On Tuesday, we make history. There is no denying it.
When Barack Obama puts his hand on Abe Lincoln’s Bible, a new day will dawn in America.
Change is inevitable and very welcome in light of the economic beating we all have been taking during the last year.
While pundits constantly compare Obama to Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt, a more accurate comparison would be with John F. Kennedy, who injected enthusiasm and energy into a nation that needed new challenges and a fresh direction.
America needs a new, fresh attitude, and we hope that Obama can provide that despite the mind-numbing challenges he faces. However, he cannot do it all by himself. We must all play a role … hopefully a positive one.
That is not to say we should all jump on the Obama bandwagon. This is America and a bit of skepticism is usually in order. Nevertheless, in saying that, we must acknowledge that we need more than a brave new face. We must pull together in a bipartisan way. Our new president seems to be a leader with both enthusiasm and charisma. We shall soon see if there is true power behind his persuasive oratory.
JFK had the power to motivate a nation with his words, but he also had Lyndon Johnson to push his ambitious legislative passage through a reluctant Congress. His martyrdom also furthered his cause. He weathered the worst conflict of the Cold War, going to the brink, but preventing a thermonuclear war with the Soviet Union.
The problems Obama faces are different, but similar. Terrorists, and perhaps a sovereign nation or two, will test his meddle just as Khrushchev tested JFK. In addition, there is this nation’s terrible health care problem that consumes more and more of the federal budget. First, he must address the nation’s economic condition.
We are fortunate in Murfreesboro. While the big boom of the last decade has stalled, our diverse economy is still keeping most – but not all – of us working. It is not a time to surrender, but to push forward with new bright ideas.
Maybe that new idea that revolutionizes America will come from you? Let us work together for our future.
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