Obama In Turkey – An Exercise in Cross-Cultural Awareness April 15, 2009

Over the past week, President Barack Obama was up to quite a lot. He had a few things on his plate – the G20 Summit, a speech directed at nuclear non-proliferation, a meeting in Turkey with political, religious, and future leaders, approving his kid’s new dog, etc. You can read more about Obama’s busy schedule in the article I wrote entitled, “A Busy Busy Obama.”

Through all the excitement something struck me that goes to the heart of why Obama will be a GREAT president. During his town hall with Turkish university students he mentioned that he wanted to finish the town hall before the Call to Prayer. Check it out at 3 minutes and 20 seconds (3:20) into this video.



Why does this grip me so? Well, a few years ago I did a seminar/presentation on cross-cultural understanding in the business world. The whole presentation centered around a simulated business meeting, where one group had to do business with another. One group however was deeply religious and had something similar to the Call to Prayer they had to do.

During this simulation everything went well, and business was looking good except for when the religious group realized the people they were dealing with were insensitive to their religious beliefs. And to be fair, the other group wasn’t really privy to such general but detailed information. (I withheld such information, and only told the non-religious group that the people they would be dealing with are very socially conservative and deeply religious.)

Both groups asked me how I would have dealt with such a situation. I told them I would have done my research concerning the others’ religious faith and customs. The moment I read, “deeply religious,” in my briefing report I would have asked follow up questions. I told the group I would have vocalized and stated that I was aware of their “call to prayer.” This little step would have made all the difference during the initial negotiations.

Acknowledging these cultural characteristics, even in a lip-service way shows, at least, that you are aware to some degree of the difference in the room. From that point on people know that you know about them, and can feel that you are taking everything into account.

By acknowledging the Call to Prayer Obama showed that he was culturally sensitive to the people he was engaging. If Obama shows this level of thought and sensitivity to another people, something tells me his policies are not fly-by-night suggestions.

Peace

A Busy Busy Obama April 1, 2009

So, in his first couple of months and what has he done…? Well, how about leading an effort to spend trillions (check out my article on big numbers, if you can’t count this high – I know I had some trouble) of dollars of tax payer money to help boost the U.S. economy, lay out plans to tackle the housing market, propose a budget outline of historic proportions, re-organize a broken financial sector, and oh, all but nationalize an American icon. Guess what, he’s not done yet. President Barack Obama is now on an international trip that will see him visit the G-20 Summit in order to bolster international support for solutions to the ailing global economy; he’ll meet with leaders who at one point or another had it in for the United States, as well as those who love and support us; and he might even give us a great speech as he ends his visit in Turkey (that is just my speculation). Is this guy for real? I think after his first 100 days, he will have laid the groundwork for a historic presidency, and a change to U.S. political and societal culture that will take us into the next generation. (If you couldn’t guess I support him.)

I just want to say that people need to get their acts together because this brotha ain’t showin’ up on colored peoples time. Presidents and CEOs beware, he will do what it takes to get the economy going. That said, if you honestly work with him, he will work with you. Remember, he is one of the rich guys as well. Case in point of this proactive attitude, he “nudged” out the president of GM. Some may say this is a dangerous precedent. I say, if you can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen. The auto industry, more than any other, fuels the U.S. economy and job market. From car makers to part suppliers it touches everything. It can’t fail, and Obama knows that. He needs to worry about this. Whether bank CEOs get bonuses or not is small peanuts compared to if GM lives or dies. Bernacke and Geithner will see to the banks. And with all the authority they’ve been granted to oversee the financial system – no worries mate. The auto industry is entirely different. No czars there, so Obama has to be the czar.

At first I was a bit skeptical and wondering if he was going too far, but I realize his vision of what government can do is different, and sorely needed. He sees government as being an engine of creation that when used wisely, responsibly, and proactively can cause good things to happen. The big thing, which I hope happens, is people have to believe and not be afraid. We have to shed the old paradigms and muster the will to believe. If people do that, everything will be okay. Maybe we are seeing what smarter government can look like, at least coming from the Executive Branch. Now only if Congress can follow suit.

