Diaspora Speaks » Washington New Capital Of The World? Why? : A Jamaica Gleaner Blog

Washington New Capital Of The World? Why?

In the 19th Century, Paris was the capital of the world. In the early 20th Century, London was the capital of the world. Since World War11, Washington has established itself as the capital of the world.

Year 2009 has special significance for Washington and the capital is bracing itself to meet the challenges of the time. This is done American-style, with a commander-in-chief who has all the Hollywood style and American chutzpa which make the show as interesting as it is important.

President Barack Obama has beaten the odds to become the first President of African descent and is riding a 77% approval rating from the public. This is unprecedented and considering that the economic picture is gloomy, it is amazing that he has been able to put the correct foot forward every time.

The person next to him in popularity seems to be his wife, Michelle, who has been voted as the most fashionable woman in the land by some of the paparazzi magazines. The last time the Americans had this one-two combination was 1961 when a handsome, young former Navy Lieutenant, John Kennedy and his beautiful young wife, Jackie, took over the White House.

In addition, the Presidential family has two sweet prep school daughters who have their own audience. Several schools are disappointed that they were not selected by the First Family. Some say they should have gone to a public school. Others wanted various Protestant denominations to get the pick. In the end they chose an exclusive school with sound academic credentials – the public once again have applauded the judgment.

PURE STYLE

But being President is not just style. He has adopted a punishing schedule which sees him tackling a wide range of problems and winning support every time. His main problem of course, is the Recession, which is being called an economic tsunami. Fortunately, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) has decreed that the Recession started in December 2007, a full 13 months before the grandson of a Kenyan emigrant took the reins of power.

He has been praised for:

* Appointing a White House staff of professionals, each of whom had earned his/her place. There is no example of ‘good friend’ being the only qualification;

* Nominating a Cabinet of both Democrats and Republicans to keep his promise of having an inclusive Administrative;

* Appointing heads of agencies who have a strong background of professional experience in the field – not merely correct political connections;

* Following diplomatic protocol to a T. He has visited countries in the correct order and ensured that there are no ruffled feathers;

* Bringing back strong international support for the USA. Being the world’s richest and mightiest nation naturally attracts envy, suspicion and blame for anything that goes wrong. By his policy of openness and his glamour, the USA is once again, seen as a respected friend;

* Getting through the trillion dollar economic recovery package. The actual amount is just over $800 billion, but knowledgeable folk say that it is sure to top the trillion dollar (one thousand billion dollars) before it has been completed; .

* Being gracious enough to appoint his main campaign opponent, Hilary Clinton to the second most important post in the Cabinet – Secretary of State (Foreign Minister).

What do you think of Obama Administration’s progress so far?

Let me know your thoughts…leave a comment…

Blog by Ambassador Anthony Johnson.

Tags: Ambassodar Johnson, Capital, Clinton, diplomacy, Disapora, Obama, USA, Washington, World, World View

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5 Responses to “Washington New Capital Of The World? Why?”

Charlie says:

March 15, 2009 at 9:48 pm

Its more than style or a rare confluence of the Civil Rights struggle culminating in a visible expression of what was a dream. The US dollar is the worlds’ reserve currency. The IMF, IDB, World Bank and other lending agencies are located there. Leaders, finance ministers, and policy makers at present have no-where else to turn to. They simply follow the money All roads lead to Washington DC
Charlie says:

March 16, 2009 at 4:48 pm

In the 19th Century The Romance of the French Language, Success at Colonial Conquest and the aurora of Napoleon still lingered. Don’t forget that fashion was maturing Paris ruled. Well later Britannia ruled the waves. Asia was rising and the British Empire had a focus point. Of course that point was London Later It was the US that led the way in WWII. The Bretton Woods conference changed the financial equation. The dollar became the worlds reserve currency IMF, IDB and World Bank became institutions that determined financial destinies of many nations.Naturally all roads lead to Washington
CARL says:

May 23, 2009 at 7:19 am

Amb. Johnson…

Like the millions throughtout the world, I too stand and bear witness to the historic happenings of Barrack Obama. His presidency, and the journey that he took on behalf of african americans to the highest, and most powerful office in the world, still leaves us in “shock and awe” However, Jamaicans have been at this juncture long before Barrack Obama assume the presidency..Remember,Hugh Shearer? If I am not mistaken, and I am quite sure, you Mr. Ambassador will correct me if I am correct, Hugh Shearer was the first black Prime Minister of Jamaica, though not elected; followed by PJ Patterson(elected) So, this historical first of Barrack should not diminish our first.

