Obama takes Iowa

The Iowa primary was held today and, what is sure to be a tight race for the Democratic party nomination, Barack Obama came out on top. I am not leaning one way or the other at the moment when it comes to the race between Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards. I think whatever candidate comes out of the Democratic election should be considered the favorite to win the Presidency and I think any of them would make a great President in their own ways.

I must admit I am an Obama fan, if for nothing more than the way in which he is able to paint a new vision for the U.S. in the coming years. He is young, ambitious, and highly likable.

However, Hilary Clinton also has some very good ideas, and a great support in her husband. I think if I could vote for both I would. Just a thought but could they both share the Presidency/Vice Presidency? If they could agree to work together they could potentially be in power for the next 16 years. That would make plenty of time to make some dramatic changes throughout the world - and this time they don't have to come at the end of a gun.

Whatever happens I am just glad that we won't have to go through 4 more years of President Bush. I am Canadian and while I have no say or vote for the U.S. election I can voice my opinion. Let's go Democrats!

As an aside: I said this to a friend the other day, State elections (ie. Canada, US) should have an international component. For example, 15% of votes should be determined by the rest of the world. Why? Because no longer are States solitary. Every decision has repercussions around the world, so it makes sense that the world should have some say in who is governing another country. Think about it, if Presidential hopefuls had to answer to the rest of the world, don't you think that part of their election platform would be to help the rest of the world in some way? I think it is a great way to make politicians more accountable for their decisions that affect people half way around the world. Would they be so quick to start a war in the Middle East, or deny funding for AIDS, Malaria, and TB - I think not. Just a thought though.

Facebook Page for Balance On Earth

I created a Facebook page under the name Balance on Earth, for anyone to access and add input. I hope that anyone who reads this and has a Facebook profile will join and start to share ideas for how to make the world a better place. Another blogger, Katie Orlemanski, who is travelling around the world and writing about the areas and events she encounters along the way will also be posting to the page. You can read up about her experiences at Change the World.

For those of you who are interested in learning more about environmental comings and goings, I know that I don't post nearly enough on the topic, there is a great blog that is separated for both boys and girls called Green Guys Global and Green Girls Global. Both blogs have great ideas and information for those of you looking to lead a greener life, so I would recommend checking both out regardless of your gender. I especially like that at the end of each post they provide a few links to other material on the subject so that you can learn more if you so wish.

It is a wonderful feeling knowing there are so many wonderful people trying to make the world a better place in their own ways. Please continue to contact me with your ideas and websites.