yet have no tangible, let alone beneficial, results once passed, but this appears to be what Congress prefers.  Special interest groups, lobbyists, and corporate pockets have all but prevented progress within the borders of America, and it didn’t even require outside influence by nefarious forces.

When Congress’ finances are at stake, they seem to be willing to take quick and decisive action, no matter how much populist anger it may raise: TARP, the auto-industry, and various other situations have proven this since President Obama’s Inauguration.  But when those financial interests do not wish to be disturbed, most Congressional politicians take it upon themselves to make sure nothing gets done within their supposedly venerable halls – Joe Lieberman is a prime example of such shamefully unabashed sellout behavior.

The House moved considerably quicker than the Senate, to much greater success, and for this they should be applauded, but one of the key reasons for this was that the methods by which the House operates allow certain voices to be ignored or limited if necessary.  The Senate does not have these restrictions, and therefore the debate drags on endlessly to the great frustration of the American people, all while Senators pretend to be making great progress, participate in showboating, and taking extraordinarily necessary means to make a point that has been made many times over.

Unless there is a grand scheme, such as Senate Democrats secretly organizing a 51-vote reconciliation process that President Obama would be clandestinely involved with, true healthcare reform appears dead in the water and will exist as a shameful black mark on the American record for years to come.  If there is no public option, no extension of Medicare to all citizens who wish it, and no regulation of insurance companies, then it is not healthcare reform – it’s corporate expansion masquerading as social progress.

This is not the time to give up, however.  The need is now greater than ever for Americans to attempt to make their voices heard by Congress, the Senate especially – the vocal and irrational minority that has hijacked such an important issue must be drowned out with the proclamation that citizens of the United States of America will not suffer being lied to, manipulated, and deceived.  If healthcare reform cannot pass because of sabotage from within the Democratic Party by those that masquerade as liberals, progressives, or even moderates, for them there must be a reckoning.

Congress should be aware, Democrats and Republicans both, that many political careers currently hang in the balance due to their disappointing behavior surrounding the healthcare reform process, and that their party affiliation will not save them from being voted out of office in the next election – from this, President Obama is not excluded.  In what was to be one of the defining moments of his Presidency, President Obama appears to be willing to accept any sort of legislation so it can be labeled as groundbreaking progress, and this is unacceptable to many of his greatest supporters that range from young to old, progressive to moderate.

Both 2010 and 2012 may end up being more of a race than incumbent Democrats had imagined.

Kyle Brady can be found at his blog, on Twitter or via email at kyle@kyle-brady.com / brady.k@gmail.com

AP Photo - Israeli wall running through the West Bank

Israel once again demonstrated its lack of concern and disinterest in international sentiment, when on November 17th they announced their plans to move ahead with additional settlement building in the West Bank. The area of Gilo, which has been occupied since 1967 and annexed to its Jerusalem municipality, has now been slotted for nearly 1000 new homes.

Shortly after Barack Obama was sworn in as President, he called for a halt to settlement building in the West Bank. Israels decision was harshly criticized by the White House. In a official statement, the Obama administration said it was ”dismayed” at their decision to move ahead with more settlements and accused Israel of sabotaging Obama’s efforts to restart peace talks with Palestinians, which have been on hold since December.

“At a time when we are working to relaunch negotiations, these actions make it more difficult for our efforts to succeed,” said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also denounced Israels decision, saying he “believes that such actions undermine efforts for peace and cast doubt on the viability of the two-state solution” for Israelis and Palestinians.

The United Kingdom also condemned the Israeli move stating that ”this decision on Gilo is wrong and we oppose it.”

Riyad al-Malki, the Palestinian Foreign Minister, said Israel’s decision was a further step “intended to prevent the Palestinian state from happening.”

