Kolumni Helsinki Times: Obama’s mission – and ours 24.2.2009
“It is fitting that the very first bill that I sign is upholding one of this nation’s founding principles: that we are all created equal, and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version of happiness”, stated Barack Obama when signing his first bill as president.
Obama was referring to the “Ledbetter bill” which made it easier for women to sue against a company that paid them a lower salary or wage than a co-worker doing the same job.
The Supreme Court had ruled against Lily Ledbetter in court because the filing period had passed, but she only learned of the discrimination 20 years after working for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Without government intervention, it seems like companies will continue to exploit women in the workplace as long as they can get away with it. This legislation was vital to curving gender inequality in the work place and to show Obama’s dedication to equality for all.
While the EU has laws prohibiting discrimination against women in the workplace, women still make 15 percent less than a man doing the same job. The EU needs to examine its own inequalities and enact legislation that will solve the problem. They need to show they are devoted to helping women fight the unfairness that is often found in the workplace.
Furthermore, Obama made a controversial decision by shutting down the “Mexico City policy”, also known as the “global gag rule”, which prohibited the federal government from funding international family-planning clinics that performed abortions. The Obama administration has stated that funding family planning clinics with abortion options will increase the quality of medical care for women in other countries by reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies, and protecting the mother’s life. These are all important ideals that we too in the EU strive for.
When looking at Obama’s relationship with the EU, Obama has highlighted that he would like to repair relationships with the EU that were damaged by Bush’s isolating approach towards any country who disagreed with him. Obama will be more likely to consider the EU’s interests because he will likely need them for cooperation on issues like Afghanistan and the fight against terrorism.
The most urgent issue pressing the Obama administration, as well as Europe, will be the economy. Congress recently passed a stimulus bill to help stabilize the economy. However, there is still much to do to get Europe and America back on its feet to the blossoming economies they once had. Unfortunately the United States cannot fix the world economy by itself. It will take increased investment, government help, and increased consumer spending which will only be an option once people are secure in their jobs and in their houses.
In his foreign policy goals, Obama plans to remove troops from Iraq within 16 months (although the details are still in the air). This act demonstrates the US is ready to restructure its military role in world affairs. The EU is excited about this decision because for so long we have disagreed with it.
However, one controversial policy Obama would like to see in an increase in troops and more attention to Afghanistan. This might mean asking for Europe to contribute more troops. European countries seem to have mixed ideas on this. We are unwilling to invest in the military force because the europena nations are not sure if the “war on terror” is the best way to ensure a safe and stable Afghanistan.
Another policy the Obama administration and the EU agree on is a standard of upholding international laws. As his first executive order, Obama demanded the closing of Guantanamo Bay, a controversial prison for enemy combatants. Further, Obama believes in multilateral talks which are especially important for political bodies such as the EU. Europe wants to know its voice is being heard by the American president.
While climate change is an important issue to Obama, Europeans are critical of what he will do to help slow the effects of global warming. A main criticism has been that the US has not yet signed the Kyoto protocol. The US has only five percent of the world’s population, however they consume more than one quarter of the oil.
Obama brings hope to Europe and for democracy. He couldn’t be a more stark contrast to Mr. Bush. He leads with reason and compassion rather than fervour and force. His policies are a step in the right direction for gender equality. Many Europeans have faith that he can help lead to tackle the world’s problem-global warming, the economy, and the war in Iraq.
But we must remember that Barack Obama is the president of United States. His main focus will be the well-being and security of the USA., not Europe.
Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Member of European Parliament
Member of Delegation for Relations with the United States
