I am not American, and I have little knowledge over the next president other than the usual media stories which are often not very flattering.
Many appear to be totally disillusioned, so here is another perspective which I hope has some positive in it.
Firstly, it is clear that voters around the world are beginning to feel actively discontented about the malaise that the world finds itself in. Short term policies and short term thinking and responses . A lack of wisdom and vision. A combination of factors have created a real mess.
While I am no expert in politics or economics, simple common sense has led me to the conclusion that our institutions have ceased to function well. That dysfunctionality is I believe dangerous for our society, and dangerous for our world.
Our political systems seem to be rife with lobbying groups, and interests that are eroding the integrity of a system that badly needs an overhaul. They have in effect been compromised.
The effect of this is that all to often the hope is crushed out of politics as yet another politician with promise is thwarted in their attempts to engender meaningful change. Or yet another election promise dissolves and disappears like dust in the wind.
We need democratic systems that truly represent and protect the interests of the electorates as a whole. We need International institutions that truly work and can help shape and guide and positively influence the expanding global village. We need gobal wisdom, and global solutions to global problems which do not respect artificial borders.
Meanwhile the trust is gone. Electorates feel despondent and disillusioned. Faith has evapourated. More of us are noticing that the Emporer has no clothes. He is bankrupt, and not just financially. That is a good.
For in effect, the cement that binds our society together is weakened with some sort of rot. It is therefore time to rebuild something better. The more people that realise this, the better.
One of the main culprits seems to be an out of control financial system that is proving very adept at exploiting the benefits of globalisation. Our democratic and legal systems should be in a position to exert control, but they seem to have lost it.
In the end it is now up to us as individuals, as consumers and voters to start saying NO.
The good news is that voters around the world do now seem to be stirring into action. Their real discontent is leading to real change. While the choices now being made may not currently be the best, the process of change has started.
It is still dark but this could just be the beginning phase of a new dawn. A glimmer of hope.
Our responsibility as individuals consumers and voters is to make sure that that process of change goes in the right direction. We need to see beyond the short term electoral bribe. We need to be aware of the bigger picture.
We need to get a lot more organised and sophisticated. We have to empower ourselves, because ultimately, we are the power. Its time to stand up and say enough. It is time to exert our power to make the world a better place.
Going back to Americas next president. He is obviously a very talented man. He has shown a great talent for accumulating wealth. He has won a presidency. He is also a parent and a family member.
He must be aware that the fate of his family, of those he loves, is directly connected to that of all of us, because republican or democrat, or whatever your political or religious beliefs or your financial status or other distinguishing feature, WE ALL SHARE ONE HOME.
This is the one unifying truth that is not being adequetly honoured in modern politics. Whoever you voted for, what answers were they offering up to prevent your quality of life and that of your children, from deteriorating further?
Let us hope that Americas new president has the wisdom to see beyond simple economics and the fortitude to make a real positive difference FOR THE WORLD. For what is the point in a healthy dynamic growing economy in a world that is dying around it.
America cannot continue to live in an isolated fortress within a global village. Eventually the global nature of the problems we are facing will overwhelm it too. Far better to take an active role now in making sure it is a world fit for all to live in.
Hopefully the new president will be wise enough to appreciate that his descendants will not be able to live in an ivory tower, if the world around it is no longer a fit place to live in.
Lets hope for a pleasant surprise. Lets hope for wisdom. Let us hope he leaves a positive legacy for the world. .