My problem with all this, is the fact that we are enduring a high on Obama, while our business go to waste. What does it say when a Barrack Obama has a higher approval ratings than the Prime Minister of Jamaica in Jamaica..What does it say when pictures of Obama replace those of our ministers of government at government offices throughout Jamaica, and what does it say when my favorite Ambassador speak of the Obama administration, rather than the administration for which he serves..

What is say to me is that we are suffering from a lack of leadership, inspiration, direction, courage, fairness, honesty,compassion,empathy, and an inability to be straight with the Jamaican people and more importantly, putting JAMAICA FIRST.

This is no different than a woman seeing another man because her husband cannot deliver the goods..

In any events, Jamaicans at home an abroad must begin to realize that Barrack belongs not to Jamaica, but to the USA. We have to create our own Barrack Obama, we have been doing it long enough and well enough..just not honest enough..Lets focus on reviving the Jamaican economy, increasing trade, creating employment for our people, rebuilding a crumbling infrastructure, educating our children and making Jamaica a 24/7 place of business, fun and security..These are our issues, and while we can duplicate policies and procedures from Obama..Jamaica is our issue, not a love affair with Obama that will get us nowhere.
Audie morgan says:

May 24, 2009 at 10:19 am

When our memories are greater than our Dreams, the end is undeniably near. To say the good old days are behind us would be futile for any man, because life is still just a Dream. We still Dream of better days. That is why our scientists are still working tirelessly to find better ways to cure illnesses. That is why we send our children to school to give them the opportunities we never had. Therefore I implore us to Dream, dare to Dream, live the Dream.”
Let our Dreams live in our children and generations to follow; this is in fact a Dream, a Dream of a better world, a Dream of a better way of life, a Dream of equality and justice for all. The Dream that Martin Luther King Junior lived and died for. It is the same Dream we call the American Dream – that if given the opportunity, men with the identical potential can succeed equally on the same field of play.

When we came into this world, the Divine architect handed us a blank check. (Life) At the end of our journey we will have to stand before this Grandiose Divine Architect and go over the receipts, just for the record. Are we running a deficit?
Since we are largely educated in a Monotheistic environment, I presume that the majority of us are familiar with the story of Adam and Eve, and Cain and Abel. “And God said unto Cain, where is Abel, your brother? I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper? “[Gen4v9] Cain was running a deficit before the Divine architect.
If you should come to me poor and destitute and ask me for a loan and I give you a dollar; you are now indebted to me. If you should now waste that dollar on things that have no intrinsic worth or value, you will be running a deficit. And when I should call on you to repay that loan, and all the interest that might have accrued, you won’t be able to repay me.

Today the human race is running a deficit. We have evolved beyond our own expectation; electronic technology changes daily. We have spanned the globe, reached deep into space, split atoms. Diseases that once plagued us are no longer demonic spells. They now can be diagnosed, treated and some can even be cured.
We can produce enough food to feed the world five times over. Yet still we see unprecedented starvation that plagues sections of Africa. Drug smuggling and its associated crime are wreaking havoc throughout Mexico, South and Central America. There is a total disregard for civil rights in Myanmar and other regions of Asia. Homelessness in American cities has converted our subway systems into the only safe havens that protect many of our citizens from the inclemency of the weather. We are running a deficit! Gang violence in Kingston, Jamaica has reached an intolerable all-time high. The greed of few has taken priority over the needs of many. We are running a deficit! We need to stand by our brothers. We need to end this deficit!

A.U. Morgan;
Please visit us on the web@www.jcansunited.org
Leroy says:

August 6, 2009 at 9:34 pm

Well, down south they don’t think the President is one of them. The birthers movement is a proxy for pure racisim. It’s more like he is not “suppose” to be our president then he is not “eligible” .