For the first time in American History, an African-American became the 44th President of the United States. Expectations are high that Barak Obama will bring change, not only to America but to the whole world.
Cognizant of the real and present "raging storms" affecting his people and those elsewhere in the world, Obama's first policies will determine which of the challenges he considers as priorities. He has four years to meet the storms head-on, together with the American people, together with those who believe in what he believes in as well all throughout the world.
Despite the real storms, Obama must be feeling inspired to see the millions he has inspired brave the cold and accompany him at his inauguration. Calling on all to join him take on the Era of responsibility, he said the path will not be easy, problems cannot be solved easily and soon. But like everyone else, Obama is putting on hope and faith to meet the challenges, the reality of putting his country and this world in order.
Obama epitomizes the triumph of respect for diversity, respect and dignity for all, regardless of race, class, age and gender. Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. finally saw the fulfillment of their dream to see America shed off prejudice and discrimination against color, class and age. No doubt, prejudice and hate will not disappear overnight but Obama as US President is the loudest message that prejudice and hate can be overcome.
Obama himself is a model of strength and persistence. Born black and abandoned by his father as a child, he transformed his personal obstacles and brought himself to Harvard, to the Senate, and then now to the White House! Obama's personal life cannot help but inspire and challenge all to accept and transform their obstacles into gems of opportunities for attaining the utmost heights for themselves.
A very young Obama is definitely going to make many other young leaders and the youth reconsider their contribution to serve and to change the fate of their own part of the world. Will we in the Philippines, for example, see a very bold Chiz Escudero challenge other contenders for President in 2010?
The present world, including our country, calls for moral renewal, moral recovery. Will Obama change the direction of the world economy, from one bent on profits and the priority of the markets over the welfare of people, homes and communities? Will he be able to show other world leaders the moral path to peace? Will Obama's change show a better world where the well-fed, happily employed, peaceful and secured citizens can run and live free across generations?
Will the call of Obama and our own Chief Justice Puno for the moral forces to take on the challenges for a better, morally renewed USA, Philippines and world touch people to respond and to start the hard work together? With Obama, we say So help us God!
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Email: cherryb_thefreeman@yahoo.com