Costa Rica Reacts to Change of Power in the U.S.
The Entire World Watched the Changeover of Power in the U.S. Today.
All eyes were on Washington today for the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. That was no exception here in Costa Rica as several expat groups gathered to watch the ceremony together in Grecia, Heredia, Escazu and other locations. Not only is Obama the first African American president in the history of the United States, he is also coming to power in the worst economic crisis since 1929. Expectations, hope and spirits were high in Washington where an estimated 2 million people gathered, as well as around the world. As with Franklin D. Roosevelt assuming power during the great depression, people expect great things from Obama, in a time when the world needs it most.
Here in Costa Rica, President Oscar Arias made some of his first public comments about the new U.S. president. Arias called for Obama to act with humility rather than the arrogance of his predecessor, who, Arias said acted without concern for the views of the rest of the world. He also respectfully suggested that the military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba must be shut down due to torture and human rights violations, calling it an offense to the world that a nation like the U.S. would authorize such policies. Obama has already made the promise to close the base that has housed prisoners convicted of acts of terror against U.S. embassies and other organizations at home and abroad.
Obama’s cabinet is expected to get straight to work in their new offices today, after having just received a fresh coat of paint. The cabinet members planned to meet in the White House directly after the inauguration ceremony. Several issues they are expected to address immediately are that of making torture tactics in the army illegal as well as ending the “Gag rule”, in which the U.S. refuses to support family planning programs that include abortion education or services at home and abroad.
“The inauguration of the new president of the United States, Barack Obama, is something extremely important not only for the United States but also for the world, which is hopeful that Obama will practice strong leadership fighting for the same ideals and principles of the founding fathers of that great country,” Arias said.
Arias, always a huge advocate for peace, then called for Obama to focus on solving the problems in the Middle East. He also referred to Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, noting the tremendous progress that the country has seen since that date in 1963.
As for the rest of the world, the new president has received an outpouring of support from Kenya, where his grandfather was born. More neutral nations seem to all express relief that President George Bush’s four year term has finally come to an end. Enemy nations like Iran have also shown an interest in taking advantage of Obama’s statement that he is willing to sit down for diplomatic conversation with any world leader. In Latin America, there are signs of hope for a better relationship in the region and more charitable support from the U.S. President Chavez, however, withdrew his support when Obama made a reference to the Venezuelan government aiding the Armed Rebel Forces of Colombia (FARC) in a recent speech, saying Obama has the same stench that Bush did.
Other members of the Costa Rica government were actually present in Washington today for the ceremony. Otton Solis, ex-presidential candidate and founder of the Citizen’s Action Party (PAC), his wife Shirley Sanchez and current leader of PAC, Francisco Molina, were among the millions of people braving the cold to be a part of history at Obama’s inauguration and the changeover of power. PAC has been the most vocal opponent of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) in Costa Rica, claiming it was written to benefit the ‘big dog’ and that Costa Ricans will lose out, notably small farmers and patients who need to buy medicine. Obama has also expressed his disapproval of trade agreements like NAFTA, in particular regarding environmental concerns. The trio was invited by a democratic senator from the states to attend the events.
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