American Elections...

We have our favorites here in South Africa. Our policy at work is to keep politics and religion out of the workplace, and certainly out of our community work - it could be the cause of much conflict and we do not seek to complicate our presence in communities or our relationship with influencial leaders. It has been really difficult...

And then there is international politics; and specifically the political arena of the United States of America. We have followed the elections very carefully - since I was a child. It has been important, because American politicians and their related policy towards Africa and the East always affected us in one way or another. And so, I also watched President Bush getting elected a second time and our jaws dropped to the ground. Yes, I am much more bias and outspoken about American politics, and my views are shared by every single African I have met the past six years. We all spoke about the second time election of a Republican to office with stunned amazement. How could so MANY people in the USA believe so many obvious lies? But it is not our country, and it is not our vote...and maybe we should not have an opinion...but we do...So, here I offer my perspective, for what it is worth and for maybe being able to swing one vote towards a presidential candidate that could bring hope to the world:

Frankly, I do not care whether Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton gets elected, as long as one of them actually do! However, I think it is critical to elect the one that has the BEST chance of representing the ideals of the country towards a free society that respects human dignity and diversity, above corporate interest groups. I also think that the candidate needs to have the BEST chance of winning the elections to return it to the Democrats. At a fundamental level, it seems to us that the Democrats have a far superior international policy and APPROACH to other nations than what the world has seen the past few years. For that reason alone, I selfishly declare myself an non-voting supporter...

I watched some of the speeches of Barack Obama and have the same sense of hope that we had in our 1994 elections here in South Africa. There is something in the air when he speaks, and because I believe in the wisdom of crowds and not the intellect or experience of one person - I do not care much for his so-called 'inexperience'. Having said this, I think that Hillary Clinton has the makings of an incredible Commander-in-Chief and has what it takes to lead the country! It simply does not matter - both candidates offer the hope we all need...