Barack Obama

Saying the name puts a smile on my face, and makes hope spring into my heart. But I wonder if we're putting too much pressure on him. His power of oration on the subject of change; the need for it, his description of the America he would make, capitalized on a spirit of change. And it also started setting up astronomically high expectations. We want him to be the saviour of America, we want him to be the hope to the world. What happens if he doesn't meet our expectations? Will we be disappointed? Or are we longing so much for change that we'll still adore him no matter what his actions?

I have to feel sorry for the man. History has placed an awesome burden on his shoulders- the first African American President. And one coming in at a time when his country is in the worst financial shape it's been in since the depression, and is involved in 2 unwinnable wars. He is powerful orator, and that probably plays into the high expectations- he believes what he is saying, and makes his listeners believe as well. But will he be able to live up to the hype?

I hope so. Because in choosing Obama, America allowed itself to hope again. And in that hope inspired the rest of world to say: 'if they can do it, so can we.' And maybe we affect change in our own country.

The answers to my questions will come with time. For now, like the rest of the world I wait and have faith in Barack Obama, and America's renewed hope.