Yes We Can!
By Kristin, age 15, California
Sweet Designs Featured Writer
Today, I am proud to be an American.
I sat excitedly watching day one of the inaugural festivities. What I'd been waiting for since November 4th was finally here. In just 3 days, Barack Obama would take the oath of the presidency, finally offering our country a fresh government, a government where church and state are separated, a government without unnecessary war, a government that values its constituency, not its monetary gain. Finally a government that values change, that values new ideas. Finally a new government for a new America.
Invigoration was in the air, a nation excited for the future. A president adored, something our country hadn't felt since these immortal words were spoken: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."
Barack and Michelle Obama are certainly this generation's John and Jackie Kennedy - young, intelligent, progressive, charismatic, influential, and adored. Today, Barack is using modern technology (the internet) to reach people in the same way that JFK used modern technology (television) during his campaign and presidency. Though JFK only served as president for less than three years before being assassinated (I hope that Barack will serve at least four), he lives on as one of the most beloved presidents of all time. I believe that Barack will also live on as one of our most beloved presidents, but right now, I will just bask in my pride that as a country we have looked beyond his skin color, and instead have looked in his eyes and seen something special, not just an attorney from Chicago, not just a community organizer, but a beacon of hope.
Yes we can!
"We have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."
- from Barack Obama's inauguration speech
- from Barack Obama's inauguration speech
