President Obama

Congratulations Mr. President

As I followed President Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony on CNN.com, I cannot help being inspired by his speech. I slept early to make sure that I can wake up to witness the live coverage (1 a.m, 21 January Malaysia time). I have never followed past American President's inauguration ceremonies in my life The moment can be considered historic because for many, President Obama is a symbol of change. For me I just wanted to see what is in store for us, the citizens of the world. after all he will feature a lot in our newspapers and television screens for the next four years (if he gets reelected it will be eight years). My interest will not be as deep following Tun Mahathir - Rob open arguments regarding what is expected of this percieved change.

Some of the CNN commentators commented that his speech lacked some memorable 'cliches' or memorable lines (like Kennedy's 'ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country), but I have to disagree with them. It contained some message for emerging nations, like Malaysia, with his offer of extending friendship. It is a good sign but we have to see if it is genuine. The line "With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet" may signal a change in the United State's stand in environmental conservation as previously they used to be dragging their feet in ratifying some treaties related to climate change.

He's different: I know some high profile left handers - but President Obama is set to be the most powerful lefty. (Picture source: CNN.com)

The line regarding government responsibility is quite relevant, to quote "The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government." unquote.

A plus point in many ways is the new website for the White House was instantly launched - much more better than the previous website

Queen Elizabeth (souce of image USAtoday.com)

I look forward to see what President Obama has in store for us, the citizens of the world, whether he is just a marvellous orator or he will be able to deliver America's hopes and deliver his promises to champion world peace. It is too early now. But there is hope and this can be seen when he walked out of his armoured protected car with the First Lady along Pennsylvania Avenue and walked a few blocks in the open together with the Vice President. Courageous? or headache for the Secret Service? So for now I will be putting Queen Elizabeth on the top liest for most memorable lines delivered during her Christmas 2008 message ".... that people who seem most contented and fulfilled are the people who have lived the most outgoing and unselfish lives -- the kind of people who are generous with their talents or their time ... those who use their prosperity or good fortune for the benefit of others. When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat. Instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future, I think we have a huge amount to learn from individuals such as these." Compared to President Obama, her Royal Highness has ruled the Commonwealth nations so these are words of experience. The President may have read the Queen's speech? Once again, my congratulations to President Obama.