Would You Like to Be the POTUS?

Have you ever wondered how it feels like to be the leader of the most powerful nation on Earth? We’ll I did wonder since VHS tape was introduced. (Connection: Hollywood movies depicting US as the most powerful nation.) I think of how powerful my orders would be, how indispensable I would be, etc. The power… it’s killing me.

Anyway, last night, Obama took his oath as the 44th President of the United States (POTUS) of America. And if you have watched it, I’m sure you’ve noticed how nervous he is while taking his oath and while delivering his inaugural address. Who wouldn’t be?

1. Famine is still widely felt in many countries in the African region. And people there are hoping President Obama will be able to finish this problem as soon as he steps into office.
2. The war in the Holy Land is somehow expected to be pacified by, again, President Obama. (Isn’t it ironic? While some countries in the world are peacefully and economically OK, there is war going on in the Holy Land?)
3. Communist countries are waiting for his policies, probably hoping something grand would take place now that the US President is a leftist (hehehe).
4. Wall Street people and the rest of the global financial industry/sector are just waiting for Obama to clear the mess they (we) are in right now.
5. [Continue listing all problems here, and I bet you, somehow, people are expecting Obama to save the day for them. Yeah, the Philippines is a forerunner here.]

Now, can you imagine the responsibility assigned to Obama? I mean, it is almost the whole world being put under his wings. It’s just but batural that he is a bit nervous last night. Nyahaha! But I hope he succeeds.

ON HIS SPEECH: I like this part, a reality check but with enough confidence that we can make it:

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

I copied the complete inaugural address/speech here. (And for quick reference, here’s a Youtube link.) Maybe it’s OK to amend JFK’s famous quote:

Ask not what Obama can do for you; ask what you can do for Obama.

Hehehe. Goodluck, President Obama.

   Barack Hussein Obama, 44th President of the United States of America