Spring Break
Editorial
United we stand,divided we fall
Issue date: 1/21/09 Section: Opinion
With the economy in its worst shape since the Great Depression, it would seem that many graduating students don't have a lot to look forward to. People who have held positions that have supported their families for decades are being laid-off at an alarming rate - 7.2 percent, to be exact, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor on Jan. 9. These pressures, on top of all the daunting life obstacles typically associated with graduating college, are enough to make anyone balk at the prospect of a future so blanketed in doubt.
However, when President Barack Obama stood up to the podium at his inauguration ceremony at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the emotion of the crowd could undeniably be summed up in one word: hopeful. Obama's speech drew millions to laugh, to cry, to cheer, to boo, but most clearly, to hope.
Obama has a lot on his shoulders. Whether you consider yourself a supporter or not, it is safe to say that he will probably spend a good portion of his first year in office simply trying to stabilize the country. The ills that face this country are hard enough to resolve on their own merit, they don't need to be exacerbated by a nation divided.
Even as the country celebrates an historic election, whispers belie the stressed fault lines that could tear a nation apart.
Following close on the heels of the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, conversations of racial intolerance can be heard as some members of an uncomfortable majority look to the new president and his race as a scapegoat for their woes. The upper class has continued to distance itself from the lower class, much to the chagrin of those who struggle to stay afloat. In a world of "haves" and "have not's," hatred and the blame game are easy routes for venting frustration, but they are paths toward the American dream.
Those who didn't vote for Obama or support him in the election should give him a chance. As the new president, Obama is responsible for all Americans and has sworn to execute his office to the best of his ability. The time and method for passing judgment shall come soon enough, when the next round of elections are upon us. Until then, work hard, debate heartily, strive for a better America and a better world with everything you do.
Regardless of what political ideology you subscribe to, we should all stand together and unite under the waving flag of democracy our country has upheld for these 229 years.
However, when President Barack Obama stood up to the podium at his inauguration ceremony at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the emotion of the crowd could undeniably be summed up in one word: hopeful. Obama's speech drew millions to laugh, to cry, to cheer, to boo, but most clearly, to hope.
Obama has a lot on his shoulders. Whether you consider yourself a supporter or not, it is safe to say that he will probably spend a good portion of his first year in office simply trying to stabilize the country. The ills that face this country are hard enough to resolve on their own merit, they don't need to be exacerbated by a nation divided.
Even as the country celebrates an historic election, whispers belie the stressed fault lines that could tear a nation apart.
Following close on the heels of the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, conversations of racial intolerance can be heard as some members of an uncomfortable majority look to the new president and his race as a scapegoat for their woes. The upper class has continued to distance itself from the lower class, much to the chagrin of those who struggle to stay afloat. In a world of "haves" and "have not's," hatred and the blame game are easy routes for venting frustration, but they are paths toward the American dream.
Those who didn't vote for Obama or support him in the election should give him a chance. As the new president, Obama is responsible for all Americans and has sworn to execute his office to the best of his ability. The time and method for passing judgment shall come soon enough, when the next round of elections are upon us. Until then, work hard, debate heartily, strive for a better America and a better world with everything you do.
Regardless of what political ideology you subscribe to, we should all stand together and unite under the waving flag of democracy our country has upheld for these 229 years.
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