I can't vote in Tuesday's presidential election in the US but if I could, my vote would go to Mitt Romney.
Why?
Well, on the economy, I just think that Obama really doesn't understand America or Americans. All those Americans that I have ever met are aspirational. They look at the (failed) European social model and say ' that's not for us, that's not the American way'. This isn't restricted to WASPs or successful professionals, Americans want success and view it, not as something to be despised but to be admired.
On foreign affairs, what has Obama achieved? Okay, so he got the Nobel Peace Prize. Hmmm! I can't help thinking that that was some kind of tokenism from the Norwegians! Otherwise, what? His softly softly approach with Iran? How has that worked out? All indications are, that Iran has used the last four years to advance its nuclear capabilities - and I mean its military capabilities. Africa? A much vaunted visit to Egypt and a big speech in Cairo, doesn't really cut it (especially since his Cairo speech seems to have fallen on deaf ears). Asia Pacific? Well he upset some Europeans when he told them that the future defence focus would be on the Pacific rather than Atlantic but then he proceeded to allow China to run rampant and bully its way through the South China Sea, with America abandoning its allies long the way.
Energy? All that talk about 'alternative sources' and renewable energy'. Net result? Dubious dealings with companies that can only survive on US government backing.
Unemployment? However you cut the numbers, employment is at the same level as when he took office. How's that pump-priming working out? What happened to all of those 'shovel-ready projects' that were just crying out for government (as in US taxpayer) money?
Deficit? Need I say anything?
So that's Obama then. What about Romney?
Well, firstly he offers a change and, something that Obama doesn't - a way forward that isn't another wasted four years.
On the economy - tax cuts - that is similar to Obama's quantitative easing but instead of just printing money and bailing out banks, puts the money into the pockets of the US taxpayer. Or more accurately, doesn't take it out, in the first place! It isn't just that 'trickle down' works, it's how do you get money being spent in local businesses - by individuals or by federal or state governments?
Foreign Affairs? Has a no nonsense approach to Iran. Unequivocal. Will not let Iran obtain a nuclear military capacity. That clarity alone should win him the election! His stance on China and their managed currency rates as well as their other trade policies are very encouraging.
Healthcare - repeal of Obamacare will remove an additional tax from ordinary people and give people freedom. Take a look at social healthcare systems like the failing British NHS - is that really what Americans want? A vast beast with an insatiable hunger for more and more money?
Energy - Would promote an energy policy that realistically approaches energy independence. So, doesn't exclude offshore continental shelf deposits and allows the Keystone pipeline from Canada. Doesn't exclude 'alternative' energies but makes them compete, fairly.
So, Romney for change and hope, Obama for a slide towards the chaos and despair that is Greece.
Why?
Well, on the economy, I just think that Obama really doesn't understand America or Americans. All those Americans that I have ever met are aspirational. They look at the (failed) European social model and say ' that's not for us, that's not the American way'. This isn't restricted to WASPs or successful professionals, Americans want success and view it, not as something to be despised but to be admired.
On foreign affairs, what has Obama achieved? Okay, so he got the Nobel Peace Prize. Hmmm! I can't help thinking that that was some kind of tokenism from the Norwegians! Otherwise, what? His softly softly approach with Iran? How has that worked out? All indications are, that Iran has used the last four years to advance its nuclear capabilities - and I mean its military capabilities. Africa? A much vaunted visit to Egypt and a big speech in Cairo, doesn't really cut it (especially since his Cairo speech seems to have fallen on deaf ears). Asia Pacific? Well he upset some Europeans when he told them that the future defence focus would be on the Pacific rather than Atlantic but then he proceeded to allow China to run rampant and bully its way through the South China Sea, with America abandoning its allies long the way.
Energy? All that talk about 'alternative sources' and renewable energy'. Net result? Dubious dealings with companies that can only survive on US government backing.
Unemployment? However you cut the numbers, employment is at the same level as when he took office. How's that pump-priming working out? What happened to all of those 'shovel-ready projects' that were just crying out for government (as in US taxpayer) money?
Deficit? Need I say anything?
So that's Obama then. What about Romney?
Well, firstly he offers a change and, something that Obama doesn't - a way forward that isn't another wasted four years.
On the economy - tax cuts - that is similar to Obama's quantitative easing but instead of just printing money and bailing out banks, puts the money into the pockets of the US taxpayer. Or more accurately, doesn't take it out, in the first place! It isn't just that 'trickle down' works, it's how do you get money being spent in local businesses - by individuals or by federal or state governments?
Foreign Affairs? Has a no nonsense approach to Iran. Unequivocal. Will not let Iran obtain a nuclear military capacity. That clarity alone should win him the election! His stance on China and their managed currency rates as well as their other trade policies are very encouraging.
Healthcare - repeal of Obamacare will remove an additional tax from ordinary people and give people freedom. Take a look at social healthcare systems like the failing British NHS - is that really what Americans want? A vast beast with an insatiable hunger for more and more money?
Energy - Would promote an energy policy that realistically approaches energy independence. So, doesn't exclude offshore continental shelf deposits and allows the Keystone pipeline from Canada. Doesn't exclude 'alternative' energies but makes them compete, fairly.
So, Romney for change and hope, Obama for a slide towards the chaos and despair that is Greece.
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