I know for many the concept of settlement building is confusing, so allow me to try to simplify things. Imagine you live in a neighborhood that you, your father, and grandfather were all raised in and suddenly, buildings are torn down, you are ordered to leave your homes, walls and fences go up, new buildings are built, and new roads are paved. Afterward, new people move in and you are not allowed to enter the area, nor are you even allowed to use the streets and roads that pass through it. Now, to cross to the other side of your neighborhood, you have to travel all the way around the barriers, sometimes traveling three and four times the distance, and in doing so you must pass through a number of check points and security checks - both there are back.

Is there anyone out there who would simply accept this?

Another question many might ask is why are these settlements being built. There is one purpose – to stymie any attempt at establishing a sense of Palestinian identity or independence, to denigrate, frustrate and humiliate the domestic populace and to remind all concerned they are indeed under occupation. In other words, settlements are established to create conflict and to tear down any attempt at a two state solution.

Israel is making a very clear statement. It will do what it wants to do when it wants to do it,  and what it wants to do is eliminate any chance of Palestine having a state of its own… no matter what the international community thinks.

From David Anthony Hohol…

These days it’s rare to get an even handed account of American politics and its geopolitical interests, both domestic and foreign. The American media, more than ever before, is slanted to one side or the other. Perhaps, more than any other branch of the media, FOX news is simply laughable in its daily attempts at slandering President Obama. Liberal pundits have retaliated with over the top character assassinations of their own. Simple diplomacy and respect in American Politics is at an all time low.

Only a few days ago, in an unprecedented incident, republican Joe Wilson yelled out “You lie” at Obama in front of the entire congress, as his president delivered a speech on Health Care to the nation. Others are likening him to Hitler and the Nazis. I mean really, what’s happening to the dignity of American politics?

Obama’s presidency sits at the core this volatile atmosphere, as there are those that simply despise the fact he is the American President. Obama is cut from a cloth so far outside what has always been “presidential” many Americans feel a sense of near agony at the very site of him in the oval office. Black, of mixed race, the son of a Muslim from Africa, blue bloods across the country are boiling over. Since he’s taken office he’s been “accused” of being a Muslim in disguise, of being born outside the states and of even being a “secret” terrorist.

Fox News recently called him a racist, a man who hates white people and white “culture.” His health care reform has been linked to senior citizen extermination, a speech asking kids to stay in school out of patriotic duty was called brainwashing, and the list goes on from here. Believe me, there are people in America who wake up each day seething over the fact that Obama is the President. It eats at them in way that feels as though they are slowly dying, in effect, because they are.

The simple fact the Barrack Hussein Obama is President of the United State speaks volumes about how the out-dated and simplistic mindset of 1950s America is slowly fading away. But make no mistake, the remnants of segregation and racial superiority still linger and is crying out from its deathbed.

It was only in 1960 when black people were finally granted the right to vote. Before that they were considered less than American, and for some less than human. The leftovers of this toxic generation still remain. Some, albeit the minority, have successfully transplanted their poison onto the next generation.    

By extension, the media, easily manipulated and blindly consumed by so many, is running rough-shot over truth. Simply put, the media landscape is cluttered with the stench of lies and manipulation and like a hardening cancer is metastasizing across the planet.

Through it all, Obama’s respectful and diplomatic approach has been stalwart. From the onset of his presidency, he has taken special care to eradicate the international stereotypes of the Arab World.  Since 9/11 the Arab community has become a magnet for stereotypes and misconception and as a result, often feels America doesn’t like them, doesn’t understand them, or worse still, doesn’t respect them.

George W. Bush did more to alienate the Arab world than any President in American history. Many Arabs will tell you this had less to do with the invasion of Iraq and more to do with Bush’s ignorance of the region and disrespectful demeanor. His cocky mannerisms and his self-involved, black-and-white kindergarten mindset is best exemplified in his now infamous statement, “You’re either with us, or with the terrorists.”

