A Promised Land by Barack Obama

2023-07-12 2 min read Sincheenz

It is a unique experience to have the author read to you, and with a voice like Obama’s, it feels good to be read to. There was so much I learned about American capitalism, the advantages, and shortcomings of their political system, social system, and economy. It was very insightful. I think Obama had a good vision; only the country was not ready for him. He would have made the best president and would have done so much for the world in general if he were to be the president in 2028. On the other hand, things would be even further behind for the USA if he hadn’t become president.

America presents this strong, successful front, but in the overall picture, it is very hollow, and Obama exposes this. I like his honesty and really feel his frustration not being able to accomplish what he had set out to do. The disadvantages of a two-party system are evident in the book.

What disappointed me in the end was his narration on capturing Osama bin Laden and his execution. This did not sit too well with me. Also, parts where he emphasizes that without America’s help, the whole world will collapse seem a bit exaggerated. On the other hand, there is no other industrial nation willing to take on this role that the US does. If our aim as a society is to build a global community, there is a need for one of the industrial nations playing cop/monitor. Unfortunately, when the cop/monitor is looking to implement actions only to uplift their own interests at the cost of others, it cannot work.