Thoughts on politics and daily life
{ Monthly Archives }
Guilty! The Guardian started today with pointing fingers to 25 people who are responsible for the economic meltdown. Very constructive! But above all very helpful when you feel a little bit vindictive because you just lost your job, house etc. You now know where to go when you want your money back. Find their names and photo’s here.
It is the day after the day after and I am still thinking about Barack Obama. I am wondering if what he achieved would be possible in The Netherlands or in the UK? I am not so sure. My mother just said: his rise to power could only happen in America. And I think she is right. The power structures and establishment in The Netherlands and in the UK are much older and more rigid. The Netherlands just had our first Maroccan Mayor and that was a big deal! The first Mayor of immigrant descend and we are blown away! And in the UK how many MP’s are black, asian, muslim etc? Not an overwhelming number.
It is the day after one of the biggest moments in (American) history. The inauguration party is over and the real work has to start today. I don’t have a hangover from this party, instead I feel uplifted and positive.
I thought about all the historic moments I have witnessed during my (conscious) life. It turns out it are more memories of great occasions then I thought. I just picked out a few.
The year 1986 start of Glasnost & Perestroika: Gorbatsjov’s internal political reform and ending the Cold War together with Reagan. This was not one particular moment but it was something my parents often talked about over dinner. It gave a kind of hope.
What did I think of Obama’s speech?
For me it was a speech of a true leader who is laying out his vision for what we all should and have to do. It is not what he will do, but what he will inspire us to do.
10 other points I liked in Obama speech:
Now it all starts for Obama. In half an hour he will be the first black president of the USA. Everybody is looking forward to his speech. Below I will blog the ceremony step by step.
Continue Reading »
Today is THE day. It’s Obama’s day. This afternoon people all over the world will be watching the inauguration of Obama. I wish I were in Washington. I want to merge with the crowd, to experience this historic moment with all the hopeful people and for a moment become ‘one’.
Instead I will be watching it all from my couch at home. Probably the best place to be if you want to have a good view, but not so great for experiencing ‘the real vibe’, the mass happiness (almost hysteria).
Where will you be? Let me know.
Just experience the difference in character when you watch George Bush farewell speech and read Obama’s open letter to his daughters.
Who do you prefer?
Read also this article by Arianna Huffington.
And this article on Fox blogs by Jon Kraushar (Dick Cheney’s debate coach).
Is Bush a delusional lier or is Bush the man who saved us from tiranny?
I know the answer. Do you?
Just saw slumdog millionaire. Great film! Not the traditional feel good movie, it’s very heavy at times but very funny, entertaining and charming most of the time.
It deserves all the prices it got and it will probably get loads more.
Go see it!
Below is one song to get you in the party mood for the weekend. Let me present Reverend and the Makers my new favourite band of the moment.
They have started this great experiment at the moment called ‘instigate debate’. It works like this: you interview a public figure just by the use of your mobile phone. Ask them questions like ’should we legalize cannabis’ etc.
If you succeed and get a proper answer, the band will actually come and do a ‘gig’ at your house! Isn’t that great. The whole idea behind it is to start a debate with public figures without the interference of the mainstream media and spin-doctors. To learn more click here
If you just want to listen & dance click here
I am aware that I have not given my own opinion on the third runway for Heathrow yet. The problem is that I am, as on so many occasions faced with a dilemma. Why? Because I would like to be environmental but I also fly a lot.
Beatpolitics is created by me, Beatrijs Overdijkink. I am a writer, originally from Amsterdam, lived in London for a while and just moved to Prague. I write about political subjects big and small. Feel free to comment on anything I say. I love a good debate!
By the way, I also blog on the Dutch D66 website.