SMS: Obama makes history

Tue, 11/11/2008 10:51 AM  |  Readers Forum

Your comments on the victory of Democrat Barack Obama as the first black president of the United States, defeating Republican John MaCain in the recent election.

President-elect Obama being black is incidental to his being intelligent, first. This signals to everyone that the days of drivel and pap for politics is over.

Indonesia knows this, too. It's adopted son will soon be president.
ERIC S.
Jakarta

I think as the new president, one of Obama's most important tasks will be to restore the American image on the global stage.

For the past eight years, the international community has come to know the dark side of the world's most powerful country.
RICHA AGUSTINA
Metro, Lampung

We don't know yet about him because he hasn't done anything for America -- and moreover for the rest of the world. We can wait to see what he will do. I hope he can make a better world in peace and not only take sides with Israel.
AICHA
Pekalongan, Central Java

Obama's victory means there's hope for minorities, and now the world knows that the capability of an individual is not determined by his/her skin color.
TAMMY
Depok, West Java

Obama's win shows there is equal opportunities for white and black people in the U.S.. They have the same rights and the same obligations.
DESI ERNAWATI
Metro, Lampung

I hope that his policies will not harm any countries, including Indonesia, where he spent his childhood.
DESTY AMINAH
Metro, Lampung

Our House of Representatives members praise unproven Barack and mock G.W. Bush, but they don't see themselves, ruining this country with their own corrupt behavior.
DAVID AURELIUS
Jakarta

I don't understand why I felt so relieved to learn he won the presidency -- as though I were an American.

He has the charm that we have been waiting for in a leader. Congratulations Barry! I pray for your decent presidency. The world waits.
SUTOYO
Depok, West Java

Obama's victory means his confidence has taken him to the top, showing the world that anyone can be a president.

One of my students was inspired and hoped he could be the next president of Indonesia. For myself, it means I have more of an opportunity to visit America because Obama has promised he will respect Islamic countries. Hopefully, Obama will not discriminate against Muslims in issuing visas.

Yes We can!
DULI MUHLIS MUNAWAR
Depok, West Java

You know, I know Obama had mixed parentage; his mother and his maternal grandmother are white, and they are the ones who raised him, so the credit should go to these two white women.

Forget his Kenyan roots, it has nothing to do with him.
SJELINE
Jakarta

Congratulations on his becoming president of the United States. His mixed-race families, his childhood exposure to plurality and the hard life of people in Jakarta, combined with his intelligence and compassionate feelings toward common people will make him a great president who respects differences, cares for the needy and loves peace.

When he has accomplished all of this, which I believe he can, it will be a victory for me and the world.
ALESSANDRA TRIA
Surabaya

Obama's victory teaches the world not to be blind to the variety in it. It makes me believe in hope when people put us down. Obama is a teacher who can teach us how to live in this hard world.
MONICA
Jakarta

Obviously, common sense has won over stupid racial hatred and different cultural backgrounds. Obama and the American people must use this opportunity to make things better for them and the rest of the world.

Is it wishful thinking to hope other countries and their peoples (including Indonesia) will learn from this and possibly follow?
PETER
Jakarta

It is the world's victory: a historic moment like when the first man landed on the moon.

It shows that we can achieve anything if we put our mind to it.
ANDOKO DARTA
Jakarta

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