This Washington Post Q&A with Obama was enlightening. Specifically, he promises to:

  1. End torture
  2. Restore Habeas Corpus (the right to a trial)
  3. Close the Guantanamo Bay prison

Perhaps more significantly, Obama has given notice that if elected president, he will make a significant speech directed to the Muslim world on behalf of America:

As president of the United States, I will directly address the people of the Muslim world to make it clear that the United States is not at war with Islam, that our enemy is al-Qaeda and its tactical and ideological affiliates, and that our struggle is shared. In this speech, I will make it clear that the United States rejects torture — without equivocation, and will close Guantanamo. I will make it clear that the United States stands ready to support those who reject violence with closer security cooperation; an agenda of hope — backed by increased foreign assistance — to support justice, development and democracy in the Muslim world; and a new program of outreach to strengthen ties between the American people and people in Muslim countries. I will also make it clear that we will expect greater cooperation from Muslim countries; and that the United States will always stand for basic human rights — including the rights of women — and reject the scourge of anti-Semitism. Simply put, I will say that we are on the side of the aspirations of all peace-loving Muslims, and together we must build a new spirit of partnership to combat terrorists who threaten our common security.

This speech would fundamentally alter the perception of a “clash of civilizations” and probably put an end to the phony “War on Terror”. It would also cripple the globalist neo-conservative agenda of forceful expansionism, perhaps for good.

Do you think Obama is for real? Can he be trusted as a civil libertarian? Will he reduce the power of the executive branch, or sustain the gross imbalance spearheaded by President Bush?

Also, if he proves good on his promise to restore basic human rights and decency to our honorable nation, can he also Do The Right Thing for the economy? Whom does he trust as economic advisors, and what are their policies?