It's clear the man is a wonderful orator (barring his uncharacteristic blunders through the swearing in ceremony!). He has charisma, that is clearly evident. And he has the support of a nation that is metaphorically 'down on its knees'. I grew up in a time when America was revered throughout the world. When people said they were proud to be American, you knew they meant it and that it was a good thing. Now, being proud to be American no longer has the same global reverence. I'd suggest there are Americans out there who no longer feel proud of their heritage. In fact I believe there are Americans out there who are ashamed of what their country has become.
Their questionable foreign policies, their gargantuan energy demands, their crime, their love of fast food and the fact that they almost voted Sarah Palin in as the second most powerful human being on the planet - are not reasons to be proud to be American.
Barack Obama fought his election campaign with military like precision, with inventiveness, with courage, with humility and he ultimately won because people believe in him and his message. America can become great again. But they face their biggest struggle yet. Will the people give Obama the time he will certainly need to start making the changes he promises?
His 'to do' list certainly looks rather daunting;
1. The US/global economy
2. Iraq, Afghanistan and Osama
3. Fuel
4. Health care
5. Corruption
6. National Debt
7. Get re-elected
I for one hope the American people give the guy the chance to work on items 1-6 and I hope item 7 doesn't become such an issue as to deflect his focus from the real work.
His list of 'quick wins' may be short but he'll have to begin to deliver on all fronts as quickly as he can. He'll need to keep communicating on the domestic and foreign front. He'll need to keep the people on his side, as that is his biggest asset.
He has come to office at an historic moment and he has a chance to make the differences that not only the US crave, but also the world needs. By investing his efforts and his nations wealth in the right areas, he has a chance to make real change. Deliver on alternative fuel plans and he has made headway into ALL the items on his list. This may sound simplistic but consider the following.
The US car industry is on its knees, they've been making crap products for decades. They've been incentivized by energy producers to keep making crap product and now the industry is in turmoil. They are demanding government help. So the deal is simple. Help them only if they invest in alternative clean fuels. Let America lead the way in building the cars of the future. Research and develop products that no longer need oil. It's true the best inventions are borne out of necessity rather than profit. And now there is not only necessity, but an opportunity to force that change.
Reduce the Americans reliance on carbon fuels, and their need to defend their global energy rich allies, diminishes. Reduce this need and their aggressors become less aggressive. Export their product and their trade improves.
I concede this view is simplistic. Its certainly logical. It's clearly tough to execute, but the 44th President of the United States of America has in his power the ability to effect this change.
