John vs Barak: A choice from Ukraine

An editorial called “An Obama presidency” states  “Whoever wins, Ukraine will have a friend in the White House” in the last “Kyiv post”.  It is common view in Ukraine and I couldn’t agree more. Nevertheless, I want to find a broader prospective.

Tthe global world has only one superpower – United States of America. We have seen that in global economic crisis. We have also seen that through major decisions taken by a democratic world in last couple of decades. To tell the truth, any major initiative has little chance to become truly global without US support (remember about Kioto protocol). Obviously, the way America goes after the election is going to affect every country.  

All three rounds of presidential debates were exciting. So exciting, that I have imagined  my own debates with two prominent speakers.  I became Jim Lehrer and other TV guys. Here is a result of my imagination:

Lyubomyr:  Nice to meet you gentlemen. John. Barak.

 Tonight we have two major blocks to discuss: domestic policy and international affairs. After each block I will provide my comments on your ideas.

Please be aware that any direct critics of the opponent will be excluded from my report. The same rule applies to general political answers, we don’t want to hear that. Please be as specific as possible.  Use bullet points expressed in a clear way. You may jump from one point to another without going into the details. Transitions and general linking phrases are not neccessary.

 At the end of the discussion you will get a chance to express general ideas and talk about your motivation to become the President of the United Sattes. Those last words will be published without any comments.

John: OK

Barak: Ok

Lyubomyr: Let us start with domestic policies. Please list your key priorities in economy.

John:  I will cut taxes for everyone. We need to stop spending and I know how to do it. Our first priority is to get houses value back. Energy independence is important.

Barak: I will provide tax cuts middle class. 95% of working Americans will receive tax breaks. We need to focus on jobs, I will provide tax credit for company’s creating jobs in USA. We need to fix energy problem, fix health care, invest in education. Big problem is deregulation, market is not that efficient.

Lyubomyr: Let us give some more details about the most vital thing, about the tax policy

Johh: I have 52 billions in tax cuts for economy. Seniors will receive tax breaks. Our business tax is second highest in the world.

 I will help Joe, the plumber, by providing 50% tax breaks to small businesses.

Barak: I have 60 billion in tax cuts for middle class. 95% of American families will receive tax cuts.  In fact, If you make less than 250 000 a year you will not see a single dime of new taxes.

Nobody likes taxes.  Ultimately we need some taxes for  the investment. Rich people and corporations have to pay a little bit more.

Lyubomyr: Please be more specific about your attitude to spending.

Jonh: We need to cut spending. I know how to do it, I have fought agaist spending.

I would have, first of all, across-the-board spending freeze. Particularly, we will look into some military contracts.

Barak: We do need a scalpel instead of hatchet to spending programs. I make sure we focus on the programs that work.

Lyubomyr: How are you going to solve energy problem ?

John: We have to stop sending 700 billions a year to the countries that don’t like us very much. Imported oil is a national security issue. We can drill offshore and we can drill right now.

We need to build  45 nuclear plants in America. Nuclear  power is safe and clean. And it creates hundred thousand of jobs.

Barak: Energy – we have to deal with it today. If I become a President,  in 10 years we will free from energy dependence.

No longer borrowing 700 billions a year  from China and sending them to Saudi Arabia.

If we create new economy we got to invest in solar, wind. Nuclear energy is only part of that.

We have 3% of reserves and we use 25% of world’s oil. Everyone of us should start thinking about the way we may save energy in our homes. We need to use fuel efficient cars. We will create green jobs.

Lyubomyr: How about health care ?

John: We got to leave choice for American people in choosing insurance. I will provide 5000 refundable tax credit.

Barak: I make sure that we have a health care system that allows for everyone to have basic coverage. If you have health insurance, then you don't have to do anything. If you don't have health insurance, then we provide you the option of buying it from the federal pool.

Lyubomyr: Gentlemen, I would like to briefly comment on your proposals, before we proceed to the international affairs.

First of all, we understand that domestic policy was the most important block.  It is a key to the presidency..

 Speaking about taxes, equal attitude always seems more honest to me. I don’t understand why I should pay more if I had work harder. Neither Joe, the plumber, does by the way. In fact, if I am simply smarter than other guy, why does  a government make us equal ?

