George W's biggest success

I am in Chicago at the moment. Last night was an historic night for this city as it's Senator, Barack Obama was elected President of the USA. The first African American person to do so. I told my American friends that the world is cheering alongside America. Not because they really care about the fate of America or it's Economy although that does affect them. They don't care about the fact that he's not white. They are cheering because the world is a safer place without George W Bush and his administration in charge.

Of course, not everyone in the bar I was watching the results in was happy. There were some sore losers. Two cap wearing All-American jocks sat close to my celebrating group of friends. Looking angry and potentially violent. Hopelessly ignorant republican supporters, angrily spouting the propaganda from the election campaign. I had to laugh because unless they were incredibly rich men they will be better off under a Democratic administration.

Over the last two months I have been witnessing the drama of this election. Following it on the internet, watching the news and the constant barrage of advertising on TV. I have seen the people canvassing on the streets of Fort Lauderdale for both sides. Often shouting slogans at each other or insulting each others candidates. This election really captured the imagination of the people. Whatever side they were on they were determined to fight for their beliefs. George W Bush has done something amazing in America. By his war mongering, incompetence and pandering to his rich friends, he became so incredibly unpopular that he re-ignited a passion for politics in the American people. The kind of passion that makes governments nervous and keeps them, comparatively, honest. Barack Obama may be an inspirational speaker but without George W he would never have been elected president. He would not have been considered as a candidate. Thanks George, let's hope that the some of the mess you made can be cleaned up.

I can't imagine this happening in the UK. We have raised apathy to an art form. Voting is something old people do to get out of the house for an afternoon. Our train system is crap, our police have been deprived of their effectiveness, my Grandmother's pension goes down every year and our education standards are embarrassingly low. Do we care? No, we are having a good time. Another round Gordon? Why not? Lets get pissed.