 When the latest president of the United States took his oath of Office, Barack Hussein Obama, the son of a Muslim of African decent, the Arab world held its collective breath. Who would have thought only a few shorts years after 9/11 a man bearing the name Hussein would become the American Commander-in-Chief? Arabs, as they often do, waited to see just how the latest president would conduct himself in terms of the Middle East, but this time with an air of hope and anticipation. Surely, no matter what he does, he won’t be as bad as the Bush was the common consensus. This far, for the most part, Arabs have been satisfied.

Obama, if nothing else, has been respectful. Further still, he’s shown both knowledge and tact. In other words, good old fashioned manners go a lot further than people think. His first visit to a Muslim country was Turkey. One of the most significant moments of President Obama’s trip to Istanbul was his visit to Ataturk’s Mausoleum. Declaring his wish to strengthen relations between the USA and Turkey, Barack Obama said he supported “Ataturk’s vision of Turkey as a modern and prosperous democracy giving hope to its people and providing ‘peace at home, peace in the world.” All Bush did in Turkey was ignorantly insult the entire country by calling it an “Islamic Republic.” Turkey is not and never has been an Islamic republic. As highlighted by RELATIVITY OnLine’s Turkey correspondent Serife Turkoglu in her article “An American President in Istanbul“, the second article of the Turkish Constitution clarifies this by stating, “The Turkish Republic is a nationalistic, democratic, secular and social state, governed by the rule of law, and based on human rights.”

Obama took things a step further when, in his first visit to an Arab country, he opened his speech in Egypt with the traditional Islamic greeting “Assalamu Alaikum.”

I’m not sure if any American president ever addressed a room full of Arab Muslims in such a manner before. The reaction was boisterous and immediate. This seemingly simple gesture brought many in the audience to their feet and the room broke into spontaneous applause. Later, on the first day of this year’s Ramadan, the equivalent of the Easter for Christians or Hanukah for Jews, Obama sent out a web address saying “to Muslims in America and all around the world, Ramadan Kareem.”  

On September 2^nd Obama hosted an Iftar dinner at the White House. The name for the meal used to break the daily fasting throughout the month of Ramadan, many in the Arab world were touched at the thought of seeing one of their most special rituals hosted at the home of the American President.  During Obama’s speech, he referred to the Muslim community as part of the very fabric of America and special part of the country. Could anyone out there even begin to imagine George W. Bush doing the same?

Respect and acknowledgment, that’s all there really is to it. It’s funny how all those things our mothers told us when we were just kids continue to ring true… even in the vast and complicated world of geopolitics.  

From Serife Turkoglu…

American President Barack Obama’s visit to Turkey was in the news for weeks before his arrival.  Newspapers, magazines and TV channels all speculated on the strategic, political and economic importance of this visit for both sides. Now, many weeks later, we’re still talking about it.  When I first heard Obama, an African-American, was set to run for president, I thought the USA was injecting some much-needed fresh blood into their government. Considering the fact that he is an African-American candidate, whose father was a Muslim from Kenya, people thought an Obama presidency would prove to be a challenge; both he and America were up for it.

         Under Barack Obama’s presidency, the USA will undergo a big change. Barack Obama means hope for many people because he is young, idealistic, self-confident, and the first African-American president. This has captured the world’s attention and made us all very interested in what he will do. He’s very aware of this and he seems to be genuine man. I’ve always admired people like Barack Obama, who frankly reflects his ideals and sticks to them.

             Above all else, Turkey is impressed by Obama’s peace policy. With that said, his strong opposition to terrorism, his diplomatic approach to Islamic countries, and his aim to mend relations with Turkey are only some aspects of President Obama’s policies that make him popular among Turks. In George Bush’s presidency, Turkey maintained a generally negative attitude towards America. Like many others around the world, Turkish people found President Bush to be overbearing and egocentric. I remember nothing positive about his presidency; nothing at all. Most everyone around me feels the same way. Even when my grandmother saw him on TV, she switched the channel, lest she might hear some other bad news due to President Bush.

