As is to be expected of a news junkie like me, I spent the whole day watching CNN yesterday. Obamania seems to have touched me too! Now, I am not, nor will ever be, a groupie. It's just that I wanted to see what the Americans would do to commemorate this event. At the outset, it presents like an impossible task. An African-American as President? But it has happened. There is a lot being said about whether Obama will be able to weather the huge expectations that his candidacy generated.
Some experts have commented about his inaugural speech not being as soulstirring as his earlier ones. But that, I believe, is a problem which America has to overcome. Rhetoric must be kept aside, simple steps must be outlined. In his speech, what Obama did was to paint a few broad strokes about his upcoming policies. It was not a speech, 'full of sound and fury/ signifying nothing', as Shakespeare would have said. It was a speech which clearly pointed the way he was going to deal with the mess USA has landed itself in.
He outlines, for instance, the fact that it is high time for Americans to curb wasteful consumption of resources. A cleaner way of life - I loved that thought. So, a return to basic values of thrift and common sense. If I can afford only $100, I do not go out and buy a coat costing $200 with my credit card. That way of thinking has only contributed to the rot in American society.
Another thing - he emphasized how infrastructure projects would be a way to generate more jobs, jumpstart the economy. Superb! Lots of schools, medical centres, bridges, roads etc need to be built. In the olden days, it was a tested strategy of kings to do the same when there were natural calamites.
Dependence on oil to be reduced - another winner. Please, we're so tired of putting up with the oil producers' whims. He directly addressed the Muslim nations. He has extended a friendly hand based on 'mutual interest', not the avenging angel type of action espoused by Bush. Smart move.
Education - a return to basic science and technology, not just quick IT-type schooling. Another big idea which is bound to revitalize youth.
So, all in all, I think his speech was a solid demonstration of his intentions. We, in Canada, will be watching to see how he behaves with us. After the fiasco with NAFTA, soft wood lumber and border security issues, how Obama views his northern neighbour remains to be seen. But, it's a new world. And I, along with other Canadians, continue to be hopeful.
You are right about the wasteful expenditure . But it should begin at home, right. How come they spent millions(on the ceremony) when the economy is in such a state. Tall words all . it's much more difficult to put in practice.Let's hope he manages to not let us down.
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