Today in History: The Inauguration

I owe it to him. For giving me hope, for inspiring me, for re-igniting my passion for living.

For having a keen mind even from a young age. For embracing cultures wherever his mom brought him to – Hawaii, Indonesia, Chicago. For never letting racial prejudices get in his way. For breaking traditions, social norms and conventional beliefs.

For daring to hope where there is no hope. For standing up for what is right and proving to the nay-sayers that yes, a black man can be the most historical President of the great United States of America.

Even though his calibre as president still proves to be seen, even before he officially enters into office, he has brought hope to the flickering darkness of a nation of people at the brink of despair; he is revered as the most enigmatic leaders of our time, and he has inspired a whole new generation of people; young and old, white, colored, multi racial, of all citizens; to believe, that as long as we stand together in the face of adversity, we can bring change to our world. And change has come to America. Change has come to cities all over. Change has come to my part of the world – my place here in Singapore.

I owe it to you, Mr Barack Obama. I owe it to you, Mr. President.

200109

P/S: Today is a day in history, and I never want to live in another generation. It is my honour, my privilege, to be living in this generation and witness first-hand, one of the finest moments in history since the birth of Jesus Christ – the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America.

The rule of law

Disturbing but true. The act of shaming an errant individual to serve as a reminder to the larger body of members. The iron rod of religion that encroaches on human decency and esteem - as the world progresses, so should institutions that uphold the society. Of course, basic fundamentals of an institution established from its foundation ought not be questioned and made issues of controversy, but the method of dealing with errant members - that should be addressed with wise judgment and deliberation of the circumstances surrounding the erroneous act.

Often times the very body or authority that passes such strict judgment and punishment are not angels themselves and are as frail a being in need of grace and redemption as the common folks. A balance of judgment ought to be struck - a balance that poses the question: Am I passing this judgment based on the standards of a reasonable person living in this current age and time or am I simply upholding a traditional form of judgment which even I myself may question its validity had I been the defendant.

Of course, it is easy for someone down the chain of command to question the judgment and action of a governing authority who has a wide and often privileged spectrum of issues and policies to consider before arriving at certain conclusions. The benefit of the doubt given, and I say this in respect, that it is prudent that governing authorities check the rule of law from time to time to critically study if they are serving the people they are meant to serve or have they turned tyrannical and irrelevant.


Straits Times - Jan 14, 2009

Malaysian waitress ordered to be caned for drinking

KUALA LUMPUR: A religious court has sentenced a Muslim woman to six strokes of the cane for drinking alcohol, possibly for the first time in Malaysia.

The Syariah High Court in Pahang also handed the same sentence to a man on Monday, and is due to make a decision on another woman in May.

Mohamad Nasir Mohamad, 38, a father of four, and waitress Noorazah Baharuddin, 22, were found drinking beer separately in pubs in July last year in central Pahang state, said reports released yesterday.

Nasir admitted that he had drunk beer at a pub in Cherating on July 11, while Noorazah was caught drinking at the pub where she worked, in Jalan Gambut.

Both were also fined RM5,000 (S$2,100) each by the Pahang court on Monday.

The third accused was part-time model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, 32. According to the New Straits Times, Kartika, a Singapore permanent resident, could not attend court as she is studying in Singapore.

Judge Abdul Rahman Yunus said that he had given the maximum fine and caning as a deterrent to other Muslims, but had spared them a jail sentence.

'The caning is to shame them and should be done at any of the prisons in the country,' he was quoted as saying by NST.

The case comes after two controversial fatwas, or edicts - one over tomboyish behaviour by women and the other concerning the practice of yoga - sparked intense public debate over decisions made by the country's top religious body.

Malaysia has a two-track legal system, with the civil courts operating alongside state-based syariah courts. Muslims are governed by syariah laws in family and personal matters, while ethnic Chinese, Indians and other races come under civil courts.

