Amongst my Christmas gifts was a hagiography of Barack Obama for teenagers, written by Tim Alexander.
I am assuming 'Barack Obama Hope For The World: Everything you wanted to know about the President, and more!' (Orion, 2009) was written as a deliberate attempt to provoke heart attacks and haemorrages across the US right - it is impossible to see what other purpose it serves. Think of a combination between a Jackie annual and the manifesto of a student union candidate, and you are about half way there.
As we enter 2012, there are a lot of things to be fearful of. Take your pick from continued recession, debt, the rise of restrictive technologies and new laws, the lack of credible political alternatives to the Con-Dems, the prospect of conflict between Israel, the US and Iran, religious extremism, ongoing climate change and overpopulation. But, it seems I am being pessimistic:
"Behind us there stands years of war, global warming, economic difficulties and inequality. Ahead there is the hope of peace, freedom and a world where men and women of different colours, beliefs, and religions can live in harmony. A genuine change is taking place and we have a front row seat. One man has stepped forward to bravely lead the world towards our future." (p.5)
"overpopulation"
... Makes me slightly uncomfortable. In what specific context are too many humans a "a problem", apart from in economies where the powers that be are too corrupt, uncaring, to sustain them.
How does your acceptance of "overpopulation" go beyond "kill the poor", something entirely synonymous with state discourse at times of primitive accumulation.
"Just askin" - as invariably passive aggressive as that phrase always is.
Reverend Malthus.
Posted by: Reverend | December 31, 2011 at 09:38 PM
Reverend - I struggle at times to provide for my two kids. How could I do it for ten?
Posted by: Paul Stott | January 01, 2012 at 03:11 PM
I am hopeful that this will be a better year for all of us.
Posted by: best cellulite cream | January 10, 2012 at 07:36 AM
Look on the bright side Paul.
Alredy this week our boys have blown up an Iranian scientist while our American allies have pissed on Islamist corpses.
Life is good!
Posted by: Harrys Place | January 13, 2012 at 09:32 AM
Sorry to deviate by returning to the subject, but Anthony Painter's 'Barack Obama The Movement for Change' is just as bad. It ends with the ringing words "Obama the world is watching and listening. You are the change that we believe in". Pass the sick-bag, while carefully stepping over the corpses of those killed by US drones.
Posted by: Larry O'Hara | February 16, 2012 at 08:51 PM