Editorial: Change has arrived

Over the past eight years, the American people have endured one of the worst tragedies in the country’s history, fought a seemingly endless war and suffered together as their economy crashed.

While the George W. Bush era was not all bad, it will be remembered for the failures and mistakes that made it fodder for comedic shows across the country and has already led many historians to suggest that Bush is the worst president in American history.’ On Tuesday that period in history came to a close.

Change is not always an easy concept to accept, but at times it just feels right. The change from Bush to the 44th President, Barack Obama, is just such a change.

Obama becomes the first ever-black president in the country’s history and has ignited a feeling of overall unity and excitement in the American people. Even overseas, the feeling of change has swept through the people, giving the international community a sense that American will return to its former greatness.

During the inauguration the crowd chanted Obama’s name, a stirring change from the last inauguration, when Bush was sworn in once again to a crowd that almost seemed to be forced to accept that he was back for four more years. Finally a president has emerged once again that brings charisma and excitement to the stage, with the ability to motivate the American people to act.

Now the pressure is on Obama. He grabbed the attention of the nation throughout his campaign and during his stirring inauguration speech. He has brought a tear to the eye of many people who suffered through segregation and racism. While reaching the White House alone is quite an accomplishment, Obama has the opportunity to truly make a change.

With the poor economy, mounting environmental problems, a war in Iraq and many other issues to confront within the next 100 days, Obama is looking at a difficult transition, one that could be a barometer of what he will accomplish in the Oval Office.

It is time to do what Bush didn’t, look past partisan politics and religious issues to deal with problems such as climate change, gay rights, increasing medical technology through stem cell research and finding alternatives oil-based fuel. He has said he wants both liberals and conservatives to come together with a ‘sense of urgency.’

Obama has proved that the American dream still exists, that anyone can reach any goal. But now it is his time to show and prove that he is deserving of the hype. The American people cannot take another disappointing eight years.