Read up on Obama’s deals, and politics in general via the New York Times politics section. This is just where I start. Please follow-up if you have the time. And most of all, ask questions, and demand answers.

Peace

Buy American Clause Not So Bad March 8, 2009

So as I’ve been following the recent downturn in the world economy, and paying a special note to the blame being given to the United States for being the cause of this bleak situation. I guess turnabout is fair play. I mean, U.S. leaders try to dictate to the rest of the world how it should act, and we often play the blame game, so I guess it’s our turn. We took some stupid risks, and now everything is messed up…Sorry. I would like to hear more concrete solutions than blame, but what do you expect it’s human nature, right?

Within this time of note, I’ve been paying particular attention to how this new administration is going about things. President Obama and his team seem to be trying to get the U.S. back in shape, not only for the short term, but for the long term. This brings me to the subject of this post.

In the new stimulus package, that was recently signed into law, there is this little clause headed, “Buy American – Sec. 1605. Use of American Iron, Steel, and Manufactured Goods.” This little clause seems to be getting all the attention, as it apparently rings of protectionism towards U.S. industries. Interestingly enough, since this whole global downturn started many countries seem to implementing “protectionist” policies. From Sarkosy looking to help French automakers by floating them money to Russia raising tariffs on imported cars to India restricting certain ‘made in China’ products from entering its nation, the protectionist swing is going on, and it seems to be the hippest move.

Okay, back to the ‘Buy American’ clause. I don’t know what the problem is? If you read the whole thing, it’s really not that bad. Check it out:

BUY AMERICAN
SEC. 1605. USE OF AMERICAN IRON, STEEL, AND MANUFACTURED
GOODS.
(a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be used for a project for the construction,
alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public
work unless all of the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used
in the project are produced in the United States.
(b) Subsection
(a) shall not apply in any case or category
of cases in which the head of the Federal department or agency
involved finds that—
(1) applying subsection
(a) would be inconsistent with the
public interest;
(2) iron, steel, and the relevant manufactured goods are
not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably
available quantities and of a satisfactory quality; or
(3) inclusion of iron, steel, and manufactured goods produced
in the United States will increase the cost of the overall
project by more than 25 percent.
(c) If the head of a Federal department or agency determines
that it is necessary to waive the application of subsection (a) based
on a finding under subsection (b), the head of the department
or agency shall publish in the Federal Register a detailed written
justification as to why the provision is being waived.
(d) This section shall be applied in a manner consistent with
United States obligations under international agreements.

The heading is all tough and protectionista like, but the actual body of the clause sings a different (at least in my opinion). First of all, this clause is referring to PUBLIC BUILDINGS OR PUBLIC WORKS. The private sector can do whatever it wants, and if a project is found to be INCONSISTENT WITH THE PUBLIC INTEREST things can change. Not convinced that this leaves the door open for foreign competition, well how about if the manufactured product you want is in short supply, too expensive, or just downright sucks? You can opt for an alternative. Oh, and to top this all off this clause states that it SHALL BE APPLIED IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH UNITED STATES OBLIGATIONS UNDER INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS.

Can I get some relief, and some calm? Of course any project manager that wants to waive this clause so he/she is not in violation of U.S. law, will need to put everything in writing (small price to pay…okay more paperwork – say it…Bigger Government!).

Maybe what the Obama administration is trying to do is motivate U.S. industries to raise their product quality, while making sure things remain fiscally sound. Again, this is pertaining to public projects, so maybe Obama is trying to make the Federal Government fiscally sound?

Personally I think the central government should use homemade products. I would take it as a source of great pride to know that my tax dollars when to the construction of a building that uses quality American goods, produced by my fellow citizenry.