According to NST, this is the second time such a sentence has been handed down. In 2005, the same judge sentenced two Muslim brothers to six strokes of the cane after they were caught drinking.

However, the caning has yet to be carried out as the men are appealing against the decision.

Alcohol is widely available in Malaysia, and Muslims are rarely punished for consuming it.

'It's rare but it's within the law and Muslims are subject to such law in this country,' said lawyer Pawancheek Merican, a syariah law committee member of the Malaysian Bar Council.

MP Salahuddin Ayub, the youth chief of the opposition Islamic party PAS, said he 'agreed' with the court ruling.

'The ruling only concerns Muslims and it does not affect the non-Muslims. It is to remind the Muslims not to drink,' he said.

This Day in History

Nov 4, 2008 – this day etches a deep print in history as the day the American people unite in one heart and voice to elect its first African-American President – the man of the hour – Barack Obama.

Obama’s election is historic because here is courage and persistency, which worked hard, endured hardship, shame, ridicule and injustice, over 45 years, to bring the words of Dr Martin Luther King in 1963 to pass:

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Obama’s victory has not been a stand-alone victory. He wins, riding on the dreams, pain, blood, and wings of predecessors like Martin Luther King, Jesse Jackson, and other heroes who fought for justice during the dark days of the United States.

He wins, riding on the faith, love and support of a people who dare to trust their hearts, speak with one voice and act in one spirit to place their nation into the hands of a Kenyan-American descent, to bring about change, not just to America, but to the whole world.

The 44th President of the United States – Barack Obama

Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUKTRE4A30Y220081105

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama captured the White House on Tuesday after an extraordinary two-year campaign, defeating Republican John McCain to make history as the first black to be elected U.S. president.

Obama will be sworn in as the 44th U.S. president on January 20, 2009, television networks said. He will face a crush of immediate challenges, from tackling an economic crisis to ending the war in Iraq and striking a compromise on overhauling the health care system.

McCain saw his hopes for victory evaporate with losses in a string of key battleground states led by Ohio, the state that narrowly clinched President George W. Bush's re-election in 2004, and Virginia, a state that had not backed a Democrat since 1964.

Obama led a Democratic electoral landslide that also expanded the party's majorities in both chambers of Congress and firmly repudiated eight years of Republican President George W. Bush's leadership.

The win by Obama, son of a black father from Kenya and white mother from Kansas, marked a milestone in U.S. history. It came 45 years after the height of the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King.

In a campaign dominated at the end by a flood of bad news on the economy, Obama's leadership and proposals on how to handle the crisis tipped the race in his favour. Exit polls showed six of every 10 voters listed the economy as the top issue.

Shape up

See the last paragraph in bold & italics – my question is: Oh, and the corrupted and accusatory Malaysian government politics are ‘suitable’ to be watched and replayed to thousands of the young generation? Think about the legacy the country’s current leadership is leaving for its future leaders, the young generation today growing up in a politically tumultuous country divided by its own leaders. A leader appoints another, sings the latter’s praises to the sky, then leashes at the latter’s ability and integrity, and pulls him deep into the pit of alleged corruption and moral wrongdoings. We see this apparent foul-play repeated twice in this one decade alone. Will Malaysia see the brighter light of day where its citizens can truly embrace its Wawasan 2020 (Vision 2020) under the leadership of wise, committed and honest men and women?


Straits Times - Aug 10, 2008
PAS wants Avril Lavigne concert banned

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian opposition Islamic party Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) has demanded that the government ban pop superstar Avril Lavigne from performing in the country.
It said her concert would be an insult to the Merdeka freedom fighters.

Kuala Lumpur PAS Youth chief Kamaruzaman Mohamad said the government should instead hold patriotic and civilised concerts as well as organise history-writing contests and historical exhibitions in conjunction with the 51st anniversary of the country's independence, reported The Malaysian Insider.

