President Elect, Barack Obama

Undoubtedly, so much will be written about the 2008 US election and new President Elect, Barack Obama, in the days, weeks and even months yet to come. This has been such an historic election from the onset, making headlines, stretching from the far reaches of the earth, right from the beginnings of the long and arduous campaign to the final results of the election. Now that all the ballots have been counted, it appears that nations around the world are pleased with the American people's choice for president.

It goes without saying (although this IS in fact one of the first statements printed and remarked upon by just about everyone) that he HAS made history, being the very first African American president. He has been the one to finally break the mold.

However, not just because of his racial background, he will most probably make a good president being he is also young, charismatic and extremely well spoken. He may be more in touch with what the American people need, more than any other president in the past several decades.

He has a huge job ahead of him, however, one of which I'm certain he'll tackle with dignity, intelligence and fortitude. The United States, as well as other nations, are looking for, and in desperate need of, change. He had promised to offer that much needed change during his campaign speeches.

He has also been left with the huge burden of responsibility in fixing the mistakes of the past administration. The country has fallen on such hard economic times, that haven't been experienced since the great depression of the 1930's. With the collapse of several financial institutions, the seemingly never ending wars and dissention in the middle east, more and more Americans losing their homes to foreclosure, people going into bankruptcy due to the poor state of the health care system, and ever increasing crime, he has a lot to deal with from the very moment that he will be sworn into office in the new year. It's an unenviable position that few other presidents have been thrown into. The country, and even many parts of the world, are looking to him for answers and solutions to the ever growing crises at home and around the world.

Although those answers won't be found with any quick, instant solutions, I'm sure he is up to the task. In fact, he has already been in consultation with several advisors and experts, in preparation for his upcoming presidency.

Maybe more importantly, not only are people looking to Barack Obama for solutions, they are also looking to him for hope for the country, especially when it comes to the minorities. For too many centuries, minorities have been looked upon as being lesser than the majority "white" population. This has oppressed the minorities for far too long. There was a time when a minority child could dream of one day becoming president, but in actuality, everyone knew it wasn't going to happen. Well, now it can! By having a young African American in office, gives young children of "all" racial and ethnic backgrounds hope for a better and more equal society.... and possibly a better future.

Barack Obama has the next four years to prove himself, as it was with any other president in the past. We can only hope that his policies will prove to be an asset to the country, and the world. I do think it's a step in the right direction. The eyes of the world are on him!