Zimababwe and the election - Obama:Good :: Clinton:Bad

To date, I have been approaching the democratic election like this.  Barrack Obama is the best candidate for the job.  However, Hillary Clinton would be a good president and not just the best of two bad choices. 

I no longer believe this to be true.  Hillary Clinton would be bad for America and, worse still, bad for the world.  We are a nation in decline.  I am not apocalyptic about this assessment.  To begin with, I do not believe that America specifically is necessary.  However, we are massively influential and recently, our behavior is ethically and morally reprehensible.  This has lead to decline in general.  I believe that a competent visionary leader, a truth-teller, not a game player but an leader, could do a tremendous amount of good. 

I believe that Barrack Obama could be that leader. 

Further, I know that John McCain would continue down the path set by the Bush administration and that option, I believe, will put the planet in exponentially increasing decline. 

As for Hillary Clinton, her equivocation, dishonesty and traditional political style would be able to maintain status quo at best.  She represents nothing new to a world that desperately needs something new.

The current situation in Zimbabwe, and the candidates statements, is the best example that I have seen yet of the difference between these candidates.

In a very short statement, McCain calls on Zimbabwe's neighbors to denounce Mugabe and support democracy in Zimbabwe.  Additionally, he pledges that the US will provide assistance to support democracy and rule of law.  The trouble with this statement is that there is no there there.  It is just that, a statement.

clipped from www.johnmccain.com

Senator John McCain today issued the following statement on the current situation in Zimbabwe:

"Our ideals must animate our foreign policy and that includes support for democratic forces in closed societies. The opposition in Zimbabwe has endured repression, hardship, beatings and imprisonment. At this time we cannot turn our back on the brave men and women who have struggled peacefully for their freedom. The situation in Zimbabwe has reached a decisive moment.

It is now time for the international community, especially Zimbabwe's immediate neighbors, to stand up and be heard in support of Zimbabwe's people, demanding that their votes be respected.

The United States has and will continue to support the democracy and rule of law that alone can secure Africa's future development, and should be prepared to provide assistance to support a transition to democracy in Zimbabwe."

Clinton's is completely vacuous.  In a desperate to please every one that she believes needs to be pleased, she says absolutely nothing.  On content, I'll take McCain's statement over Clinton's.  Clinton's statement is a shining example of why she would be bad for America and the world.  In an era where we need a brilliant, visionary and probably inspirational leader, she would be crafting statements and policy that were not designed to DO anything.

clipped from www.hillaryclinton.com

Statement on Zimbabwe

The coming days will determine whether Zimbabwe moves toward a bright future, or sees its hopes turned back through violent repression. It is an anxious, uncertain moment, yet also potentially a historic opportunity for this long-suffering country. The very real, disturbing possibility exists of a coerced, fake electoral re-run and, alternatively, of martial law. Strong international pressure is needed now to reduce the possibility of these outcomes.

As the author of the Support for Democracy and Human Rights in Zimbabwe Act of 2007, I have been a strong supporter of democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. I call upon the Zimbabwe Election Commission to immediately provide an accurate and public accounting of the results of the election. The world is watching Zimbabwe, and the will of that country’s brave people must not be ignored.

Obama's Statement is unique.  First in its place in time.  His statement is grounded in who he is today and the influence and power that he has right now to create change.  Both of the other candidates are using the situation in Zimbabwe as a platform for their campaigns.  Obama is doing his job.  The statement is detailed.  The issue is real and present.  He, Senator Barrack Obama, is using his position to help Zimbabwe.  He is doing his job. 

clipped from obama.senate.gov

Statement of Senator Obama on Zimbabwe

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Mr. President, the events of the last few days in Zimbabwe are outrageous and warrant universal condemnation. It is time for the government of Robert Mugabe to cease its repressive and divisive actions, and to allow Zimbabweans to pursue their hopes for legitimate political change and opportunity.

Since Sunday, the world has watched with horror and outrage as the Mugabe government has cracked down on legitimate opposition, detained fifty Zimbabweans attending a peaceful prayer meeting outside of Harare, and brutalized opposition leaders and ordinary citizens alike.