Obama Commits

A vision of strength and informed determination to advance the future of the United States - and by extension, much of the rest of the world to some degree - the president-elect of the United States has been firmly and carefully committing to non-partisanship in the administration of the affairs of the United States of America. He is confident of his abilities to govern well and truly, and has been drawing to his side individuals of strong character and impressive record to assist him in his initial term as president.

He hasn't shirked the moral duty that America has stood firm upon since it last rejected non-interventionism in world affairs. And has stated clearly enough that his country will maintain the "strongest military on the planet" to ensure global balance, and with an eye to re-introducing the United States to the rest of the world as a global moral leader. That position, always in flux, through various presidencies whose authoritarian interventionist policies dimmed the country's moral stance, is now to be strengthened.

"To ensure prosperity here at home and peace abroad, we all share the belief we have to maintain the strongest military on the planet", he stressed, on introducing his newly appointed national security team inclusive of Hillary Clinton, his former opponent as leader of the Democratic Party, as secretary of state. Making peace within his own party, and reaching out through the re-appointment of Robert Gates as defence secretary, to include the Republicans.

A strong and assured and well-equipped military, for the most singular purpose in this new era of global insecurity, to emphasize his country's and his administration's position: "absolutely committed to eliminating the threat of terrorism". Explaining further that "We cannot tolerate a world where innocents are being killed by extremists. We have to bring the full force of our power, not only military but diplomatic and political, to deal with the threats."

An explicit emphasis on assisting another vastly important democratic nation, India, with the very imminent threats posed against her stability in the wake of the latest atrocity in the Mumbai attacks. It's clear he is firm in his conviction that peace and good order will eventually prevail. That he is utterly committed to restoring respect for his country so diminished in the recent past by the previous administration's rash and unneeded invasion of another country.

In which America is still mired, having, throughout its years in Iraq, been the accidental, though preventable, cause of thousands of lost lives, in a country beset by sectarian violence and tribal vengeances, let loose once the imperious dictatorial repressions of Saddam Hussein became history. A murderous tyrant he most certainly was, but the vast majority of Iraqis, on retrospection, would prefer those days to what they currently continue to face.

Mr. Obama spoke of building a "team of rivals", rather than a team of acquiescent and subservient 'advisers' whose role would be to rubber-stamp anything they perceived their leader might want to embark upon. The strong personalities he has assembled about him to advise and, if necessary, correct his misapprehensions, will serve him well. He doesn't fear dissent or embarrassment when his choices of action may be inimical to his own purpose.

"I assembled this team because I'm a strong believer in strong personalities and strong opinions. I think that's how the best decisions are made. So I'm going to be welcoming a vigorous debate inside the White House." As a Canadian looking in from the outside, with the current tumult taking place in the House of Commons in Canada's 40th Parliament, where the current Conservative-led government is in direct danger of being unseated by a rancorous opposition, I'm envious.

That the United States, our great neighbour, has finally chosen a sterling individual whose premises and promises hearten the citizens of that great country. Whose purposeful determination and careful diplomacy will earn him the respect of other countries. Whose steady helmsmanship will lead his country out of its self-inflicted financial woes back to prosperity.

A man, unlike so many highly intelligent, principled men and women in the political sphere who disdain to listen to informed counsel, who compromises when required without sacrifice of his own principles. "Understand, I will be setting policy as president. I will be responsible for the vision that this team carries out, and I expect them to implement that vision once decisions are made ... the buck will stop with me."

Go to it, President Obama.