Finally, the U.S. Presidential campaign is over. We’ve elected a new President, who will, hopefully, bring to fruition the changes everyone has been looking for, all across the board, from a better and more stable economy to improved foreign relations. Most Americans realize that the new President is inheriting a rather full plate.
Who, in their right mind, would want to tackle the problems we now face? You’ve got to feel grateful that someone is willing to shoulder these massive problems. You hope that the new President will be effective. Change is the platform upon which our new President ran. The fact remains that our U.S. political news is now world news. In the past, the transition of power between one administration and the next has been smooth and seamless. This time, this process seems to be happening rapidly, long before the actual inauguration – and the world is listening and watching closely. U.S. political news is a hot topic, around the world.
Economic chaos, food shortages, environmental crises and war has put the world on alert. Many nations are blaming the U.S. for the many crises we now face. It’s no wonder that the world continues to pay close attention to the U.S. political news.
President-elect Obama has stated that he intends to take immediate steps to stabilize the economy here at home, as well as developing a plan to create 2.5 million new jobs, primarily in alternative energy, or green, jobs. He’s also said that he will have a stimulus package proposal which he’ll present to Congress on his first day in office. He’s already chosen his team of economic advisers, charged with determining how best to invest and manage the multi-trillion dollar funding required to straighten out the foreclosures, credit markets and auto manufacturer’s currently bleak outlook.
Abroad, another issue in the U.S. political news is making headlines. That is the choice of the new Secretary of State. This person, under the direction of the President, will be helping to shape foreign policy, currently in shambles, with foreign relations in a dire state, with certain countries, formerly allies, now uncertain as to where they stand in the whole scheme of world politics.
For example, Afghanistan is calling for a drawing down of the U.S. presence there, while Pakistan and India are becoming less stable, with violence coming from new and previously unknown militant groups. The question of Iran has not been addressed. Russia no longer has a good rapport with the U.S., incited by the recent agreement with Czechoslovakia to build a missile defense installation on Russia’s western borders. North Korea is again exhibiting instability and the health of Kim Jong-Il creates even more concerns.
Historically, America has been admired throughout the world, for both its generosity in helping other nations, as well as its stabilizing influence in world affairs. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. We need to restore our reputation and credibility, throughout the world. We must also address the economic fallout we are all experiencing and being felt around the world.
It’s clear that U.S. political news will remain in the spotlight for some time to come. Yes, this new President has much to do to effect change that really makes a positive difference in the coming years. It can’t happen too soon.
