A Change for the better
The United States and
the world witnessed the dawn of a new era on Tuesday, with the
inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th President.
Obama, the first African-American to become the US President,
has already inspired fresh hopes that he would steer the US in a
new direction.
This is precisely what he promised the US and the world in
his 18-minute inauguration address. First and foremost, Obama
correctly acknowledged that the US was facing troubled times and
that it would require a massive effort to put things back on
track in economic and social terms.
"That we are in the midst of crisis is now well-understood.
Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and
irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective
failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new
age," said Obama.
President Obama expressed his determination to overcome these
challenges. "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." Mending the economy should be a priority for Obama,
for the whole world has been affected by the crisis that started
in the US. His call for "bold and swift" action and "a new
foundation for growth" is therefore timely.
In saying so, he questioned whether unbridled capitalism
without any controls would do any good to the US. "The power of
the market to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched,
but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the
market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot
prosper long when it favours only the prosperous."
This is an open admission that the economy needs some State
intervention and that the poor segments of society must also
receive equal opportunities, instead of continuing a system that
makes the rich richer and the poor poorer.
President Obama's speech also reflected new thinking on the
environment and signs of a departure from the previous
belligerent attitude on climate change. The US remains one of
the few countries which had not signed important protocols on
climate change. He indicated a desire to harness the sun and the
winds and the soil to fuel cars and run factories. His promise
to "roll back the spectre of a warming planet" is a strong
indication that America might finally adhere to the protocols on
climate change. He admitted that the US cannot consume the
world's resources without regard to effect.
Obama also gave a hint of major changes in American foreign
policy. "America is a friend of each nation and every man,
woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and
that we are ready to lead once more. Our power alone cannot
protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please," he
stressed.
The latter sentence marks a significant departure from the
earlier administration's 'with us or against us' attitude, using
which it disregarded world opinion and UN resolutions in
unilaterally taking action on issues such as Iraq. "Our power
grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the
justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering
qualities of humility and restraint" - these are indeed wise
words.
His call for "even greater cooperation and understanding
between nations" could not thus have been more timely. On Iraq,
he uttered the words that most nations, including the allies of
US, wanted to hear: "We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to
its people." He promised "a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan"
which is also welcome.
He also pledged to work with old friends and former foes to
lessen the nuclear threat. While it is not exactly clear who he
meant by former foes, it could mean a dialogue with Iran and
North Korea on the nuclear issue. He also had a strong message
for terrorists worldwide: "for those who seek to advance their
aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to
you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you
cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."
There is a possibility that the US could channel more aid to
the developing world under the Obama administration. We hope
that his pledge to develop Third World farms, nourish starved
bodies and feed hungry minds would not be confined to mere
words. He also sought the same commitment from other affluent
nations.
All these point to Change - the very premise on which his
electoral campaign was based. Ordinary Americans have made that
Change possible. It is now up to Barack Obama to fulfil those
expectations, restore America's image and Change the course of
history. |