Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Editorial - Challenges ahead for President-elect Obama

In what has been noted as the largest election turnout in 90 years (since women won the right to vote), Barack Obama a short time ago became President-elect of the United States of America.

To many older Americans, it was probably a moment that they probably never thought they would see in their lifetime.  It was not purely a race issue, it was very simply a generation of Americans, many of whom simply didn't think it was possible for an African-American to ever reach the Presidency. It was the way they grew up.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.

There is no doubting that Barack Obama knows how to reach an audience and that personality trait will be all-important in the coming weeks and months, as a necessary healing process (hopefully) begins. 

Our country has been divided too long. Recent election numbers tell that story all too clearly. Popular vote counts were incredibly close.  This division doesn't solve problems, it causes them.  Partisan politics is, and has been, out of control for some time.

A few brave leaders, yes including Senator McCain, have often crosses those lines to achieve necessary compromise.  It needs to go further.

A strong commitment to bridging the gap between our two major politic parties is the greatest challenge to our country's next President.  Restoring faith, and moderating the greed and fear that has permeated our society.

An understanding of the differences between those in urban, suburban and rural america, all too evident in this (early) morning's election map, needs to be understood and addressed in a prompt manner in order for the next leader of our country to be truly successful.

The 'game' needs to change.  Democrats need to embrace their Republican colleagues (and visa versa) in a new way while continuing the important debates over the very serious and immediate issues that face our country, and the world.

This President is facing some of the most difficult challenges that we've seen in several decades and with our economic system now being global, the world will be watching and waiting as well.

In my lifetime, there have been great communicators in the White House.  John F Kennedy and Ronald Reagan overcame incredible obstacles by surrounding themselves with 'the best of the best' and then 'working the phones' with Congress and leaders of other nations, to solve difficult, and at times, seemingly impossible challenges.

I have great faith in our country.  Being in the Tech Sector for many years makes you realize that if you don't embrace change (as evidenced by the growth and sheer impact of the Internet), you will be left behind.

It is my hope in these early hours that the promised change can touch the lives of as many Americans as possible as well as those around the world.  America has always had enemies.  We've seen biggr challenges. 

We need to restore the respect and understanding of our culture and do our best to eliminate hate and/or unfounded jealousy.

My prayers go out to the next administration along with true hope. 

The younger generation, in particular, needs to be reassured, sooner than later, that their own future, and the future of the world just got brighter.