Spring Break
End of Obama's inauguration marks time for action
Richard Pandorf, U. of Cincinnati
Issue date: 1/22/09 Section: Opinion
(U-WIRE) - President Barack Obama's two-year journey to the White House has finally come to a close, but the inauguration serves not only as the end of one journey but also as the start of another.
Obama's inaugural address was somber and alluded to the problems that currently plague our nation, but he provided hope that if we all do our part, we will prevail. Personal responsibility was a key point of Obama's address.
"I thought Obama presented himself as knowledgeable, determined and a capable leader," said Russel Durst, head of the department of English and comparative literature at the University of Cincinnati. "He made clear he knows the requirements of the job but also understands his own limitations and the need for others to do their part."
The idea of public service is not new to Obama's plan, as he cited many times on the campaign trail ideas such as college students volunteering in their community in exchange for tuition assistance.
Durst is correct in saying Obama knows his limitations; I just hope others know his limitations, as well.
Upon reading comments on the Internet, I saw the word "legacy" tossed around a good deal, some going as far as to say his legacy is already set. Obama's legacy has only begun.
A destitute economy, perils of warfare and a warming world all pose large threats to our country. Obama's legacy will be written as he handles those issues, along with reforms to health care, education and a myriad of other situations that require serious attention.
While all of those issues are daunting, there is great cause for optimism.
The Obama administration seems to understand the road to recovery goes through the United States, as opposed to the rest of the world.
"It's hard to think of another administration that, right out of the gate, came with a focus on domestic policy," said Richard Harknett, a political science professor at UC.
This focus on domestic policy is, in large part, what got Obama elected. I understand the importance in foreign policy and feel it is a priority, but the majority of Americans feel at this point that domestic policy, particularly the economy, is front and center. Obama's focus will need to be squarely on the economy, as expectations are enormous.
Obama's inaugural address was somber and alluded to the problems that currently plague our nation, but he provided hope that if we all do our part, we will prevail. Personal responsibility was a key point of Obama's address.
"I thought Obama presented himself as knowledgeable, determined and a capable leader," said Russel Durst, head of the department of English and comparative literature at the University of Cincinnati. "He made clear he knows the requirements of the job but also understands his own limitations and the need for others to do their part."
The idea of public service is not new to Obama's plan, as he cited many times on the campaign trail ideas such as college students volunteering in their community in exchange for tuition assistance.
Durst is correct in saying Obama knows his limitations; I just hope others know his limitations, as well.
Upon reading comments on the Internet, I saw the word "legacy" tossed around a good deal, some going as far as to say his legacy is already set. Obama's legacy has only begun.
A destitute economy, perils of warfare and a warming world all pose large threats to our country. Obama's legacy will be written as he handles those issues, along with reforms to health care, education and a myriad of other situations that require serious attention.
While all of those issues are daunting, there is great cause for optimism.
The Obama administration seems to understand the road to recovery goes through the United States, as opposed to the rest of the world.
"It's hard to think of another administration that, right out of the gate, came with a focus on domestic policy," said Richard Harknett, a political science professor at UC.
This focus on domestic policy is, in large part, what got Obama elected. I understand the importance in foreign policy and feel it is a priority, but the majority of Americans feel at this point that domestic policy, particularly the economy, is front and center. Obama's focus will need to be squarely on the economy, as expectations are enormous.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Richard Pandorf
posted 1/22/09 @ 2:15 PM MST
Hi, I'm the original author of the story, thanks for publishing this! Good to know people are reading.
Peace Love
posted 1/23/09 @ 7:27 PM MST
With the absurd clichéd and ignorant rhetoric of educators such as Russell Durst and Richard Pandorf, is it any wonder that our education system is in adrift in ineptitude. (Continued…)
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