The Canadian pop singer was scheduled to perform at the Stadium Merdeka on Aug 29, just two days ahead of Malaysia's Independence Day, as part of her world tour.

Mr Kamaruzaman led his exco members in handing over a protest note to Kuala Lumpur Mayor Abdul Hakim Borhan and a Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry official here on Friday.

The protest note also demanded that the Central Committee for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artists (Puspal) not issue the permit for the concert.

Last month, the same PAS group had also protested against Indonesian dangdut sensation Inul Daratista performing in Kuala Lumpur, saying her concert would have been too erotic and almost pornographic, as well as capable of corrupting the minds of young Malaysians. Inul's concert was subsequently cancelled.

The group's objection to Lavigne's concert is that 'the rock and punk elements portrayed by this artiste are not suitable to be shown to the young generation', Mr Kamaruzaman was quoted as saying by PAS-owned Harakah Daily.

He could be the one

I think the American mindset is shifting towards the Democrats - particularly towards Obama. They could be tired of the ruling Republicans who disappointed them time and again (Clinton, Bush).

And now along comes Obama - a fresh, new face - a voice that speaks differently yet one that could identify with the people regardless of color. I think in the course of the next few months till November when Americans votes, the people could be persuaded to give Obama the opportunity of a lifetime - to be the first black president - and change the course of not just American history, but world history, leaving a powerful legacy for years to come.

Yours truly,
AT

The search is over

Straits Times - June 4, 2008
Obama wins historic Democratic nomination
Clinton signals she would take VP slot

WASHINGTON/MINNESOTA - MR Barack Obama captured the Democratic presidential nomination on Tuesday, capping a rapid rise from political obscurity to become the first black to lead a major United States party into a race for the White House.

Rival Hillary Clinton, a former first lady who entered the race 17 months ago as a heavy favourite, did not concede to Mr Obama and said she would consult with party leaders and supporters to determine her next move.

A surge of support from uncommitted delegates helped give Mr Obama the 2,118 votes he needed to clinch the nomination and defeat Mrs Clinton.

Mr Obama will be crowned the Democratic nominee at the convention in August and will face Republican John McCain in November's election to choose a successor to President George W. Bush.

'Tonight, we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another,' Mr Obama told a cheering victory celebration in St Paul, Minnesota, at the site of the Republican convention in September.

'Tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.'

'Tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another - a journey that will bring a new and better day to America,' Mr Obama vowed as US media said he had clinched the party's nomination by securing the 2,118 delegates needed.

'America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past,' the Illinois senator pledged as he claimed the Democratic crown to run in the November general elections against Republican presumptive nominee John McCain.

'Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love.'

At the end of the gruelling 17-month primary campaign, the longest and most expensive ever, Mr Obama, 46, was effusive in his praise for his defeated rival, former first lady Hillary Clinton.

'Senator Hillary Clinton has made history in this campaign not just because she's a woman who has done what no woman has done before, but because she's a leader who inspires millions of Americans with her strength, her courage, and her commitment to the causes that brought us here tonight,' he said.

And despite their bitter differences as they tussled to secure the party's nomination, Mr Obama paid tribute to Mrs Clinton's 'unyielding desire to improve the lives of ordinary Americans, no matter how difficult the fight may be'.

But he rounded on Mr McCain, warning voters that the Arizona senator would represent four more years of the same policies of outgoing President George W. Bush.

'There are many words to describe John McCain's attempt to pass off his embrace of George Bush's policies as bipartisan and new. But change is not one of them,' he said.

'Change is a foreign policy that doesn't begin and end with a war that should've never been authorised and never been waged.'

Longest and closest fight

Mr Obama's win over Mrs Clinton, projected by US networks, came in one of the closest and longest nomination fights in recent US political history. Five months of voting concluded on Tuesday night with votes in Montana, won by Mr Obama, and South Dakota, won by Mrs Clinton.

