Barack Obama in Berlin: A Black Woman Speaks!

After listening to Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama yesterday, and then hearing the negative responses to his speech, I could not help but wonder why.

The fact that some would question his and his campaign's decision to seize the moment and speak to the world in Berlin to a crowd of hundreds of thousands about America's place, his love of country and how we have to work together in a global context to succeed TOGETHER is interesting.

In 1991 when President George W. Bush, Sr spoke about the idea of a "New Order Of The Ages," or "New World Order" and the importance of uniting and working together, the very same people who now chastise Mr. Obama for reaching across boundaries, applauded. They thought and still believe that President Bush, Sr was the greatest thing since sliced bread. So why is the response to global unity presented by Obama so differently received? Could it be the skin they're in?

Then I thought about the fundamental concept built around our US Dollar and monetary system. In the middle of the almighty dollar is a pyramid with a "third eye" and the words "novus ordo seclorum" or "New Order of The Ages" which reaffirms the fact that as a nation we acknowledge our principals while embracing our role in global affairs. To look at the state of our economy, planet and world societies and not see that we are all inter-connected is a truly amazing mindset to have. Corporations, banks and environmental economies in America are affected by conditions in an entirely "unrelated" part of the globe. Have we become so ego-centric that we actually believe we can survive without others? The next time a company lay-off happens and jobs get moved overseas, perhaps that will remind us of the global eco-system we currently live and compete in. When Anheuser Busch (Budweiser Beer) recently sold it's interests to Belgium's In Bev, did we not feel the move at home?

In response to the Busch 52 Billion Dollar takeover, InBev's Brazilian CEO, Carlos Brito commented, "When I look at other American companies that have done this before -- like McDonald's, like Pepsi, like Coke, like Frito-Lays, so many companies that have expanded abroad -- I'm very excited."

To better hammer this point across, we must understand that in spite of it all, we are a growing "minority" workforce and population in the world as other areas of the world like: Asia account for over 60% of the world population with almost 3800 million people. The People's Republic of China and India alone comprising 20% and 17% respectively. Africa following with 840 million people, 12% of the world population. Europe's 710 million people making up 11% of the world's population and North America home to 514 million (8%), South America to 371 million (5.3%), and Australia 21 million.

Do we not understand that in order to co-exist in this growing world and world powers, we must learn to reach out to others - while maintaining our love for country? The question then becomes, would it have made a difference if this speech had been given by George W. Bush, Sr?

Barack Obama stood in front of the world yesterday and carved a niche for himself in World history while attempting to offer an olive branch, set a stage for dialogue and of course bolster his position as a presidential candidate. Overall, what happened yesterday was a moment when the American ideals of "Liberty and Justice For All" as well as "Free Speech" was celebrated as the cornerstone of what makes our country the beacon of hope to many. We are Americans first but yes, we are also "Citizens of The World."

Viva America, respect to humankind and let's REMEMBER the ideals that brought and kept our ancestors on these shores - "from sea to shining sea!"