Sampling of World Wide Reactions to Obama Victory

[pathansen]

Here is a sampling of the world's reactions to Barack Obama's victory in the U.S. presidential election.

SOURCE: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=aofbAfoGlhNU&refer=uk

FRANCE: ``We all want to be Americans this morning,'' said Rama Yade, secretary for human rights at the French Foreign Ministry, at a post-election gathering at the Grand Hotel in Paris. ``This is a giant step for humanity. Obstacles are falling, not only in the United States but here in France. But there is still much to do in France, and nothing will happen without mobilization.''

LONDON: ``For Obama to overcome what people consider to be synonymous with America -- race -- it's unimaginable,'' said Eric Shepherd, a professor of investigative police science at City University in London. ``It's given the world a lot more faith in America. America has become a place that does deliver on its promises. People can achieve anything. It's iconic. Martin Luther King's journey. Who thought he'd be the one to achieve it? If he succeeds, it will be the American dream.''
'LEADER OF U.K.’S MAIN OPPOSITION CONSERVATIVE PARTY: ``In these difficult times people everywhere are crying out for change. Barack Obama is the first of a new generation of leaders who will deliver it.''

ITALY:``The profoundly symbolic value of Obama's victory escapes no one,'' Jean Leonard Touadi, the first black man to be elected to the Italian parliament earlier this year, said in an interview in Rome.

SOUTH AFRICA: ' Patricia de Lille, leader of the Independent Democrats, South Africa's opposition party, said by telephone from Cape Town``We have seen a man who is a visionary, a man who is giving hope back to the biggest democracy in the world.''

PAKISTAN: ``A true democracy has elected a person from the oppressed people of that country,'' said Shahid, a retired army major. ``We are fighting in Pakistan just to have some bread and water and land for the poor people, and we want true democracy also.''

UNITED NATIONS/INDIA: Rajendra Pachauri, head of a Nobel Prize-winning United Nations panel of climate-change scientists, urged Obama to get the U.S. engaged in negotiations on an international accord to replace the Kyoto protocol, which the U.S. has not signed. ``Obama realizes that the U.S. needs a totally different energy future,'' Pachauri said by telephone from New Delhi.
``An enormous change has taken place,'' said Sri Lanka's central bank Governor Nivard Cabraal. ``It's unbelievable. It's good for the world because right now you needed that change to take place, so that you can have something to latch on to, some new hope. Overall we will see a new momentum and that is what is important now. Everyone was looking for this anchor to happen.''

ARGENTINA: Rosa Chiquichano, 61, the only Indian in Argentina's national parliament, said Obama's victory gives hope to minorities the world over that change is possible. ``This is a great opportunity,'' she said. ``I hope he will help start a new order based on equality, solidarity and preservation of natural resources.''

FRANCE: French President Nicolas Sarkozy congratulated Obama in a letter released publicly, saying the outcome ``resonates well beyond your borders.'' ``Your stunning victory rewards a tireless commitment to serving the American people,'' Sarkozy wrote. ``It is also the crowning achievement of an exceptional campaign whose brilliance and high tone demonstrated the vitality of American democracy to the entire world, while keeping them spellbound.''

GERMANY: ``A new face offers Europe a new chance to remarry America,'' said Wolfgang Ischinger, 62, a former German ambassador to the U.S.

CANADIAN NEWS: :” Among curious Canadians and expatriate Americans alike, anticipation turned to jubilation Tuesday as those who gathered in living rooms, churches and pubs across Canada bore witness to Barack Obama's historic presidential victory.” “Tears soaked the cheeks of Obama supporters as they sang and danced in the aisles. Many clasped their hands together and prayed, while others hugged each other tightly to share the historic moment. “ From my experience in America, I never expected I would live long enough to see something like this," said 74-year-old Lawrence Edwards, a Montrealer of Caribbean descent who migrated to Canada in 1961

AUSTRALIA: “It's a great day! Thankfully the American people finally stood up not just to oust the Republican morons but they're making a social statement.” “ Thank god for that! That rat Bush and Sir Winston Howard are forever wiped off the face of the earth. Their legacy, I hope will forever hang a plaque of shame on red neck scum who inhabit this planet. Good by to them, and GOD BLESS the American people for their courage, and the security that its people have restored to humankind “

[Mad_Dem_X]

1. Australia made me laugh!

“Thank god for that! That rat Bush and Sir Winston Howard are forever wiped off the face of the earth. Their legacy, I hope will forever hang a plaque of shame on red neck scum who inhabit this planet."

PERFECT!

[soma9766]

2. the world saying thanks to america

www.thank-you-america.org

:D

[pathansen]

3. With such an overwhelming victory, it sounds like U.S. reputation has been restored already

or at least somewhat restored.

[soma9766]

4. well

it doesn't take much - just don't have an insane illiterate as the leader of the free world and we're happy :)

[ampad]

5. And here comes the tears

I kept them in all night and most of the morning but the flood gates are now open. I am so damn proud to be an American today, so damn proud.