The Beauty of Democracy

Last Friday was my first time taking serious attention on the U.S. Presidential debate. I missed the first one last week, also the vice president debate on Tuesday. Although I don't totally understand the politics in the U.S., I tried to learn what and how they handled the debate. This second debate was about the economy, Iraq war, and domestic issues such as health care, environment, budgeting.

*well, I decided to turn on the teve, after Frank called my husband and told us that his restaurant was not busy due to the presidential debate..."Gak ada yang makan ke luar, pada nonton dibet"*

As my major is economics and health policy, so I understood a bit about those hot issues. Bush was given surplus budget when he took the office four years ago, and now it's deficit...huge one. War, tax cut are two items that cause the deficit...that's according to Kerry. The outcomes are slow business development, many job loss, and the big one is many people in the U.S. don't have any health insurance. It's interesting that Bush (or the Republican) wants to take the elderly support, by giving them broader coverage of Medicare...by next year, Medicare will give prescription coverage. That's his strategy to win votes from senior citizens, as most likely this population group will vote.

It's interesting too, that Kerry always said "I have a plan" to deal with all the mess created by Bush. He did not give clear description on how his plan will finance the national health insurance and the No Child Left Behind policy, knowing that he will not raise tax and eliminate the tax cut. It seems to be a fallacy. Well, he said that he is going to change the tax cut scheme because the current fiscal policy are favorable for the 1% wealthiest people in the U.S. But how? He did not give any details.

I do not like Bush, for his decision to go to Iraq....but but but... I do not like Kerry, for his flip flop decision and unclear way of presenting his ideas. The second debate was interesting because the audiences are undecided voters so both candidates were trying so hard to look and talk good before them.

It is also interesting to know that after the debate, many comments came up about the statistics; how the two speakers brought different numbers on similar issues. Both parties provided 'Fact Checks' to ensure the audience *voters* that they brought up truth.

The most interesting thing of watching the debate is that I could see a proof that democracy can be a good thing, too. It does not only mean that anyone have the same right to express feeling and thoughts, but also respect and appreciate what your opponents' opinions. After the debate, Bush and Kerry shook hands, in a gentlemen manner, as I saw their gesture and body language. The debate was professional, nothing personal came up to hurt someelse's feeling *at least that was I witnessed*

When can my country experience the beauty of democracy? When can the candidates of Indonesian leaders appreciate the voters and provide true facts also accountability?

At least the first step has been done.... choosing the president, directly by the people.

Dari rakyat, untuk rakyat ....gitu kan definisi demokrasi menurut pelajaran PMP dulu?

I hope SBY as the new president will be a gentlemen leading Indonesia to a better future: respect, appreciate and take responsibility for the sake of Indonesia, not individual nor party.

*okeeeeeeehhh....udahan dulu. Mesti balik belajar State&Local Economics. Blah!*