The World's Inauguration and the work that remains

Despite living in close proximity to DC, I will not be attending the inauguration tomorrow in person.  I'd rather watch from a better vantage point, my TV, and be able to use the bathroom if need be.  However, I do know many people who are going and just had an interesting discussion with someone who is visiting from India.  He has lived in the states for about 6 months and will soon be travelling home.  He went to the Inauguration Concert yesterday, and is going to go to the inauguration tomorrow.

 

Reflecting on what Barack Obama's presidency means, he told me that the United States is often seen as a rich, caucasian, conservative country; one that talks the talk when it comes to diversity and opportunity but falls short when it comes down to living it.  This viewpoint is about to change.  He sees it.  I see it.  The world sees it.  Unlike Europe, which has its share of immigrants but will never elect one to the presidency, we are about to elect a true American as president.  Someone from a rich background that spans multiple continents, and who possesses a world-view that is likely superior to any that have held the office before him.

 

We all hope that this view will bring us more closely in line with other countries that hold our level of development. 

 

We are currently the only one without a national healthcare system.  This costs us dearly in treasure and human capital.  I expect this to change very quickly, as it would definitely jump start our economy.

 

We are one of the few countries that does not subscribe to various international agreements, be in the Kyoto Treaty or the International Court.  Hopefully this will change as well.

 

And lastly, we have a conservative undercurrent in this country that is both disturbing and dangerous.  Those that do not accept diversity.  Those that hold negative opinions of others due to factors such as ethnicity, race, or religion.  Those who wish it were 1958 and not 2008.  While these voices grow fewer and fewer every year (most of them are older), they still persist and our generation needs to minimize and purge these forces from our nation once and for all.

 

When all of this is accomplished, the world will not just look up to us for our individual leadership but for our world leadership as well.