January 20, 2009 - Pre-Inauguration: An Era of Responsibility and Patience

On this most historic of days for the United States of America, there are a few points I think need to be made before our new president is sworn into office. The first is, of course, that this is a momentous occasion. I am so proud of the citizens of this country to have come out in such impressive numbers to elect Mr. Obama. I do believe he has the potential to help our country through the most difficult of times. However, I also believe it is imperative to remember that Mr. Obama is, in fact, not Superman. He cannot change this country by himself. Change can only occur with the assistance of the citizens of the United States of America. Obama cannot solve climate change by himself. It will take the responsibility of each and every one of us to be conscious of what we use and what we waste. We must be responsible enough to know what we can do to damper the effects of climate change. It is unfair and unrealistic to believe that our government, no matter who it is led by, can stop climate change and restore our environment to what it once was - if that is even possible at this stage. We must be responsible and mature enough to accept that our government alone cannot bring about the end of the current financial crisis. While the government can try to bail out banks, to boost the auto industry, to "jump-start" the economy, we have just as much of a responsibility - if not more - as the government to be mindful of how we manage our money. 

A reporter on CNN said this morning that Obama has called this an "era of responsibility and patience," and I don't believe anyone could have said it better. There will be no immediate results. There is no issue facing us right now that can be solved instantaneously. Slowing climate change and strengthening the economy will take years, perhaps even more than a presidential term or two. Responsibility and patience.

The beauty of the United States of America is that we can come together when it it most essential to do so. Now is one of those times. Now is when John F. Kennedy's speech holds the most truth: it is not what this country or this government can do for us as a population or as individuals, it is what we can do for our country, both as a population and as individuals.

That being said, let's celebrate the end of an era, and the start of a new one that has all the potential in the world to be great.

-ZMG