Mrs Clinton, who would have been the first woman nominee in US political history, won more than 1,900 delegates over the course of the campaign.

She told New York members of Congress she would be open to becoming Mr Obama's vice-presidential running mate, and her backers began to turn up the pressure on Mr Obama to pick her as his No. 2.

Mrs Clinton congratulated Mr Obama after he clinched the nomination, and told a cheering crowd of supporters in New York City that she would work for party unity. But she did not concede.

'This has been a long campaign and I will make no decisions tonight,' she said. 'In the coming days I'll be consulting with supporters and party leaders to determine how to move forward with the best interests of our party and my country guiding my way.'

Mr McCain held a rally in Louisiana to kick off the race against Mr Obama. He sought to distance himself from Mr Bush and questioned Mr Obama's judgment and his willingness to put aside partisan interests.

'He is an impressive man, who makes a great first impression,' Mr McCain said of Mr Obama. 'But he hasn't been willing to make the tough calls, to challenge his party, to risk criticism from his supporters to bring real change to Washington. I have.'

Mr Obama questioned the extent of Mr McCain's independence and tied him to Mr Bush.

Not that independent

'While John McCain can legitimately tout moments of independence from his party in the past, such independence has not been the hallmark of his presidential campaign,' he said.

'There are many words to describe John McCain's attempt to pass off his embrace of George Bush's policies as bipartisan and new. But change is not one of them.'

Mr Obama, 46, is serving his first term in the US Senate from Illinois and would be the fifth-youngest president in history. He was an Illinois state senator when he burst on the national scene with a well received keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic convention.

Mr Obama's campaign had urged the last 150 or so undecided superdelegates to make their endorsement before the voting ended, so the delegates he wins in the two states voting on Tuesday could allow him to clinch the Democratic race.

A steady flow of superdelegates complied, making their announcements throughout the day.
Mr Obama lavished praise on Mrs Clinton after beating her.

'Senator Hillary Clinton has made history in this campaign not just because she's a woman who has done what no woman has done before, but because she's a leader who inspires millions of Americans,' he said in his prepared text.

'Our party and our country are better off because of her, and I am a better candidate for having had the honour to compete with Hillary Rodham Clinton,' he said.

Mrs Clinton and her campaign have sent mixed signals over the last two days about how long she would stay in a presidential race that she began as a heavy favourite.

During the conference call with New York lawmakers on Tuesday, she was asked about running as the No. 2 to Mr Obama and said she was open to the idea.

'She said she would do whatever is necessary in order to make certain that we win, and serving as vice-president would be one of the things she would be willing to do,' Representative Charles Rangel of New York, a Clinton supporter who was on the conference call, said in a phone interview. - REUTERS, AFP

An hour and a half

An honest, down to earth and easily digestable view on Senator Barack Obama.

http://blog.pmarca.com/2008/03/an-hour-and-a-h.html

Why can't Hillary and Obama just form a GRC?

A little of an old news, but a fairly interesting read by a Singaporean journalist:

Business Times - 15 Feb 2008
Why can't Hillary and Obama just form a GRC?

By Jamie Ee

TO many Singaporeans, the ongoing US presidential elections may well seem to be a mindboggling process. After all, elections have always been a pretty straightforward thing for us - one public holiday, one vote and done deal. The only primary we know is the kind of school our voting is done in. There's no need to figure out what a caucus is, how come super delegates are better than delegates, or ponder the notion that Barack Obama is better liked than Hillary Clinton because he looks better in pantsuits.

Also, from a Singaporean point of view, it's hard to understand why an African-American man, a woman and Anglo-Saxon male even need to campaign against each other by appealing to different demographics. Why, in our country, they would have teamed up and formed the perfect GRC.

Then again, we're probably a simpler people. We don't like complicated politics. We have more practical things to think about - like deciding whether to go for the refundable or non-refundable CPF Life Scheme. Not to mention figuring out how many people we like enough to want to sacrifice a higher monthly payout just so that they can get all the unused money and interest when we kick the bucket.