 Think about the situation where I make 270 000 a year before tax. Then, after taxation my net income becomes 250 000, the same as  another guy’s income, who makes 250 000 and pays no tax. What is my incentive to work harder ?  I believe that America is about reward for hard work. Iit should never not become follow Sweden, in trying to take away money from the best citizens. .

 And more thing – market might not be 100% efficient, but it is certainly much more efficient than any governmental control. So, Barak you have to be very careful and very specific while speaking of more government regulation in economy.

Secondly, I want to comment on spending attitudes. John, Let us be honest here – you cannot just say that all spending can be stopped. It just never happens. 

On the other  hand, spending does needs significant and fast reform. Barak, if you analyze the programs – you’d better make it a top priority.

Third, it is the energy problem. Barak, I am impressed with your attitude and I give you all my support in this issue.  The whole world thrives for a new  dramatic change in energy consumption. In my opinion, the way out of energy trap for Americans starts in energy saving by every household and continues in investing in alternative powers.

Guys, I will not comment on health care, because I don’t understand much about it.

Thus, it means we are done with major internal issues. Now, please state you most important priorities in foreign policy of United States of America:

Barak:

 I don’t understand how we ended up invading  country which had nothing to do  with 9/11

We need direct talk not only with our allies but with our enemies

We need to see things around the corner, anticipate things before they challenges happen

We need some additional troops in Afganistan

Doubling Piece Corps

Mobilize international community and lead

We must bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end

Restore trust to America in the world. This is our moment to renew the trust and faith of our people -- and all people -- in an America that battles immediate evils, promotes an ultimate good, and leads the world once more.

John:

 You don’t sit down to talk with our enemies without preoccupations

Iran is the threat to the whole middle East

Afganistan:  We need go out and secure and allow people live normal life.

We will bring our troops with honor and victory, not with defeat.

I looked in Putin’s eyes and I saw 3 letters “KGB”

We got to show moral support to Ukraine and advocate their way to NATO

Ukraine and Georgia are gateways of energy to Europe

USA is a greatest force of good in the world.

We have to temper our abilities.

 I know tough situations; I have been in them all the time.

Lyubomyr: John, thank you for mentioning Ukraine. I also know that you have visited Ukraine many times and view our country as a major partner to US.

 However, I deeply am upset with your attitude to foreign affairs. You sound exactly like George Bush. The true is that his international policy failed.  America became very aggressive  nation in the eyes of the world.

John, you miss the main thing: America need to restore trust as a leader of the free world. It is more effectively done by peaceful policies and programs like Piece Corp, not by being a tough guy.  I am glad, Barak understands this key point – restore trust to American leadership.

Guys, now  your final words about your motivation and reasons for you to become the President of United Sates of America.

John: Times are tough. When times are tough, we need a steady hand at the tiller and the great honor of my life was to always put my country first.

I have a clear record of serving to American people. I asked American people for one more chance to serve them.

Barak: I know that I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the fact that this country gave me opportunity.

American people understand Bush’s policy did not work and America needs to go in the a new direction.

We need fundamental change. That's the reason I decided to run for president, and I'm hopeful that all of you are prepared to continue this extraordinary journey that we call America.

Lyubomyr: Thank you Jonh. Tnank you Barak. That concludes our tonight’s debate. I believe each of you deserves to become the President of the United States of America.

Jonh : Goodbye.

Barak: Goodbye.

 

In conclusion, I admit seeing huge civilization crisis at the start of the new century. The boundless consumerism, energy waste and constant living in dept are passing away.

The strongest challenges of global world require new leadership and new ideas. While John McCain looks like a nice honest guy for me, Barak  Obama demonstrates a clear potential to lead new America in reshaping the values. In fact, If the polls are right, Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States.  And I hope he succeeds in White House.

As for Ukrainian interest, clearly, Ukraine benefits from the effective United States policies, the same way, as the rest of the world does.

 

 

 

Comments

[Sofiya Huzenko]

An interesting analysis. However, my personal view is that both democrats and republicans in the US are financed by the same people, and will implement the policies that go along with the interests of those people. All the rest is a play of democracy for the masses.