Obama: What the world expects . . .

by Rick Lowe

Today is the Presidential Inauguration day in the United States, and the first black president will assume the country's highest political office.

While getting elected is an amazing accomplishment in and of itself, Obama has convinced America and the world that he can solve every problem known to man.

This is most unfortunate, but it's not only the perception, it's the reality to many.

However, here in The Bahamas we rely on a stable United States of America, so we must wish him well.

Now for a peeve of mine.

Queen's College, a private school will supposedly convene the entire school in the auditorium to watch the inauguration, and I think this is ridiculous, primarily because it sets a precedent that the school will surely find a reason to beg off of in the future.

Oh, I realise it is a special moment in history, but to call the entire school out for a political process, for a foreign country is incorrect in my view, unless it will become the norm no matter who is elected.

Of course if families wish to record it, or buy the DVD to watch in the privacy of their home when it's available, go for it. But to call the entire school to watch it, is not right.

By the way, I found the following article of interest and hope you can take the time to read about what is expected of Obama.

Obama: What the world expects . . .

by Alec MacGillis, The New Statesman

Published 15 January 2009

"He only has to rescue the global economy, solve the crisis in the Middle East and fix the environment . . . In this special report, Alec MacGillis, Patricia J Williams, Will Hutton, Sigrid Rausing, Benjamin Markovits, Katherine Butler and Mark Lynas assess the new president's prospects"

Read the entire article in The New Statesman here...