Besides, there are other things to wonder about, like who will be the next starlet to appear in Edison Chen's photo gallery. Or exactly what happened to cause the wife of Venture Corp chairman Wong Ngit Liong to allegedly slap the SIA stewardess who was trying to serve her husband. Imagine if Michelle Obama had been on Hillary's 'Hil Force One' campaign plane and heard the former first lady dissing Obama by saying 'thank you for choosing the crew with the most experience' - maybe she would have slapped Hillary and said 'How dare you talk (about) my husband!'

Yes, Singaporeans have a lot to learn about American politics, and why much of it can't be translated into the local context. Like, why can't we devote entire planes just to go campaigning? Never mind that maybe the plane can only fly from Changi to Seletar Airport. It'd be a heck of a lot more cool than campaigning from a lorry with just a bullhorn. Even if you're allowed to use the bullhorn later to frighten unsuspecting people walking past.

And maybe the next time we have elections here, we could have really fancy balls to raise money. And have top local chefs prepare sumptuous buffets, with people dressed in tuxedos and ball gowns listening to political speeches. It would be a darn sight better than fried beehoon at community centres or getting bitten by mosquitoes in a rain-soaked open field with only cold curry puffs as snack options.

I suppose it probably wouldn't do to have politicians' spouses talking about their other halves being smelly in the morning or forgetting to keep the butter, like Michelle Obama did, to her husband's detriment. But maybe some little nuggets like a secret fondness for laksa breakfasts or secret fears that wearing white makes them look fat?

OK, fine. So elections American-style aren't likely to make their way here anytime soon. We'll just have to get our ya-yas from watching Hillary and company battle it out over the next few months. Then again, there's also the Malaysian elections coming up. Now that's another one that we can't figure out, but it'll still be fun to watch nonetheless.

Yes we can - Barack for President

Created by Will.I.Am for Barack Obama

Obama's win in South Carolina

Obama's landslide victory in South Carolina on 26 Jan - due in part to many who love him, support his vision and believe in him...

Why am I following the US election so closely, you may ask, when I am not even remotely a US citizen or directly affected by the results of the election? In time to come I will reveal a little more on my tight focus on the election.

http://sc.barackobama.com/page/content/schome

An ardent supporter and volunter campaigner, Josh Stroman's thoughts after Obama's win in South Carolina:

We knew that we were going to have to be committed to the vision of what America could be, if we got involved and worked to bring it to life. The last day was incredible. We ran throughout the city of Columbia, posting signs, increasing visibility, knocking on doors, walking with people to the actual polling places. Whatever we had to do to ensure Senator Obama's victory, we were committed to doing it.

...His victory is vindication for so many of us who believe in what this country can be. It is also an indication that the American people can stand against the power of the establishment in order to usher in a new attitude and approach to uplifting the greater good.

I have invested, and I believe we all have, such an enormous amount of personal energy. We embraced Senator Obama's vision... in which each of us are empowered to be innovative in creating solutions that match the common challenges that we all face...

Lastly, I want to tell Senator Obama, that WE are so very proud of him, for having enough confidence and faith in the American people to launch this historic journey to restore the American presidency to its highest mantle.

This will not be easy, but it is very important that each American citizen, who believes that America can truly be a nation for the people and of the people, to get out and canvass, caucus, make phone calls, post signs, be patient with those who do not fully grasp the significance of the opportunity and it is important for us, to work with positive and encouraging spirits when speaking of the vision that we each share of a brighter and more promising America.

