The inauguration of a new President is like the Christmas season - you develop a wish list and hope for the best. Tomorrow will be no exception. My list has been running around in my head for some time. I have sorted out and discarded the improbabilities and the insignificant. I don't expect our new President to perform miracles. But what I do wish for --in broad strokes-- is three things: peace, economic prosperity and a better way of life for all Americans.
First, peace. We need to stop fighting in foreign lands unless our national interests are threatened. Diplomacy and persuasion, compromise and empathy, and understanding, tolerance and forgiveness ought to be part of our national makeup and come way ahead of putting our brave men and women in harm's way. Having said this, let there be no doubt those who attack us must be chased to the ends of the earth. We must stay strong and vigilant to deter potential enemies.
Prosperity is made up of many parts. A strong marketplace, a vigorous blend of job opportunities and new educational possibilities to prepare Americans to compete in the world, are absolutely essential to our nation's growth and prosperity. Returning us to a realistic condition where individual home ownership and group pride in community are within the financial and realistic reach of all men and women is an equal part of prosperity.
Third, a better life for all. Illness and disease, poor medical care for many, and ever increasing medical insurance costs take a heavy toll on all Americans. Care for the sick and the elderly are already a national crises. Intolerance and disrespect make life unpleasant for all Americans. Human abuses due to age, sex, color, religion, national origin and politics must be curbed to promote the American dream.
No President can bring all these presents - just like Santa Claus doesn't always deliver. But the new President, Mr. Barack Obama, the first black American to become President of this great land can provide the leadership, the inspiration, the new ideas, the dedication to one and all --- and the power of the "bully pulpit" to get the ball moving and lead all Americans into new, uncharted waters of peace, economic prosperity and a better way of life.