So this doesn’t pertain to fuel, cars (unless built for government use), homes, cotton, food, etc (at least that’s how I interpret it). If China can spend billions upgrading it’s physical infrastructure, and encourage its population to buy Chinese made goods, why can’t we do the same?

In any case, I hope the global community doesn’t get in too much of a huff (I might be too late on that one) over the ‘Buy American’ clause. It’s not as tough as people have been making it out to be.

Peace

Recklessness, or Will to Succeed? March 5, 2009

In these first months of Barack Obama’s presidency we have seen him take his campaign rhetoric to the Oval Office. He has lobbied for his programs and seems to be using his mandate given by the American people to do what he believes is necessary to improve the status of the United States. One might say enacting a huge measures that target areas for stimulus, but also lay foundations for future stability, plus tackling the financial sector, the housing market, budgetary deficits, and now health care is a reckless venture into the unknown – he’s doing too much at once. I disagree with those pessimists.

I would say Obama is exercising the will to succeed that has defined great U.S. American Presidents, and the country as a whole. I simply ask, “Why can’t we ‘fix’ the healthcare system to work for everyone? Why can’t Wall Street work for ‘Main Street’ without destroying it; there is such a thing as healthy risk taking? Why can’t we remain the most robust economy on the Earth – a superpower; and at the same time not ostracize the world at large?” I think this is how Obama thinks. Instead of always saying, “That’s not possible,” he’s saying, “Why can’t we…!”

Isn’t that what we want from our leaders? Of course we want them to have thoughtful dialogue and not be overbearing demagogues, but we at least want them to exude a confidence that shows they have the will to succeed.

If you look at the United States objectively (just try); it has a wealth of natural resources (either in low amounts or great amounts); it has ample open land which can be use to feed its own population, and have bounties leftover for others; it has been the home to great innovations (believe it or not the car was invented in the U.S.); it is home to some of the greatest universities and think tanks on the planet (Harvard, MIT, UC-Berkeley, The Brookings Institution, the American Enterprise Institute, etc.); major industries from film to finance, movies to motors, energy to environmental have bases of action within it’s borders; some of the wealthiest people in the world reside within her borders, and don’t seem to want to leave; I could keep going.

Yes, the epicenter of the global recession we are in is the United States, but what would one expect when so many entities large and small rely on this nation? If the U.S. sneezes then everyone catches a cold, or even the flue. We were foolish in our spending habits, and reckless in trying to make our visions realities. Transparency was anything but; regulations were on permanent vacation; and greed was the order of the day. That said, the drunken party seemed to extend to nations far and near. Some stayed sober, but some did not. They hold some of the fault. But let’s just place the blame where it started – The U.S. We’re adults and can handle our responsibility.

Now looking at all those positives, and the current amount of negatives, why should any leader with an ounce of confidence and ability be pessimistic in the U.S.’s ability to get out of the current quagmire and back on firm ground that will carry it, and the world into the future? Because one thing is for certain, take the U.S. out of the global economy and who is ready to replace it?

I will continue to watch, listen, read, and where necessary criticize Obama and his lofty ambitions, but I will never let my support wane because I know he is saying, “Why can’t we…,” and that means, at least to me anyway, he has the will to succeed, and believes the United States does as well.

Peace

Hail to President Obama!! January 20, 2009

It is official, so let’s start saying, President Obama!! I like the sound of that. I’ll keep this short and sweet (for now). Here’s a link to the full text of his speech as provided by The New York Times Online (the photo comes from them as well). Later I will post the full text, along with embedded video of his speech. For now, read the prophetic call to arms, and humble at this moment in history. It is time to take our place in history, as a generation that rose to meet and conquer the challenges of our time.

Peace

A History In Great Speeches – Part III – Then Came Iowa January 12, 2009

In the next installation leading up to the inauguration lets revisit Iowa. On January 3rd Barack Obama won out over John Edwards and Hillary Clinton, thus sending a signal that he was going to be a force during the primaries. Hillary came back in New Hampshire, and throughout the rest of the primary season showed the grit and determination that makes her who she is. That said, here’s Barack in Iowa. Paving the way for his ultimate victory in November.