Being a part of Senator Obama’s campaign has meant so much to me. My friends and I plan on driving to Georgia, we may go to Maryland, Virginia and many more places if need be. I know that my story has inspired so many, but understand, that it is indeed, Senator Barack Obama, who has inspired me to dream dreams that I never thought could be possible. As I am empowered, I am allowed to empower others and in South Carolina, unity brought victory. I will forever be grateful for how this campaign has transformed my life and pray that each of us get involved in our own unique way, to reclaim the hope and the future of this nation. Thank you Senator Obama for allowing the American people, as diverse as we may be, to stand together as one people, and both collectively and individually contribute our talents and gifts to a cause much greater than ourselves.

Yes we can

Barack Obama conceded defeat to Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire on 8 Jan 2008, but he did so nevertheless, with a victory speech. An excerpt from Newsweek:

Speaking of an American spirit of "Yes, we can," Obama said: "It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.

Yes, we can.

It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom through the darkest of nights.

Yes, we can.

It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.

Yes, we can.

It was the call of workers who organized, women who reached for the ballot, a president who chose the moon as our New Frontier and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.

Yes, we can, to justice and equality."

Way to go, Obama!

Hillary vs Obama

The campaign between Democrats Obama and Clinton is heating up piping hot as the Democratic Primary draws near on Jan 26...

Excerpt from Newsweek, the article "Letting Hillary be Hillary"

The tangled issues seem to arise daily, even hourly. I asked a colleague of mine, an African-American woman who lives in neither Iowa nor New Hampshire, to write me a note describing her private feelings about the campaign. "I was a Hillary supporter going into the primaries," she said. "When Barack won in Iowa, I felt like a traitor to my race. What if this really is a moment where a black president is possible and I was going to vote for the woman! I felt awful. I constructed this whole complicated theory that I was resistant to the election of Barack because, if he won, then I and every other black person in the world was going to have to accept a new paradigm in American race relations—namely racism is not as pervasive and encompassing as we might like to believe and that the victim stance was going to be pretty hard to claim in the future. So then I became really excited and imagined how inspirational a black president would be, especially to the young black men who feel hopeless. Then came the 'You're likable enough, Hillary' moment, and I swung sharply back to Hillary. I thought: 'Great, another man who resents strong women and therefore resorts to personal insults to demean her'." In sum: from Clinton to Obama then back to Clinton—in the space of about four days.

Such is the sensitivity of these 2 Democratic candidates that

South Carolina Rep. James E. Clyburn felt compelled to issue a statement calling for a ceasefire: "I encourage the candidates to be sensitive about the words they use. This is an historic race for America to have such strong, diverse candidates vying for the Democratic nomination." John Lewis, the Georgia congressman, civil-rights veteran and perennial optimist, said, "I hope we will put these issues of gender and race to rest and return to the marketplace of politics."

Are we living in a historical moment or what?

(Note: My comments in purple, excerpt from Newsweek in blue)

Change we can believe in

We all need a change we can believe in. A change that can stamp a steady foot in the ground and say: “enough is enough of days of defeat and disappointment and discouragement. A new day has come – a day of hope once again, a day of light at the end of a dark tunnel once again – a change we can all believe in.”

There has been many a defeating moment in my life where over time, I lose a sense a believe in myself and in my ability to do better and do something extraordinary with these pair of ordinary hands, an inquisitive mind and a sincere heart. Many a day when I go to sleep at night discouraged at how little I have accomplished and how far I have fallen short of what I think I am capable of doing. When I see the toil and works of great men and women all round the world, I know in my heart of hearts that I can be that woman – that I too, can harbour big dreams and do great things in my lifetime, in my generation, not just for the benefit of my own self, or my family, or m friends, but for strangers whom I do not know, but lack the resources and ability to stand up for justice and do what could essentially improve their lives and make them a little happier, a little more complete. I believe I can be such a woman to do such a thing.

And that is why I am truly inspired by this African-American Senator of Illinois. In him I see the hope of a generation lost and weary. In him I see an intensity that outlines the enormous burden he carries in his heart and soul for a people he identifies as his own – the American people. In him I see the love of a man for his family and a love for God that directs him in the way that he is now walking – a path of integrity and responsibility and justice.

