Mixed Feelings

I wanted to share with you some thoughts that occurred to me on Halloween (Oct 31). But, I think I will do that another week because there is something more important to talk about - the recently concluded elections in the U.S.

I am having mixed feelings about the results of the elections - I am happy, sad, amused and disgusted that Bush won.

I am happy
....because I expect more unilateral actions by the U.S. that (I hope) will alienate it further from the rest of the world paving the way for some much-needed shifts in geopolitical alliances.
....because greedy Corporations will thrive and contiue outsourcing America to developing nations like Brazil, India and China improving the lives of millions of people.
....because people all over the world will continue to have someone they can despise and ridicule (a good stress reliever).

I am sad
....that Uncle Sam will continue to bully weaker nations prompting more nations to acquire or develop nuclear deterrents and leading to nuclear proliferation.
....that America's aggressive behavior will continue to fan the flames of extremism throughout the world making the world more dangerous.
....that the world's bigger polluter will continue to stay out of international efforts to make this world a better place for you and me.

I am amused
....that Bush was re-elected for his moral values when America is tuned into Wife Swap on prime-time television.
....that the world's second largest democracy has only a choice of two (before your jaws drop and your eyes pop out, here's a disclaimer. Disclaimer: the following words are NOT mine and belong to one of America's greatest film directors) "stupid white men". Americans can either go left or right but not straight. (no wonder America always sees the world as "US vs them")

But, I am definitely not amused by this.

I have to stop here. I am already sick of the current state of affairs and writing about it is making me even more sick.
God bless the World!

Vanakkam