Category: Obama takes office

High expectations, hopes for Obama's first 100 Days

President Obama captivated the world yesterday, and those eyes remain on him, waiting to see how well the new administration follows through.

Even though bringing about the policy changes and feeling the effects of those changes will take time, Obama being sworn in as president lifted the spirits of many. A change in mindset can make the coping process easier until the actual problem-solving begins. It is easier to make it through the difficulties of the present knowing that change is on its way, but Obama will still need to act quickly to prove that he is as passionate as his rhetoric.

He still has the ability to make the world listen, but the world has expectations, and the Obama administration will need to do at least three things consistently to make sure that hope remains while the government shifts.

The administration will need to have:

1. Transparency. The world needs to be able to trust that the new administration will admit inevitable mistakes. No one is right 100 percent of the time, but those who admit to and learn from errors will retain the trust of others after the whole ordeal is over.

2. Willingness to communicate with the people. This goes along with transparency, but it also involves keeping an open dialogue that listens to the suggestions of the nation. They already have a great start with all of the citizen input they ask for online, but they will need to continue the conversation with the public to ensure that the administration does not become secluded inside D.C., isolated from the world outside the realm of politics.

3. Calm. Obama is known for being level-headed, and that calm in the face of the storm will undoubtedly be called upon repeatedly. Every president faces issues that divide the country, and the world, but those issues must be dealt with in a manner that reflects a willingness listen to all sides of the issue and take the time to make the best decision. Even though there will always be some people displeased with a decision, they are more likely to respect that decision if it has obviously been well thought through.

If the Obama administration can achieve these, the hope that resounded on inauguration day will continue to resonate.

Category: Obama takes office

Bush's legacy as Obama takes over

Today, as one president was sworn in and another stepped down, I think it is appropriate to reflect on former President Bush's last eight years in office.

It has been a rough ride, and there were many unexpected obstacles he had to face. September 11th for example, or Hurricane Katrina. It would have been difficult for anyone to handle, but I feel Bush was not the right person for the role of president. As his two terms went on, he left other Americans and I questioning his leadership skills. I personally found him to be an increasingly stubborn leader who left no room for citizen's voices.

The first time I questioned President Bush was when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005. Why would it takes days to respond to your own citizens after a natural disaster? I am still extremely disappointed in him for not taking care of his fellow Americans at a time when they needed it most. I lost hope, wondering if that was how a president was supposed to reach out in a time of crisis.

The next time I didn't understand Bush's logic was in 2006 when he vetoed to lift restrictions on stem cell research. It was favored by the majority of Americans on both sides of the political spectrum. Despite this, he personally found it morally wrong and selfishly vetoed it. The point of the president is to represent the people and their opinion. Apparently Bush didn't get the memo.

Over the past year as our nation as well as the world has sunk into an economic crisis, I knew Bush would do little or nothing to restore faith in those who have been hit the hardest. Even here in Michigan where economic struggle is nothing new, Bush refused to meet with legislators to talk about the Big 3 as things started to head south.

I think what irks me the most is the positive image he holds of himself and his actions. He doesn't see any wrong in his actions and the current state of the nation, saying at a farewell address , "we made our alliances stronger, we made our nation safer, and we have made our world freer."

So if he has made our nation freer and safer, he has also done damage in other ways. He has ruined our global image, relaxed environmental regulations, implemented three unnecessary tax rebates and drilled Christian views onto a country founded off of freedom of religion, to list some things.

I found a website asking people to summarize Bush's legacy in ten words. I think David Ignatius, writer for the Washington Post said it best: "He never fit the role history assigned him."

Category: Obama takes office

What are the top 3 things you'd like to see Obama to do in his presidency?

With Jan. 20 right around the corner, President Bush's days in office are drawing to a close as President-elect Obama prepares to pledge his loyalty to serving and leading this nation.

In every election people have opinions, and this one was no different. However, now that the election is over, what are people looking for Obama to accomplish in his term of office?

According to a family friend who is right-wing conservative:
1. I want to see Obama lower taxes for everybody.
2. Maintain our national security and keep us as safe as George Bush did.
3. Be his own man and not beholden to the liberal leadership of the Congress and Harry Reid.

According to a college nursing freshman:
1. Alternative energy -- follows through with current plans.
2. The economy -- find a way to create more jobs.
3. Support the automotive industry.

According to a co-worker:
1. Balance the budget
2. Revive the economy
3. Solve the auto industry problem.