Barack Obama: Promising First Steps

Image source: http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/new_official_portrait_released/

As the world watched with bated breath, and hopeful spirit, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the office.  History in the making.  A powerful orator, President Obama has captured the hearts of millions around the world, and rekindled a hope in the American people that had been beaten down by the mistakes of the previous administration.  Elected on campaign promises that pretty much vowed to do the opposite of everything his predecessor had done (and in an interesting side note, the new administration even froze last minute Bush administration regulations before they took place, mere hours after the Inauguration), Obama’s agenda includes the closing of Guantanamo Bay, the withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq, and swift action on the country’s economic crisis.  As he entered his first full day in office, the new President quickly proved that he was up to the task. 

With a packed agenda, and the eyes of the world upon him, Obama immediately addressed the top issues.  An executive order for the closing of the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay has been drafted, with a review planned for how to handle the current prisoners.  The President also met with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, as well as the Ambassador to Iraq, & other top military officials to discuss the situation in Iraq, and has made it clear that he expects to stick with his promise of a 16 month withdrawal plan of combat forces from the region.  In a statement issued after the meeting, Obama said, ”During the discussion, I asked the military leadership to engage in additional planning necessary to execute a responsible military drawdown from Iraq.”  There are even whispers today of accelerating the 16 month timetable.  

With the beleaguered economy a high priority, the President also met with his top economic advisors on his first day in office, announced a pay freeze for senior staff members, and has had House Democrats sign an $825 billion economic recovery package, aimed at jobs, health care, education, and energy.  House Republican leaders, however, are asking for changes to the proposal, and have declined to say whether they will support the package without them. 

And if all of this wasn’t enough, despite celebrating late into the night with his lovely wife, Barack Obama was not quite done with his first day in office, or with following up on his promises to the American public.  The President also reached out to the leaders of the Middle East, with phone calls to the Israeli Prime Minister, the Egyptian President, the Palestinian President and Jordan’s King Abdullah, and pledged to help co-ordinate the Gaza ceasefire.  White House spokesman Robert Gibbs issued this statement regarding Obama’s quick attention to the Middle East conflict, “He pledged that the United States would do its part to make these efforts successful, working closely with the international community.”  The President also drafted an executive order on ethics reform and guidelines for his staff, touching on an additional campaign promise.  And in yet another historical moment for Obama, he found time to re-take the Oath of Office, after a slight mix up by Chief Justice John Roberts on Tuesday.  Only two previous Presidents, Calvin Coolidge and Chester Arthur, have retaken the oath, both for similar reasons.  The new President even managed to spend some quiet moments at the start of his day reading a note left in the Oval Office by former President George Bush, (marked “To #44, From #43), as well as attend the National Prayer Service with his wife, Michelle.  Later in the day, the Obama’s hosted a formal open house at the White House.

Not a bad start.  And in his own words, ”What an opportunity we have to change this country.”.  Since, historically, most change takes place within the first months of taking office, President Obama was wise to take such immediate steps towards fulfilling his campaign promises.  By addressing the pressing issues facing the United States, and the global community around it, so quickly, Obama is showing his determination and desire to maintain the public’s faith in him, and bring about the changes the people are so hungry for.  Promising first steps for a promising new President.

Other works by this author:

Barack Obama: An American President, A Global Hope

My Stranger

Dr. Penis

Leave It All Behind