President Obama - One Year Later: Scott Hinkley

For me, the strongest part of Obama's progress is his commitment to increasing transparency at all levels. I feel that the previous Bush administration had worked hard to convince American's that we were better off not knowing their actions, and given that the largest political majority American's seem to be able to muster on any issue is 60%, I do appreciate that not all decisions can be made by committee. But American's ultimately crave the feeling of participation in their individual fates, and the call for answers and accountability during the 2008 presidential campaign seem indicative of that sentiment.

I think the trouble we are facing as a nation now, is that we are actually starting to find out just how selfish those in power had been for past decade. I don't mean evil, just greed, self-centered, and self-righteous. I also don't mean to suggest that Obama is single-handedly responsible for lifting the veil on these activities. But both Obama's supporters and his critics point out what an inspirational speaker he can be, and I think it is his leadership and respect for those he leads which has helped to galvanize the current expectations of accountability and equanimity. As usual, we are sharply divided as a nation on pretty much every issue coming to light right now, from banking reform to health insurance to reform of our deep seeded bigotry towards gays and xenophobia towards muslims and atheists.n As a result, I don't expect Obama to get much credit for his hard work anytime soon.

As one last thought, I don't understand how whites think they are in a position to judge the improvement of race-relations in this country. Whites (especially men) already have proof that "someone like me" could be president, or at least powerful and influential. While allowing that dream to spread though out our working classes again threatens those in power, and leads to countless dollars spent convincing people that being oppressed is actually being free, I feel certain that within a generation, the increase in self-respect from our second-class citizens will help to produce the educated and responsible population we so desperately need now.

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