Thoughts on the coming Nov 4th US elections...

I won't get to vote in the coming US elections, where positions from President, Senate (p/of), HoReps, through on down to Sheriffs and school boards get elected across the US. But I, and the rest of the world will be affected by the results. Which is why it's well worth taking an interest.
(As an example, the US legislation that enabled 'sub-prime' mortgages has a flow on effect for the world financial markets, through on down to what interest rate my mortgage costs, and the negative effects on the balance of my superannuation portfolio - and I live on the opposite side of the world. It affects YOU as well, at least indirectly, but probably directly).

The position most of interest (but not the only interest - the results for Congress are also of importance) is the choice the US voters make for President, between John McCain and Barack Obama.

The polls say Obama will win, so I will think aloud on this.
Looking as objectively as possible at the "junior senator from Illonois", I see a young, gifted politician who is an excellent 'networker', and a charismatic public speaker.
Examining his resume, I DON'T see a background, or skills which prepare him for the job he is applying for from the US electorate, that of President of the USA (POTUS). In particular, I don't see a background preparing him for the job as the most powerful, and responsible 'Chief Executive' in the world.
The most obvious thing to me (besides the inexperience - Sarah palin has more executive experience than Obama) is that Barack Obama has a political ideology substantially to the left of mainstream America.

In John McCain however, I see someone who as we Aussies would put it, has 'the runs on the board'. His commitment to country, and selfless service in the military, and in government service as a long time elected represenative are beyond reproach. In him I see a mature, and principled public servant.

Then there are the questions about Obama which follow;

Why spend 20 years in Jeremiah Wright's church if he didn't agree with him, or wasn't influenced by his views? (Listen to this!).

There's the questions over the relationship, and what Obama knows of the past of William (Bill) Ayers.

Then there's ACORN 'voter registration drives'.

There are questions about credit card donation improprieties to the campaign.

You have to worry about how he plans to (if he can), fulfil those supporter expectations though.

And we haven't even begun to examine his foreign policy yet. Will he stand up to the threat Iran poses? Or the challenge of China? Whatever you may think of President Bush, he has taken the fight to the terrorists, and they have had little chance to engage in mischief for that reason. If the pressure is taken off them....?

As Melanie Phillips in the UK puts it;

"...You have to pinch yourself – a Marxisant (sic) radical who all his life has been mentored by, sat at the feet of, worshipped with, befriended, endorsed the philosophy of, funded and been in turn funded, politically promoted and supported by a nexus comprising black power anti-white racists, Jew-haters, revolutionary Marxists, unrepentant former terrorists and Chicago mobsters, is on the verge of becoming President of the United States. And apparently it’s considered impolite to say so...". [Melanie Phillips 'The Spectator' (UK) 14 October 2008]

I fear it's going to be 'interesting times' if he wins. (Chinese curse - "May you live in interesting times").