The USA is currently immersed in its most exciting electoral campaign in recent history, and we’re still nine months away from knowing who will be the next President, and by designation, the most powerful leader in the world.
The Democrats are odds-on to bag the post, with both Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama a welcome and worthy change from current incumbent George W. Bush, arguably the worst US President ever. Barack Obama is especially exhilarating the voting public, with his infectious message of hope and change.
If I were American, he would definitely be my choice, but alas I’m not, and have no say in this. And really, why shouldn’t I? In such an age of globalisation, and with “it’s a small world after all” ringing in my head as I write this, why shouldn’t I be able to have my truly effective and democratic say in who leads the world?
Why shouldn’t we, the wider world, be given the chance to at least in part determine our future? Does the geographical fortuitousness that bestows upon Americans their citizenship detract from the worthiness of global citizens who live elsewhere?
I am obviously not advocating that we should have an equal say in this; every nation does of course have its right to self-determination. Yet how noble would the USA be to give a voice to other nations. It would really stand on high moral ground if it acknowledged that due to its great power and hence responsibility, it had a duty to listen and take note of otherly concerns. This could perhaps even be a prelude to some form of world government, which it is hoped would end the possibility of nuclear carnage once and for all.
Just imagine if the world had the equivalence of a voting state in the 2000 election. Although it was Al Gore who garnered the most votes nation-wide, George W Bush won the election because he was successful in his dubious challenge of a few votes in court. Had we had a vote though, perhaps we could have nipped President Yee-hah in the bud, and wouldn’t be in this mess we’re in. Yet until such Utopia comes to be, all we can do is hope that US voters consistently elect a leader responsible enough not to harbour and act upon selfish and destructive imperialist ambitions, and instead choose one who at least tries to make this a better and just world. And hope is always last to die.
Mark Sciriha is a former editor of The Insiter and is currently completing the final year of his LLD degree