Obama fever: How long will the heat last?
It was a day of hope, unity and jubilation. Notwithstanding the freezing temperature, a massive crowd of two million gathered in Washington’s National Mall to witness and celebrate the inauguration of the first black President in American history. Barack Hussein Obama has finally taken oath.
“We have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord,” said Obama, 47, in his historic inaugural speech being the 44th president of the world’s most powerful nation.
“Today I say to you that 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.” The former Illinois senator inherited enormous challenges from the Bush administration - the worst US economy since the Great Depression and two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, among others.
Obama also enumerated the pressing concerns that his administration will address including the rising cost of health care, unemployment, terrorism, environmental issues and the staggering economy.
But in the midst of high hopes around the globe, news feeds say that share prices in Wall Street and some Asian Markets plunged on Obama’s first day of office. Analysts say that investors may be wary of Obama’s lack of concrete plans in combatting the present economic downturn.
Expectations are high on the first African-American President of the the crisis-stricken US. As the US economy sinks deep into recession, Pres. Obama called for a “new era of responsibility”
“Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to mark hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.”
Various leaders from around the world has expressed support over the new US leadership, including French Pres. Nicolas Sarkozy who said he is eager to work with Obama in “changing the world.”
How long will the Obama heat last and to what extent of goodwill will it lead the US and the rest of the world?
The whole world is watching. The whole world is hopeful.
Posted in 
Tags: 
