Two Elections that have brought Change

The voters in USA and and New Zealand have both responded to the calls for change and have voted new Governments into office. It is nice to see that the Americans have crossed the racial divide and it is great that Barack Obama has been able to appeal to all Americans with his policies and pronouncements.

Obama owes much of his victory to George Bush who by his mis-rule and incalculable damage to America and the world, created a stage in USA where practically every one was crying for Change and an end to the Republicans at the control. That is Bush's legacy as President for 8 years.

Now that he is President, Obama will have much to deliver to his supporters in USA and in the World. He has to start acting quickly so his programmes can be started when the Nation's goodwill is with him, before they all wake up to the realities of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial wrangling that is bound to slow down things. He has to clean up the nation's finances and tell the bad news to the American people about the long and hard times ahead and how the recovery is going to be a gradual process with no miracles happening soon. Much Hope is riding on the Change Obama has promised.

Now how he delivers that is in his own hands. Best of luck to Obama.

In New Zealand, Helen Clark has been dethroned after nine years in the Government and John Key has brought the National Pary back to Office.

But I worry about how much John Key will depend on Bill English and how he will be influenced by the old guards of National Party led by English, who I consider as the Winston Peters of the National Party.

Key had adopted many Labour policies to make National seem like Labour Lite to get the votes. He should not become only the Front Man for the National Oldies and be controlled by them. The NZ public got bored with Helen Clark and the vote is as much against her personality as against Labour's long reign. If she had handed over the leadership of the party to Goff or Cunliffe six months ago and allowed them to lead the campaign the results could have been different or closer.

John Key should not waste this opportunity and slip back in his promises or actions to make his Government work for all of NZ, instead of only the rich and business class. The dynamics have changed all over the world and there is no clear Left or Right anymore. All countries are affected by the Economic turmoil and Financial Crises and it requires a steady and balanced hand and clear vision for facing the difficult times.

Hope Key delivers as much here in New Zealandc as Obama is expected to deliver in the USA.