No time for cynicism
by Amy Hurlburt
President Barack Obama's inauguration speech on Tuesday was met with much anticipation,and Obama himself is being met with many expectations as well.
Much of the world is watching, waiting… hoping that he will somehow drag us all out of the economic pit we are in. Obama is the figurehead for change; an individual with the proven capability to inspire millions. He is bold, charismatic, intelligent, and he has promised hope for many during times when hope seems very far away. Therefore, all eyes are on him. Although Obama is the President of the United States, he is still the figure many Canadians are looking to for hope during these difficult times. While we have separate identities, we are bound together by our economies, our borders, and our mutual needs.
Obama's inaugural address was met with many mixed reactions - which is to be expected. Some people were disappointed, some were inspired, and some have remained cynical. These reactions, while interesting, are relatively unimportant.
A speech is made up of only words - and while words can be incredibly influential and can carry a lot of power, the actions that follow are far more important. And the actions that will follow Obama's promises are still unknown…the future itself is unknown. However, Obama should not be greeted with cynicism before he has even had the opportunity to move in his presidency. Cynicism and politics have always gone together like a hand in a glove, sometimes for a good reason… but it is a trend that ought to change. Hope, inspiration, and plans for the future are all things we should desire, not look down upon or squint at with suspicion. Eleanor Roosevelt once said “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” I think she's half right.
Dreams are important, but the implementation of them is far more important. This is something Obama has drawn attention to in his speech:
“…In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less…” Greatness must be earned. It cannot by earned by words, no matter how inspirational they may be, but by actions and belief. Having faith in government is incredibly important as well. If we greet every new development, every person in power, every new idea and new opportunity with doubt and cynicism - we have lost sight of what it is to be truly free, because we allow our fear to control us.
Obama has made many astute observations, bold promises, and he has also made history. But what matters now is the future. We are not part of the United States of America, but there are certainly things we can learn from them at this time. As long as we all are willing to be people of action - we as a nation, a province, a town, and as separate individuals - we will have hope.
We at the Cosmos have been privileged to have the multi-talented Amy Hurlburt as our USS co-op student over the last few months. While the above is her last contribution during her placement, she will be continuing to write for us in the months ahead.
