Ryan ChartrandPresident Barack Obama has been criticized by the press for not being strong enough, demanding enough, or even mean enough. These critics continue to find certain flaws, searching for anything and everything to prove that he can’t be perfect. Is it all too good to be true that we finally found a man with such brilliance, sincerity, determination and impeccable manners?
Some may think he is too na’ve, over confident or perhaps complacent. But his inaugural address, spoken in front of millions of people, with billions more watching on TV, was anything but na’ve. He addressed the nation sincerely, making sure to acknowledge the hardships we are currently facing.
As millions crowded the National Mall, their new president spoke words of courage and honesty.
“Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many, and each day brings further evidence that the way we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet,” Obama said in the first few lines of his inaugural address.
The reality of our nation has finally been addressed by the man leading our country as president. This is not a time to continue living frivolously, but a time to keep our heads above water and become optimistic that this time will pass.
Only time will tell, and time is what he needs.
“The challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: they will be met,” Obama assured Americans.
The main message of his address was to remind us that we are the ones who made this decision, and it was the right one. We already seen a series of speeches so sincere and passionate, they could be compared to Lincoln’s.
We must acknowledge that now is the time to unite as a nation, and believe our own responsibility for this country is of the utmost relevance to the state of our world. Countries throughout the world have never praised a man as highly as they have Obama. This is what has given me the hope I deserve as an American.
When all appears to be lost, and no crisis has seemed greater, the light at the end of tunnel has finally arrived for the future of my generation.
His speech mirrored that of previous presidents who took office in times of war, economic crisis and national affairs unjust. Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt’s inaugural addresses both made it possible for America to trust, hope and believe. John F. Kennedy addressed the nation with sincere passion in assuring our country that “history will not judge our endeavors – and a government cannot be selected – merely on the basis of color or creed or even party affiliation.”
Obama will work with Congress right away concerning the stimulus package that has soared well beyond $700 billion, and wants to direct billions of dollars in helping our struggling healthcare and social security systems. The new plan will reduce foreclosures, revise the bailout program and issue regulations on investments. Obama has even ordered the supposedly “difficult task” of shutting down Guantanamo Bay.
A proposed $825 billion package of spending programs and tax breaks will be used to lower energy bills, protect workers from losing health care, improve roads and utilities and lower the cost of education so students can afford college. The new initiative is designed to insure that workers will not lose their healthcare, the fear of many who have lost jobs already.
Obama assured citizens that “this is not just a short-term program to boost employment; it’s one that will invest in our most important priorities like energy and education, health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century.”
Many Americans will anxiously await the results of Obama’s presidency and some will find flaws in the glimmering hope we have been so lucky to obtain, but patience will allow his job to be done.
The day after the inauguration, newspaper headlines read “The world has changed.”
Yes, it has.
It’s not only a new year, but a new time to rejoice in the new hope of our new president. It is truly a remarkable time in history.
Genevieve Loggins is a journalism senior and a Mustang Daily reporter.