Challenges Ahead for Obama
President-elect Obama has an enormous amount of challenges ahead of him when he gets sworn into office on January 20, 2009. As he puts together his cabinet, the challenges seem to grow and grow. Whether it’s the declining economy, the recent terror attack in Mumbai or the recovery plan that Obama has discussed (carrying as much as a $700 billion price tag), it’s safe to say that Obama has his hands full.
Obama has begun discussing the economic recovery plan that would bring relief to the states with the country’s governors. The New York Times reports that being a former Senator himself, Obama relates to needs of state and local governments. He promised he would be open to ideas, coming from both Democrats and Republicans. Obama also said he “would not delay” in pushing the economic recovery plan. This discussion only revealed even more hard times this country and president-elect Obama have in front of them.
As the U.S. deals with issues overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan and most recently Mumbai, three large automakers here in America are asking for more money in their lucrative loan settlements from the government. General Motors is asking for $18 billion, Ford wants $9 billion and Chrysler wants $7 billion. CNN shows that the automakers’ turnaround plans included commitments to make more hybrids and no more corporate jets, as well as a promise to return to profitability in the next few years.
Ivan Eland, Director of the Center on Peace & Liberty, discusses other presidents who have entered into office while facing “uphill tasks,” such as Cleveland, Roosevelt and Ford. However historically, he points out, the economy is usually resilient and eventually rights itself. Eland argues that Obama’s toughest challenge may be the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Coming into the White House in January, president-elect Obama will indefinitely face many challenges. While Americans may dispute which challenge is the worst, the real challenge is to save our country. We have to believe that Obama will do what is best for the United States and that he can take on these challenges. America made its’ choice, and all we can do now is sit back and watch.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )
