Copyright 2008, Measure Up Place LLC
I Swear
It was a historic day in America as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president. “On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics,” Mr. Obama said during his post-oath speech. Unlike the speech four years ago, in which George W. Bush made a promise to spread democracy throughout the world, now President, Obama called upon Americans for their cooperation, their participation, and their support as he laid out his goals of peace.
The challenges that will face President Obama will not wait for him to get comfortable in the White House. On his first full day in office, Mr. Obama will meet with the architect of an Iraq war policy he once opposed, Gen. David Petraeus, to deliver the orders to begin withdrawing combat troops from Iraq. Then Obama must begin to confront the rough road ahead; with the current Israeli actions in Gaza, Iranian nuclear programs, and a domestic economic crisis (to mention only a few) it is unlikely that Mr. Obama will have any time to reflect on his achievement.
Meanwhile, the world waits with collective fingers crossed. Hoping.
Will Obama have what it takes to bring a nation together to rally through these difficult times?
Filing the Cabinet
President-elect Barack Obama’s Cabinet is taking shape and Americans are looking on, hoping to gain a greater sense of what 2009 will promise. As always, appointments come with criticism and Obama’s choices are no exceptions. With progressive critics already scorning “betrayal” and many Republicans on the fence about Obama’s decision to grab so many sitting officeholders for Cabinet positions, the current news is a flurry of speculation.
Here are a few of the current Cabinet appointees:
TREASURY SECRETARY
Timothy Geithner, president of Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
A former member of the Group of Thirty, Geithner will success Henry Paulson and will face a uniquely difficult period in American finance.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.
The appointment Clinton brings with a bit of White House wisdom and the chance to heal any remaining divides within the Democratic Party carried over from the primaries.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Eric Holder, former deputy attorney general.
Holder has experience, filling his old shoes from the Clinton presidency, but the GOP seems a bit weary of this appointee, recalling his support for the rather infamous Mark Rich (of Clinton pardon fame).
DEFENSE SECRETARY
Robert Gates, holdover from Bush administration.
Gates has already mentioned his plan to close down Guantanamo Detention Center and has been briefing Obama recently regarding Iraq drawdown plans, and it looks as though he will be confirmed again with bipartisan support.
The is no crystal ball for Americans watching their future take shape, only questions and speculations.
Is the president-elect, in fact, a “Clintonian copy”? (to borrow a term from Jack Rothman) Will Obama live up to his call for ‘Change’?
From Ballot Box to Inbox
It seems that the 2008 U.S. presidential election was closely watched not just by concerned Americans waiting to see the fate of their country, but also by cybercriminals planning their next angle. These criminals took action, even before Barack Obama was finished his acceptance speech, seeking to capitalize on the results of the closely-watched historic election with mass malicious email campaigns. E-mails bait users with provocative titles such as “Presidential gift card”, “Barackumentary”, and “McCain supports idea that Obama is Muslim” in order to unleash information-stealing viruses into the openers computer.
Use caution when downloading files and opening e-mails from unexpected senders; because, while the name Barack Obama may prove to be synonymous with welcome and positive change in America, it almost certainly proves the opposite in regards to your e-mail inbox.
November 5th, 2008Reflections on the Future
The votes have been cast, counted… and called in favor of Democrat Barack Obama. As the excitement calms and the dust settles, Americans are left wondering what is in store for the future. As America’s 44th president, Obama will now face what promises to be one of the most challenging stints in the Oval Office in at least a generation. How can Barack Obama implement his campaign agenda, while simultaneously working towards putting a halt to the economic recession, resolve an occupation that has continued for over 5 years, ease domestic insecurities and restore public confidence in government, and work towards a solution for a social security system and global climate in crisis? How will he begin to tackle this seemingly insurmountable “to-do” list?
Musings as to how Barack Obama will spend the 100 days following his January 20th swearing in abound. It will begin with the words, “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” What will follow can only be speculation, but here are some
- Michael Gerson for The Washington Post, “Obama’s First 100 Days”
- Marc Ambinder for The Atlantic, “Obama’s First 100 Days”
- Jared Allen for The Hill, “Obama’s First 100 Days Start Early”
- John Dickerson from Slate.com for NPR, “What to Expect from Obama Now
What do you feel should be the most important priority of President Obama’s first 100 days in office?
America Chooses Change
Taking both the Electoral College tally and the popular vote, Barack Obama rode the Democratic tide to victory to become the forty-fourth president of the United States of America. This year’s election brought out voters in record numbers, around 136.6 million, the highest percentage total since 1908. “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America — I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you — we as a people will get there,” Obama said in Chicago, Illinois, where he made his November 4th acceptance speech.
It is a historical day in America and the people, according to Massachusetts senator Ted Kennedy, “spoke loud and clear.” They have rallied around a candidate whose campaign was based on organizing Americans for America. With the high turnout and intense voter pride exhibited this election, people, both young and old, defied apathy and have chosen a leader who promises to bring change- Are Americans ready to do their part to work together to usher in a new era for their country?