Obama

Barack Obama is now the Democratic nominee for the presidential election of 2008. Can he make a difference? My knowledge of history and experience observing public policy in the US lead me to think that the institutions of power endure past the intentions or outcomes of the people who influence them. Has any president been able to challenge the status quo? Even 'radicals' like Lincoln and FDR used presidential power only to serve the ends of the state. So, enlightened self interest doesn't seem to be limited to individuals. The survival of the state and its ability to perpetuate geopolitical power remains an end to itself. Obama claims to support transparency and ethics in government and a community organizing approach to pubilc policy. He also claims to radically change the approach to foreign policy by replacing the premise of US superiority with the partnership of common challenges. National security realities may change. The electorate that would potentially give him a victory definitely will. Obama will be held accountable by an entirely new constituency for the 21st century. I'll willingly be part of that group.