Hope and Fear
Obama's message was concise and clear. Since he's emerged on the scene, he hasn't had much of a problem bumbling and stumbling over his words like his predecessor.
And yet, there must be more behind the message then just fancy rhetoric. The idea of choosing hope over fear is a good one, but there will be plenty of people available to caution that having a sense of fear and diligence in this already changed world, is a good idea.
The festivity of the inaugural celebration can not overshadow the problems of the day however. Obama taking the big seat behind the big desk will not be a cure-all for what ails the country, and that is what appears to be a bit scary about the hundreds of thousands of people who made the trip to watch history being made.
If Obama feels like he's being set up to fail, he isn't showing much fear. Only hope. Yet there are plenty of people who see his election as the thing that will save their lives.
Maybe so, but if you didn't want to work before Obama became President, and you don't feel like working tomorrow, he probably won't have much of an impact on your life.
If you are not personally responsible for making your own way in what is still a land of infinite possibilities, you most likely won't get a hand-out that makes all of your dreams come true.
In other words, there is a lot of work to be done, and each American, while feeling either relief or disdain, must understand that the work comes from within. The light you're searching for, you won't likely find in another man's words or action. That light must come from within.
Now I know that isn't a new thought, but one that must be really felt in this time of change.
Obama was elected by a pretty good margin. He will most likely be given the opportunity to make it work, but the change he is speaking of is dependant upon the wills of us all.
I'm sick of the transition - it's way too long - let's get on with the show now- and remember we're Americans, Dammit, we'll make it through.
And that's the hope he's selling.
And it's better than fear.
And yet, there must be more behind the message then just fancy rhetoric. The idea of choosing hope over fear is a good one, but there will be plenty of people available to caution that having a sense of fear and diligence in this already changed world, is a good idea.
The festivity of the inaugural celebration can not overshadow the problems of the day however. Obama taking the big seat behind the big desk will not be a cure-all for what ails the country, and that is what appears to be a bit scary about the hundreds of thousands of people who made the trip to watch history being made.
If Obama feels like he's being set up to fail, he isn't showing much fear. Only hope. Yet there are plenty of people who see his election as the thing that will save their lives.
Maybe so, but if you didn't want to work before Obama became President, and you don't feel like working tomorrow, he probably won't have much of an impact on your life.
If you are not personally responsible for making your own way in what is still a land of infinite possibilities, you most likely won't get a hand-out that makes all of your dreams come true.
In other words, there is a lot of work to be done, and each American, while feeling either relief or disdain, must understand that the work comes from within. The light you're searching for, you won't likely find in another man's words or action. That light must come from within.
Now I know that isn't a new thought, but one that must be really felt in this time of change.
Obama was elected by a pretty good margin. He will most likely be given the opportunity to make it work, but the change he is speaking of is dependant upon the wills of us all.
I'm sick of the transition - it's way too long - let's get on with the show now- and remember we're Americans, Dammit, we'll make it through.
And that's the hope he's selling.
And it's better than fear.
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