I’ve always found it ironic that the United States, a country which prides itself on the repudiation of the concept of a monarchy, can get so wound up with coronation fever at presidential inaugurations. I don’t normally watch CNN, but whenever I have flipped by it the last few days, it seems almost all of the coverage has been regarding Obama’s upcoming inauguration. IT seems the entire world is breathless in anticipation

While I am happy that Obama won, I have to say my expectations are muted to say the least. The problems in the U.S. run too deep for quick solutions. I believe that the economic issues will be especially difficult to solve in a culture of “Ask not what you can do for your country; ask what kind of tax cut your country can give to you”, and a military industrial complex that has gotten all too comfortable with its snout in the trough of public money (or publically assumed debt, to be more precise).

What I am hoping for is a display of humiilty. Mr. President, don’t call yourself the leader of the free world. No one outside of the U.S. got to vote, and the history of U.S. support of totalitarian regimes, and the use of torture within the U.S. makes it hard for me to see the U.S. as a shining moral beacon. This is a position you will have to earn back (if it was ever truly deserved).

As for the economic crisis, don’t assume you can claim a position of leadership in its solution, and dictate terms. The crisis has “Made In America” all over it, and is a crisis of greed, bankrupt leadership, and an overarching sense of entitlement.

What I want to see is an acknowledgement that American exceptionalism is a outmoded concept. Other countries have elected leaders who were minorities, and have even elected women (something the U.S. hasn’t quite managed yet). Other countries are leading the charge in the 21st century.

Get over yourself, become a team player and not a bully, and maybe the reputation of the U.S. may rise again in the world. But only if the reputation is earned.

Technorati Tags: USA, Obama, Politics, Exeptionalism

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While I was working this morning, I had the Discovery Channel on in the background, with a show about Stephen Hawking and his contribution to cosmology, and the search for a unified field theory, sometimes referred to as the “Theory of Everything.” A good program, showing vast intellects wrestling with some of the most fundamental questions regarding existence and the nature of our reality.

But then it was time for a commercial break, which led off with a voice asking “Do you still have flakes?”.

Somehow, the nature of the universe seems more important than what brand of dandruff shampoo one uses.

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I am writing this from the Starbucks inside the Indigo bookstore inside the Manulife Centre in dowwtown Toronto, with cheerful if nondescript pop music playing softly in the background. To get the bookstore I had to walk from the Bay subway station through a portion of the underground mall complex where almost all the stores were still closed. Throughout this area, classical music is being played (something Baroque to be specific).

I feel fairly certain that this music is being played to keep teenagers out; it wouldn’t be the first time that this tactic has been used in Toronto. Classical music has been used in the past in an attempt to keep teens from loitering in certain subway stations.

I find this misuse of music deeply offensive; it does a disservice both to the music, and to young people, as it uses some of humanity’s greatest cultural jewels as a tool for exclusion. The assumption that teenagers could never enjoy classical music is a shallow one, and says much more about those making the assumption, than the young people being targeted.

In the same vein, although even worse, is the use of music as a method of torture by the U.S. military. Various artists have recently banded together to protest this profound perversion of their creations.

About a year or so ago I saw a man on the subway wearing a T-shirt that stated “Music is My Weapon.” While music has been used as a defensive weapon of sorts over and over again throughout history in a positive sense, as a response to oppression, slavery and injustice, music, it was never meant to be twisted in this manner.

Call me naive, but I believe the only valid products of music are joy, serenity, peace, a call to action, spiritual connections, and a deeper understanding of what we are. If the products of music are the inflicting of pain, and the enforcement of alienation, then it is not music.

Even the sweetest songbird can be made to produce the raw, discordant sounds of agony.

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One thing I want to do with my On the Log podcast this year is fewer sermon/rant episodes, and more episodes with guests. Here are some topics that I might have approached solo in 2008, but this year would like to involve show guests with:

• Digital Photo frames vs traditional photo albums
• Is there a technology no longer in use that you miss?
• Is there a techology you hate? Maybe one that makes life more complicated rather than easier?
• Do you miss lawn darts? Are we living in Nanny State?
• Will 2009 mortally mound the idea of recreational shopping?

If you an an opinion on any of these, or know someone who is just itching to comment, let me know!

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