A New President - now what?

It didn't take a genius to realize that Obama was going to win this election. The question was, 'by how much?'. Last night we found out. In a massive turn out people went out and had their say. The vote was for someone they thought may be able to approach things differently.

The reaction by the world leaders says so much about how the relationships between them and the Bush Administration had deteriorated.

Interestingly, in the last four USA elections the candidate that had been a soldier has not won.

Obama used the internet, social networking sites and technology in a way that it has never been used before. This was one thing that endeared him to a whole new generation. This will change the way elections happen in the future. Obama emailed his followers when it was announced that he had won and said 'thanks' and then said he will be back to them as to how they can help going forward. I think we are seeing the type of President Obama will be.

McCain is an honorable man but he spoke in terms of "I". He spoke about what he would do an how he would solve things. Obama spoke in terms of "we". I wish I had counted how many times McCain said "I" in the last debate compared to Obama saying "we". It would seem that Obama will take an inclusive approach to Governing the country.

I think this is a great day because it showed that the new age of Americans are open to change and even want it. Let us see if they can follow through and support their President. He gave an outstanding speech and promised honesty and hard work ahead. Now we will see if America continues their approach of battering and wearing down the people they don't agree with - like they did with Clinton.

This is an opportunity for United States and for the world. We congratulate President Elect Obama on an outstanding election and on his energy, determination and focus.

We thank McCain for his dedication. I believe that he really did want to run a different election and he must have had a lot of problems from within his party on the journey.




















Now What? An opportunity. That's what.

Does Experience Matter?

Does experience really matter? We are hearing a lot in the US election about how experienced McCain is compared to Obama. I was slightly surprised that this statement was being made.

Experience is valuable in certain circumstances but equally it can be negative in other circumstances. When it comes to skills, for example being a plumber, surgeon, accountant, or any situation where specific skills are needed, then experience is probably of significant value. However, the problem with experience is that it also creates a 'rut' in our thinking. Our experience sets a mindset that can actually LIMIT our ability to see opportunities. Worse than that, it can mean that we take a traditional approach to something without realizing we are doing so.

I think McCain has made a big mistake. Yes he has experience, but it is in a old fashioned way of doing Government. Then there is the experience he has based on his military background. The trouble with fighters is their experience is to fight. Like a hammer is in danger of seeing the world as a nail, a fighter is in danger of seeing problems as being dealt with with by a fight. John MCain has shown that this is preferred method of approach many times as a Senator.

So McCain approaching this election from a position of "experience" is very dangerous. It is made worse because the younger generation are tired of hearing that 'experience' is important - in fact if anything we are seeing this generation out to prove the problems with having experience.

On the other hand, Obama has ridden on a ticket of 'change'. Change for the sake of change is always dangerous. But also, change combined with the mindset that experience is not important, is dangerous.

Both have shown that they are not what they say they are. Mcain failed to show the strength of his "experience" and the problems with making "change" for the sake of change, when he chose Palin. Obama has showed he struggles with "change" and with "experience" when he has offered solutions that have failed in the past.

It is a pity that this election is asking the public to choose between 'change' and 'experience'. Both have an important part to play and, when balanced, are powerful.