Change is scary - but this kind of change? Disturbing.
Change is scary. All types of change. Middle school to high school, high school to college, college to the working world, marriage, kids, career changes, going abroad, organizational change, etc. But what doesn't destroy you, makes you wiser, and makes you a better person. That is why almost all types of change are scary, but they are for the best.
Organizational change experts talk of "change killers" - individuals that can't fathom the concept or thought of changing the current mold, the current way of operating. I can't stand change killers - in fact, I seek to avoid them at all costs. But there is one type of change that I'm literally disturbed by - it's a type of change that we've all heard a lot about recently, and that is the "change" espoused by presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
Both Obama and Clinton use simple and tactful phrases referring to change that effectively appeal to millions. I recently viewed a video on youtube - WeCan08 - from one of Barack Obama's speeches. Wonderfully done, and inspiring; however, is it not scary to anyone else that hundreds of people chant "We Want Change!" to a aspiring government leader? Is it not uncomfortable to anyone else that hundreds, thousands, millions of people are looking to presidential campaigns to create change for them? I mean, what are people really expecting from a new president? Do they expect them to make things better once and for all? Is it George Bush's fault that we can't provide for ourselves? That we can't manage our own finances maturely and effectively? That we can't do what it takes to educate ourselves to be competitive, global citizen? I firmly believe that it's up to the individual to create a life of excitement, happiness, and fortune for himself or herself, and that is why it is scary to me to think that millions of people are seemingly looking to a presidential candidate to provide that life for them.
I trust John McCain will win the presidency. If not, it's not the end of the world. In fact, the world may not very different if Obama or Clinton is elected. However, if the individuals who beg for change from Obama do not begin to embrace the kind of change that is scary but ultimately rewarding and for the best, and continue to look to someone or something else for a better life, then we're going to have some seriously unhappy people over the next four years.
Organizational change experts talk of "change killers" - individuals that can't fathom the concept or thought of changing the current mold, the current way of operating. I can't stand change killers - in fact, I seek to avoid them at all costs. But there is one type of change that I'm literally disturbed by - it's a type of change that we've all heard a lot about recently, and that is the "change" espoused by presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
Both Obama and Clinton use simple and tactful phrases referring to change that effectively appeal to millions. I recently viewed a video on youtube - WeCan08 - from one of Barack Obama's speeches. Wonderfully done, and inspiring; however, is it not scary to anyone else that hundreds of people chant "We Want Change!" to a aspiring government leader? Is it not uncomfortable to anyone else that hundreds, thousands, millions of people are looking to presidential campaigns to create change for them? I mean, what are people really expecting from a new president? Do they expect them to make things better once and for all? Is it George Bush's fault that we can't provide for ourselves? That we can't manage our own finances maturely and effectively? That we can't do what it takes to educate ourselves to be competitive, global citizen? I firmly believe that it's up to the individual to create a life of excitement, happiness, and fortune for himself or herself, and that is why it is scary to me to think that millions of people are seemingly looking to a presidential candidate to provide that life for them.
I trust John McCain will win the presidency. If not, it's not the end of the world. In fact, the world may not very different if Obama or Clinton is elected. However, if the individuals who beg for change from Obama do not begin to embrace the kind of change that is scary but ultimately rewarding and for the best, and continue to look to someone or something else for a better life, then we're going to have some seriously unhappy people over the next four years.
posted by amartin4 at 1:04 PM
2 Comments:
while I agree that individuals are responsible for bettering their own lives, I don't think that's why people are so quickly rallying behind Obama's inspiring drive for change.
No, it's not entirely Bush's fault for the things our country lacks, some of it he inherited from previous administrations. BUT, his administration did not unite people, it made mistakes (as people do) and failed to reinstate trust and faith in his term.
Obama, with this advocacy for change presents a clear message that with him, things will be different. Any educated voter understands that he can't fulfill a promise to kiss our booboos and make it all better, but he can lead an administration that motivates and unites Americans.
Plus, from a foreign policy perspective, experience or not, I think he would do a good job of improving our image abroad. And while Mccain has the most experience, personally I feel he missed the boat. 4 years ago I would've voted for him, but I don't think I would this year.
I see Obama's change as less of a personal, on the day to day change that you suggest, and more on the "Washington is a swamp that needs to be drained" kind of change.
Between the billions in ear marks (both by the Donkies and Reps), the rampant cronism in the White House, the back-room policy dealings (especially with the Dem congress) and the over-all impression of a bankrupt politcal system has created a resonating call for change.
Most of Obama's policy is more hands-off than Hillary's and I could see Obama making the call for "ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country". That relationship, of people working hard for the benefit of all, has been lost in the last 2-3 decades. I think Obama stands for that kind of change, as well as reinvigorating a troubled politcal system.
Very few politicians have had the appeal to really change Washington and re-engage people: Reagan had it to some degree, Kennedy had it, and Obama is really the next one with that energy.
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