100 Days

So Barack Obama is now US president for over 100 days. He has, in that time, had to cope with difficulties such as the gigantic economic crisis, two wars and, latterly, Swine Flu not to mention the relationship that exists between the US and Iran. Many other problems have to be faced by America’s first black president. Indeed most that I’ve mentioned were inherited from the previous administration. The difference is that the previous prez was not popular. Contrast that with the high ratings Mr Obama is still attracting. He has restored the dignity and trust which that office demands. This has not been demonstrated for quite some time.

All leaders must deal with problems on an hourly basis and in time of anxiety the US president’s role is to re-assure the public. It seems that Mr Obama, both inside and outside America, is trustworthy. It’s good that this integrity belongs to the American people, the most powerful nation on earth. Many will want, for political reasons, to paint Obama in a bad light but it’s clear that they will have their work cut out.

However a new age is being forged. The world can dare to hope. Even in the midst of a recession, Mr Obama continues to inspire and he radiates a charm rare in politics these days. He says of the problems facing America: “The ship of state is an ocean liner, not a speed boat” – problems cannot be sorted immediately. Hard to imagine the last president uttering well chosen words. If ever there was a time to be American that time is now. But Obama is not Christ. He won’t get everything right, but he’s making a damn good start.


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I’ve been struggling, over the past few days, with the flu. Not the Mexican type, I assure you. Despite this I went to an event (‘Southern Smoke’) on last Sunday in Pembroke Cricket Club (can you get anything grander?). It was organised by a group of Zimbabweans based here and the beer was flowing along with good quality meat which was also available via a Barbeque. Even though I got hit by a cricket ball, it was my runny nose and slamming headache that got the better of me and I had to curtail my attendance.

But not before I caught up with some of those present and what marvellous examples of humanity southern Africans can be. Anyway the weather was fine and I’m sure that the revelling went on well into the night. There were a number of Ulster folk around too and I guess that must have been the cricketing element. It was good to see everyone enjoying themselves.
© Ian Callagy 2009