Turkey was pleased to welcome Barack Obama’s presidency, despite the fact Obama’s views on Armenian-Turkish relations do not correspond with Turkish assertions. Whereas the Turkish government asserts the Armenian genocide allegations have been falsified by historical documents, Obama has frequently declared that America acknowledges the allegations, supporting Armenia in the process. I believe Barack Obama’s position on this very sensitive issue has created disappointment in the Turkish people. I’ve heard people around me saying, “Obama seems to be an honest idealist, but he’ll stab Turkey in the back, and side with Armenia… when its suits his needs.”

 Nevertheless, we have to accept the fact that the USA has its own global policies, just like every country. Obama’s diplomatic and for lack of better term, old-fashioned politeness inspires us to understand this; something the previous administration seemingly never took into account. Turkey needs to maintain a flexible attitude in order to come to terms with the USA and with President Obama being more sensitive than George Bush, this becomes possible. Unlike Bush, Barack Obama never called Turkey a “Moderate Islamic Republic,” which is a tremendous insult to the Turkish secular constitution. Simply put, we are not an Islamic Republic. In terms of politics and government, Turkey has never been associated with any religion. The second article of Turkish Constitution clarifies “The Turkish Republic is a nationalistic, democratic, secular and social State, governed by the rule of law, based on human rights.”

We do not discriminate our citizens according to their faith or race. Everyone living in Turkey is a Turkish citizen.  This is why the great Turkish leader Ataturk says, “How happy is he who can say I am a Turk” and not “How happy is he who is a Turk.”

This is one of the major reasons Obama is exalted in the eyes of the Turks; he has shown he knows this to be true. The Bush administration just never seemed to understand the nuances of the world they so badly wanted to influence. This was why his administration was a failure. Obama, on the other hand, has show more tact and diplomacy in a few short months, than Bush did in eight years as president. By the time he left our country, Obama’s circumspect manners and attentive word choice throughout his visit made him very popular among Turkish people. In the end, politics isn’t rocket science. I think it’s the same everywhere, no matter what the country; people just wanted to be respect for who they are.

          Even in his election campaign, when he was being verbally attacked and disrespected by Republican lobbyists, President Obama never failed to speak in a diplomatic and polite tone. I have never understood why some politicians forget about the importance of effective communication. Some leaders like to patronize other countries, as if they control the universe. They love to act authoritatively and are concerned with only their own interests. During diplomatic visits, they cordial tone hardens and talks focus almost entirely on politics and policy. I was happy to see Obama was different.

Once in Turkey, Obama’s distinguished manners did not change. Whether it was the Blue or the Ayasofya Mosques, he humbly expressed his admiration for the historic beauty of Istanbul. Turkish people are just like everyone else: we like sincerity; we like to see a person’s admiration for our history, of the things we are so proud of. This is something that seems easily understood, but some world leaders simply don’t get it. Words are important and the simple act of communication should never be under-valued. As a result, we found Obama, day by day, to be more sympathetic; even closer to us. He is neither offensive, nor aggressive when he speaks about Turkish political issues. He is simply an affable figure. I’ve heard many elderly in Turks refer to him as çok beyefendi, meaning a real gentleman, and I would have to agree.

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            One of the most significant moments of President Obama’s stay in Turkey was his visit to Ataturk’s Mausoleum, or the Anitkabir. Almost every leader who comes to Turkey visits the Anitkabir and expresses their respect for Ataturk, the man whose vision and courage led to an independent and democratic Turkish State. After the Anitkabir, President Obama voiced his esteem for Ataturk and paid tribute to his leadership in the guest book. Declaring his wish to strengthen relations between the USA and Turkey, Barack Obama said that he would support “Ataturk’s vision of Turkey as a modern and prosperous democracy giving hope to its people and providing ‘peace at home, peace in the world’.”