This man proposes a change Americans can believe in, when Americans have far too long been disappointed by governments that cared more for their agendas than the interests of the American people. With the ongoing presidential campaign for the Presidential seat in 2008, I am following close behind to be inspired myself – to fan afresh my dying flame of a change I can believe in for myself – that my dreams need not stay buried, but I can bring it out in the open once again – I can lay them in a straight line, walk alongside them and resurrect them into reality. I can believe in myself again.

The O & O Show

Straits Times - Dec 10, 2007

Welcome to the O & O show

Obama hopes Oprah's support will win him the Democratic ticket

DES MOINES (IOWA) - DEMOCRATIC presidential hopeful Barack Obama's campaign has rolled out talk show host Oprah Winfrey - one of the most influential women in the US - in a bid to win over female and black voters in key election states.

Winfrey brought a showbiz buzz to Mr Obama's campaign over the weekend, kicking off a three- state tour with a rousing speech to screaming fans who braved freezing weather to see her.

One of the biggest crowds so far in the 2008 race for president - some 18,500 people - crammed into a hall in Iowa on Saturday to hear Winfrey's firstever speech for a political candidate in an event dubbed the Double 'O' show by the media.

'I'm here to tell you, Iowa, he is the one,' the entertainment diva told the cheering crowd, some of whom screamed they wanted her as vice-president.

She urged voters to back Mr Obama's 'new vision' for the United States.

Winfrey's dramatic appearance helped underscore the high stakes in the first caucuses, which will be held on Jan3.

Running neck-and-neck in the polls here and unable to predict how voters will react to sharp clashes close to the holidays, Mr Obama and his rival for the Democratic nomination Hilary Rodham Clinton are campaigning furiously, with an emphasis on winning over female voters.

Clinging to her role as the national front runner, Mrs Clinton scrambled to match the Oprah moment by taking her 88-year-old mother, Mrs Dorothy Rodham, and Chelsea, 27, on the campaign trail at the weekend.

Neither had appeared publicly yet with the senator in her presidential bid.

The reluctant Chelsea Clinton's public emergence normally would have been big news, but it was a lastminute move that was overshadowed by hype surrounding Winfrey.

Mrs Clinton - pledging 'change across the generations' as she courted voters - all but conceded that Mr Obama's high-wattage events would dominate the weekend news.

Mr Obama's roadshow continued yesterday with a signature rally in South Carolina, a state where half the Democratic electorate, like him and Winfrey, is African-American.

Winfrey is viewed as one of the most influential entertainers in the world. Mr Obama hopes her millions of mainly female disciples will help him outpace Mrs Clinton, the first woman with a realistic chance of winning the White House.

But Winfrey's influence on politics is as yet untested. A USA Today/ Gallup Poll released in October found 8per cent of adults said her endorsement made them more likely to support Mr Obama, while 10per cent said it would make them less likely to back him.

In her speech, Winfrey said Mr Obama's stance as a candidate of change was more important than the perceived lack of political experience for which opponents such as Mrs Clinton criticise him.

'Experience in the hallways of government isn't as important to me as the experience on the pathway of life,' Winfrey said, citing the first-term Illinois senator's achievements outside Washington.

Many people at Saturday's event said Winfrey was largely the reason they attended. After she spoke, hundreds left, missing all or part of Mr Obama's speech.

Politics

The past few months have been a whirlwind journey of discovery and inner reflection – a reflection on the issues that threatens us as individuals and as societies joined together in a race for survival and national advancement.

I can’t say the same for certain countries, particularly one whose leaders are incapable of uniting its multi-racial people, with its blatant favouritism evidenced by its policies that advance only those belonging to its favoured group and incompetence in battling corruption among its leaders, people in power and authority who were elected to key appointments to advance the cause of the people they were meant to serve. How does a people pledge allegiance to a government that jeopardises social security by closing an eye to the evidential abuse of power in the ranks of authority? How does a people pledge allegiance to leaders who enter civil service to advance their personal interests?