Peace



To view the first part of this series, click here.
To view part II of this series, click here.

Letters to Leaders – Obama January 6, 2009

In reviewing some headlines I figured on writing to the incoming president. Of course that prompted me to put the letter on my blog, so I figured why not just make a page out of it and continue to update it. Here’s the first. Some will be hard criticism, but hopefully many will be more cheerful praise. We’ll see. Anyway, check out the first one.

Peace

A History In Great Speeches – Part II – Springfield 2007 January 4, 2009

It was official. On a chilly afternoon in Springfield, Illinois Barack Obama announced that he was going to officially run for President of the United States of America. With over 15,000 onlookers it was a moment in history that will be looked back upon as defining. Let’s relive that moment just a bit.



Peace

To view Part I of this collection, click here.

A History In Great Speeches – Part I – The 2004 Democratic National Convention November 17, 2008

It all started back in 2004 when then Junior Senator Barack Obama, from Illinois, gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention (FYI – If you buy the latest printing of his book “Dreams from My Father” you can get the text of the speech). A hair raising speech that articulated his life, the message of the Democratic Party, and what would come to be his message throughout his future campaign. I was not alive at the time, but I imagine this is how people who witnessed JFK’s rise and development on the national political scene must have felt. Check out the first in a series of posts that documents Barack Obama’s key speeches as a sort of lineage. Of course, now that he is to become the 44th President of the United States of America, his actions will be louder than his words, but if his speeches can give any indication of his intentions then I think we are in safe hands.

Ad Agency McCain Campaign 2008 August 2, 2008

I support Barack Obama, but I can admit when he and his campaign have stepped over the line. This week he brought race into the campaign. I have little problem with that as long as he keeps it on general terms and does his homework before making accusations. The McCain campaign has said nothing about race, and Obama gave them the red carpet treatment in talking about how Bush and McCain will try to scare U.S. American voters away from voting for him because his name sounds “funny” and he is black. While I agree that the overall Republican machine will do this, Bush and McCain have said nothing the like. Barack better watch himself.

That said, the ads by the McCain campaign are way overboard and absolutely ridiculous. You can see them at the John McCain for President website. The McCain campaign needs some serious help if that is what they are going to produce. How could anyone even put Barack Obama, former Chief Editor of the Harvard Law Review, in the same sentence as Britney Spears and Paris Hilton (the celebs have even said they wanted nothing to do with this election)? How about “The One” ad where Obama is supposed to be Moses…and that factually inaccurate ad about Obama not visiting troops while in Europe because he couldn’t take in news cameras…I can’t underscore enough the pathetic ridiculousness of these ads. I’m embarrassed to say I volunteered for McCain back in 2000. At least at that time he really stood for something.

Obama has his faults, but McCain is pathetic, and if the voters of the United States of America want crap executive leadership for another 4 years to (God forbid) 8 years then they should vote for McCain. If they are smart they will take that “risk” and vote for Obama. America was built on a risk. I’ll vote for Obama. I’ll take that risk.

A few parting notes – 1) OBAMA IS NOT MUSLIM, AND DOES NOT PRACTICE ISLAM!!!! For the 26% of Americans who actually believe that – WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!!!! Because his father practiced that religion doesn’t mean Barack has followed suit. Yes he has Muslim heritage, but most Americans are of mixed heritage. That is what America is all about – a mixture of cultures that creates a unique environment primed for prosperity. Obama encompasses all of that, and more. 2) Obama is not running for class president of his junior high class. He is running for the opportunity to be President of the United States – arguably the most powerful executive position in the World. If people know his name, and what he stands for then all the better I say. 3) When did we become a nation of lost hope? And those who speak of hope and change seem to be crucified. When did we become a nation of lost souls? – Oh that’s right, 8 years ago when George W. Bush took office.

Peace