Real Change
I think the inauguration of President Barack Obama served as a reminder
for both whites and blacks across America, and in the world, that in just
four decades our country has truly seen "change.". Just forty years ago,
African Americans were struggling to coexist in a world ruled by whites
and were fighting for the right to vote. Forty years ago, the idea of
having a black president was no more than wishful thinking for most
African Americans---even though Martin Luther King, Jr. predicted it to be
possible in a BBC interview in 1964 if only prejudice and racism
were put aside. January 21st, 2009, just one day after Martin Luther
King Day, is the proof that our country has evolved and matured into a
place where anything is possible and where anyone with the right
motivation and enthusiasm can rise to the top regardless of their
background and color of their skin.--Diana DiMascio
Inspiration
"Our challenges are real and many will be met," said President Obama. He
talked about the economy, what had to be changed, and how we as the
American people along with himself can come together to provide a sense of
peace in our world. President Obama's presence during the speech was
inspiring, confident, strong, brave, and absolutely wonderful. He spoke
with a sense of understanding of what the American people want for him to
accomplish and showed that he will do everything in his power to bring
success to our country once againn.--Kristina Artimova
A Rekindled Spirit of Liberalism
Now that the Bush administration has passed, how will the Republican Party
regain the trust of the American people, how will it reshape and
restructure itself as a legitimate contender in an age of post-modern
democracy? Hail to the chief, Barack Obama. Obama's election is beyond
significant, a moment in time that has changed the scope of race and
politics with a warm embrace from the American public. It is not to ignore
the underlying question; will he deliver the change he promises? From
early in the presidential race as a Democratic candidate, Obama has
presented to America the idea of change. Exactly what change remains
uncertain; no one knows for sure how Obama will change America. In fact,
the answer may never be fully understood until long after the end of his
term. One thing holds true, Obama has sparked change within America
politically; Obama has single-handedly rekindled the spirit of liberalism.
With the election of our first African-American president, we have entered
an era of politics where working class people feel as though they matter
and that the average American holds the power to decide how legislation is
processed in this country. But hasn't America always followed this logic?
An honest reply would be, "Well this is the first time in my life it
actually feels that way."--Alexis Garcia Murillo
Diana DiMascio, Kristina Artimova and Alexis Garcia Murillo are Rutgers-Newark students. Posted January 2009.
