This is a memoir written by Barack Obama, it has seven sections that venture on various stages of his life. The book covers his early childhood memories especially experiences he inherited from his mother, grandmother (Tutu), grandfather and colleagues. Surprisingly Barack (Bar) had never had a dream to become a politician, a call came after being exposed to social works in Chicago and his interest (which came later on) in social dynamics he acquired through readings and daily routines in Chicago and Hawaii. As a politician Bar is a unique one, more driven towards changing the society and the world at large to improve health, education, climate change, economy and security.
The book covers immensely his doubts, American hegemony especially on chapters that dwell on international policies and politics as well as the struggle to establish more inclusive policies (acceptance from both parties i.e. GOP and Democrats). Interesting takeaways that can be obtained from this book include:
Understanding of nuts and bolts of politics
Unfolding powers (economically and politically) of USA and the influence it has towards other countries especially the less developed ones
Resilience and determination ( can do spirit) - this is manifested through Bar's struggle to win primary elections and the general elections
Acceptance of criticisms - His administration endured a range of criticisms from both within the country and outside especially regarding the Bills such as the Obama Care (ACA) and Economic Bills. His administration weighed the criticisms and worked out the best possible alternatives to serve the country.
This is a very engrossing memoir, my interests were more in the following two chapters:
Chapter I: The Bet
This chapter covers a lot about Bar's search for belongingness/ identity, growing up in Indonesia and his upbringing done mostly by maternal side. Bar had seen his father (Kenyan) only once. Maybe this inspired him to be a good father to his two children to cover the absence of his father. The chapter talks about his desire to be a politician through which he encountered doubtful acceptance from his wife (Michelle); two people with different temperaments.
Chapter VII: The High Wire
This is a chapter about international politics, the Libya war and why the US had to intervene to help dissidents and Libya people to end Gaddafi's autocracy, the fall of Hosni Mubarak due to the riots of the Egyptians who were tired of his oppressing and undemocratic rule, Middle East crisis (Israel Vs Palestine) and the fall of the Al Qaeda terrorist Osama Bin Laden through a mission known as Neptune's Spear.
General key issues covered includes:
Education
Economy (Recovery Act) and Greece Saga
Health (Affordable Care Act - ACA)
Environment ( both measures to reduce global warming and the deepwater horizon disaster which made BP pay $ 20 Billion to cover the damages caused
Security (of the US and other nations
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