The World is Watching

The last 24 hours saw some big blows to the McCain-Palin campaign.  John McCain's choice of Governor Palin's as running mate has been a source of criticism everywhere.  Ms. Palin's visit to SNL last night highlighted the Tina Fey's acclaimed sketches.  So funny and somehow, so inspired by reality.  Alaska's Governer was later described by General Collin Powell as:

Image via Reuters

"She's a very distinguished woman, and she's to be admired. But at the same time, now that we have had a chance to watch her for some seven weeks, I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president," he said. "And so that raised some question in my mind as to the judgment that Sen. McCain made."

during an interview on NBC's Meet the Press. 

Image via AP

The USA has the largest economy in the World.  It is also the largest democracy and it champions free market.  Americans are rich and have the most sophisticated institutions.  They have attracted the largest pool of talent from everywhere and are the biggest driver of inovation.  Most Americans I know are simply great people.  And besides certain lifestyle variations, Americans live pretty much like we do here, North of the border.

Of course, Canadians and Americans are good neighbors and great friends.  But they are also different.  Canadians don't take (in general) as many risks as Americans.  They also do not have the same sweet spot when it comes to finding the right the balance between individual satisfaction and collective well being.

Canada is a country with a small population, just a few million souls shy of  California's.  It does not have a powerful military.  Like in the US, the majority of the Canadian population is Christian, and share those values.  The living standards are alike, with the US population having a slightly higher average income and lower prices (except for over inflated real estate).  Canada has universal medicare coverage.

Why do I write all of this? Because I'm thinking out loud, as I'm trying to understand why Canada, USA's best friend, is seen by many foreign populations as being one of  the moderate forces in the World, with the authority to influence and help others peacefully.  Meanwhile our best buddy from the South is often pictured as the big bad kid who bullies everyone in the schoolyard.

Of course, the last 8 years did not help.  But the perception of Americans throughout the World is being hammered even more these days with events like the recent Wall Street debacle and the cheap shots filled Republican presidential campaign.

America plays an important role in World politics and this in itself will necessarily generate adversity.  But if the American People could unite behind serious politics and treat other countries with respect (this doesn't mean that it cannot do it firmly), it could help get its aura back.

All I can say is that if  Mr. McCain wins the November 4, 2008 elections and for any reason Ms. Palin becomes President, then the rest of the World would have motives to question the American People's collective wisdom.  Let's put it this way, it would be like asking a junior high school hockey player to go straight to the NHL.

Mr. Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama today may be the first step towards eliminating the need to buy a maple leaf kit for American college backpacking travelers.

Image via MSNBC