America: Change is Still Ahead

(Baonghean) - 8 years, 2 terms of leading the United States, historical achievements and unfinished promises were encapsulated by outgoing President Barack Obama in his farewell speech in Chicago.

The emotions were still the same as when he first took office on a January 2009 morning, but there was a lingering sense of regret that the future for America would be very different.

Man of history

In the same place where he delivered his victory speech in his second presidential election in 2012, President Barack Obama stood before the American public again, but with a different mindset.

His nearly hour-long speech also delivered another message. It was not only a review of what the 44th President of the United States has accomplished over the past eight years, but also a message that America still needs to unite, despite the irreconcilable conflicts exposed during the 2016 election season.

The health insurance reform policy (Obamacare) is Mr. Obama's biggest domestic mark but also the one that receives the most criticism. Photo: VOAnews

It is quite certain that America has made many positive steps under the leadership of President Obama, many domestic and foreign issues have set new milestones. It is true to the slogan that helped him win "Change is what we need".

After eight years, the United States has emerged from recession, with the economy growing steadily at a rate of 2% per year. The real estate market has begun to recover, the federal budget deficit has improved, key industries such as automobile manufacturing have recovered, and the United States is experiencing the longest period of job growth in history.

His passion for the past 8 years has been devoted to the task of changing social security policy, which was shaped by the affordable health care program (Obamacare). More than 20 million Americans are provided with health insurance.

But because of it, America and its politics have become more divided than ever. This is the reason why the Republican Party has targeted him and criticized the achievements of the Obama administration in the past 8 years.

Racism and anti-immigrant sentiment have also been a dark spot in American society over the past two terms. It raises questions about immigration policy and whether America will turn its back on its own foundation.

But all that criticism still cannot obscure the foreign policy marks considered to be history that outgoing President Barack Obama created. The nuclear deal with Iran or the normalization of relations with Cuba are certainly the greatest legacies that the US will need to thank Mr. Obama for. America's greater engagement and understanding in Asia - Pacific has also been affirmed. And certainly that is the right choice because the US has and will have many interests in this region.

America will change

There are few words to describe the current political climate in the United States. An outgoing administration is racing to protect and pass policies as quickly as possible before the handover date. It is also uncertain how many new policies it will retain after January 20.

On the other side, the incoming administration is intent on undoing many of the policies that have been enacted to suit its own goals. The picture of a deeply divided America is accurately described at this time.

The United States is expected to remain "divided" under President Donald Trump's term. Photo: CNN.

President Obama’s eight years in office were eight years in which American politics exposed “unresolvable” conflicts between the two parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, who control American politics. The “lame duck” situation when President Obama had to confront the Republican majority in both houses of Congress created a situation of “drums beating in one direction, trumpets blowing in the other”.

While the Democratic administration of President Obama prioritized policies that benefit the middle class and the poor, the Republicans tended to protect American corporations and tycoons. The confrontation caused many bills to be stuck in Congress, passed by narrow margins or even forced Mr. Obama to use his presidential veto.

Gun control policies and budgets that have been delayed, leading to government shutdowns at least once in the past two terms, are typical examples of this. Meanwhile, racial discrimination is on the rise, especially in law enforcement agencies, causing public outrage, especially among the black and minority communities.

The conflict between Republicans and Democrats also has a direct impact on the implementation of an effective policy to stop the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq. And if there is any criticism of President Obama’s legacy, Republicans are responsible for it.

The United States is also facing great uncertainty ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. The policies of a person with little political experience like billionaire Trump are considered “unpredictable” and make people pessimistic. Internal divisions and hatred can make policies impossible.

America will become more conservative, more pragmatic and turn its back on the values ​​that once made American democracy, as the election declarations. Or maybe Americans will still have to accept the rules of integration of the world. America's allies and partners have now also reconsidered the role of Washington in their interests. Many questions are being raised. That will test America again. And change is still ahead, waiting for President-elect Donald Trump to realize his slogan: "Make America great again".

Thanh Son