This was the moment when President Obama conquered the hearts of Turkish people. Ataturk has a special place in the lives of all Turks. Turkish children learn about him even before they start school. Their parents, and even more so, their grandparents are fond of telling stories about Ataturk’s glorious victories, over and over again. Families are very concerned with their children’s nationalist awareness. Whenever I go to the Anitkabir, I see a lot of parents with their children wandering around and telling them what a wonderful leader Ataturk was. Some parents even cry when they visit his tomb. When I first learned of Ataturk, I’d just arrived from Bulgaria. I was in primary school, busy trying to learn Turkish, and found his stories of bravery and courage very interesting. Whenever I think back, I remember a story of Ataturk’s childhood, when he and his sister were running after crows in the cornfields. It was very difficult for me to think of this great leader as a child like me, but it helped me to associate him with ordinary life. He is a leader who loved his country so much, that he sacrificed his entire life to create a democratic republic. This is why our elderly often they would willingly have died in his place. Turkish people show their gratitude to Atarturk as much as they can. He is a true hero.

Even the magnificent memorial tomb built for him reflects this. Ataturk, the leader of Turkish War of Independence and former president of Turkey, has always been an idealistic figure not only for Turkey but also for several leaders all over the world. Turkey is proud of having such a great leader who founded a new republic from the ashes of an empire. Therefore Turkey very warmly received Barack Obama’s note in the guest book. For him to actually quote Turkey’s greatest leader showed us something special. It was very considerate of him to make such diplomatic and intellectual remarks, considering the recent tension between America and Turkey during the presidency of George W. Bush. Emphasizing Ataturk’s saying, President Obama both discloses his peace policy all over the world and attributes his action to Ataturk, thus becoming a follower of peace. He gained the sympathy of Turkey by referring to Ataturk’s internationally praised philosophy summarized as “peace at home, peace in the world”. When I heard him say this, I appreciated his consideration and believed in his sincerity. Words are powerful, indeed.

There are those who are skeptical about Obama’s peace policy. One of my friends said just the other day, “We’ve suffered from American policies too many times… Barack Obama can’t win us over by simply exploiting our sentimental vision of Ataturk’s ideology.”

Despite the fact that some Turks are still dubious about President Obama’s global strategy, we all hope he will keep his promise and prove this time everything will be different.

Overall, President Obama’s visit and his diplomatic attitude throughout his stay in Turkey were highly praised. Though his visit was short, which hindered him from dealing with all the issues between the two countries, it represented a significant step towards fortifying Turkish-American relations and Turkish people appreciate Barack Obama’s policy. However, no matter how sympathetic and agreeable a figure President Obama is thought to be, people must be aware of the fact that he is a politician who looks after his own country’s interests. Similarly, Turkey gives priority to its own interests in the political arena. At the Turkish National Assembly, Barack Obama declared that he was happy to see Turkey’s attempts to mend relations with Armenia, but added we need to open the border. Furthermore, he talked about the European Union, stating that Turkey deserves to be accepted as a member. Whereas President Obama’s view on Turkey is complimentary and pleases the country, it reminds people of two possible problems.

Whether President Obama did it intentionally or not, his speech about Turkey’s membership of the EU will definitely irritate the European Union, which may affect Turkey’s application for membership. Thus his remarks might upset Turkish people in the long term. Additionally, I felt his views on Turkish-Armenian relations and his call to open the borders to be a somewhat inflammatory statement, and one that interferes with Turkey’s domestic affairs. It’s up to Turkey to open the border and pursue good relations with Armenia and Turkey aims to do just that, but not because American President Barack Obama suggests we should. The Turkish Republic tries to maintain peace with our neighbors, simply because it’s the right thing to do.

          Although President Obama’s declaration about these issues is controversial in political sense, Turkish people, famous for their hospitality, still greet his visit to our country with enthusiasm. Despite our problems with some of his policies, President Obama’s sensitivity and consideration for Turkey brought him ten points out of ten from the Turks. I hope he will always maintain a global peace policy and be a successful politician, dealing diplomatically with world issues. I think the world needs such leaders, now more than ever.