Are lessons not meant to be learnt? Is a nation not to progress? Why then are we seeing regress, instead of progress, in a country which undoubtedly carries within it, men and women of outstanding calibre and extreme talent, men and women with charisma, bright minds and fiery passion?

Do we wait till the young people pack their bags to leave at the most opportune time, plant their roots in foreign shores, receive nourishment from foreign sources, take on the culture, education and identity of foreign lands because they have been far too malnourished in the bosom of their motherland?

There ought to be a new vision in the leadership – a vision that presents equality for all its citizens, a vision that sets social security as a high priority, a conviction that pushes through the influence of profiteers, nay-sayers and spin masters to present a daring truth that stands on the foundation of those that has gone before us, men and women who laid down their lives to secure the independence of the nation that all may progress, advance and carve a secure, bright, upright and prosperous future together.

Meet Barack Obama

See the man in action - see his hope, passion & life unfold in this 5-min video clip.

Barack Obama's campaign for presidency

Senator Barack Obama's campaign for presidency. Tell me if you don't feel his passion and heart for the people he's serving. Will he change the course of black history by being the first black president of the United States of America?

I may be no American,and I may have no business with American politics, who becomes president, etc. But I have a business to be challenged by the fact that history's about to change when the great nation of American could open up its political doors to a black man and potentially have him lead the American people from the platform of a power, influence and laedership.

Can you imagine the impact he's gonna make with his succesful election, not just in America, for the American people, but in the world, for the people of the world whose voices do not speak as loudly as their American counterparts.

Below are 3 videos from Barack's site:

1. Canvass for Change Rally at Des Moines, Iowa on 13 Oct 2007:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900881681/bclid900480414/bctid1243732338

2. Barack's speech at DePaul University, Chicago on 2 Oct 2007:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900881681/bclid900480414/bctid1214063150

3. Alice Walker speaks on Barack:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900881681/bclid900480414/bctid1201929195

Inspired for change

If your life is channelled towards doing something you are passionately driven by, the fruit of your labour will display an achievement so fulfilling, so impactful. -A.T.

I have always believed all things are possible. This belief is further enhanced by my discovery of Barack Obama's achievement in politics - a black American, a Senator for the State of Illinois, and a probable presidency candidate.

A review said thus: "If Barack Obama is successful in his quest to become President of the United States, he will dramatically change the face that his country presents to the world."

To learn a lil' more on Barack Obama, check out http://www.barackobama.com/about/

For a thorough read into his life and family history, read "Dreams from my Father". For his thoughts on American politics, read "The Audacity of Hope".

In God We Trust

Not much of a Christian testimony, but then again, we practice freedom of speech, don't we?

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From the 7th issue of asia! (2006). Written by its Editor, Lee Han Shih. Titled “In God We Trust”

“We hold these Truths to be self evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

These words were penned by Thomas Jefferson on July 4, 1776. But 230 years later, under George W. Bush, thse unalienable truths are totally subverted. Witness the wrongful arrest of Chinese American scientist Wen-Ho Lee, the imprisonment without trial of hundreds in Guantanamo Bay, the shabby treatment of people of Middle East origin, the invasion of Iraq on false pretenses, the anger aroused in the Islamic world, the powerful influence of the GOD lobby (Guns, Oil and Drugs) on Capitol Hill, the protests of top military officials against Bush’s war machine and its two chief proponents, Donald Rumsfeld and Condoleezza Rice. The legacy of George W. Bush will live on.

In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’ I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.”

As Asians ponder the implications of America’s 230th Independence Day on July 4, 2006, they should also remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was gunned down five years later. 33 years after his speech, his dream of a nation that does not judge its people by the colour of their skin remain as distant and unfulfilled as the day he mouthed it. This is Bush’s legacy.