My Reaction to the Inauguration

* This was an assignment for my Poli Sci class.

“What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.” (From President Barack H. Obama’s Inaugural Address given on January 20, 2009 in Washington DC)

Today truly was a day out of the pages of a history book. It was a special day for all American citizens and people all over the world who long for a change in the right direction. It was an inspirational day for those who are viewed as secondhand citizens in the eyes of the ignorant. Today, Americans were given hope that all of their dreams can be accomplished, both literally and symbolically. Today is a day that no one will ever forget, because America as we know it has been transformed. Certainly, President Obama has not had the chance to impact political, economic, social, and environmental policies yet; however, he is a symbol of change. Change, as cliché as it sounds, is exactly what America needs right now. Let’s face it; our world is in a state of decay. Racism, wars, diseases, environmental crises, and poverty are all rampant in our nation and in the world. Peace is merely a concept, a simple thought, as opposed to an actuality. America needs the change that President Barack Obama stands for. I know that people have very high expectations for Barack Obama, and those who do not have high expectations for him long to see him fail. In his Inaugural Address, however, President Barack Obama made a very good point. He stated that we all need to take responsibility, as Americans, for our actions. It is our duty to heal our sick world, and we should exercise our duty with pride in the positive changes that we will be bringing to the world