Aide-mémoire

And so it begins

21 January, 2009 at 5:52 pm (Barack Obama, Politics)

It’s Obama’s first full day on the job, and he’s already been busy at work. Moreover, there are already good things in the works; for starters, the transition website, change.gov, has given way to the revamped whitehouse.gov. It’s a definite change from the previous administrations’ websites, and not in that it has a new president listed! There’s a blog, and a list of this administration’s agenda. Most importantly, though, is the fact that Obama is working to make the work of the executive branch more transparent. From the whitehouse.gov blog…

Communication — Americans are eager for information about the state of the economy, national security and a host of other issues. This site will feature timely and in-depth content meant to keep everyone up-to-date and educated. Check out the briefing room, keep tabs on the blog (RSS feed) and take a moment to sign up for e-mail updates from the President and his administration so you can be sure to know about major announcements and decisions.

Transparency — President Obama has committed to making his administration the most open and transparent in history, and WhiteHouse.gov will play a major role in delivering on that promise. The President’s executive orders and proclamations will be published for everyone to review, and that’s just the beginning of our efforts to provide a window for all Americans into the business of the government. You can also learn about some of the senior leadership in the new administration and about the President’s policy priorities.

Participation — President Obama started his career as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago, where he saw firsthand what people can do when they come together for a common cause. Citizen participation will be a priority for the Administration, and the internet will play an important role in that. One significant addition to WhiteHouse.gov reflects a campaign promise from the President: we will publish all non-emergency legislation to the website for five days, and allow the public to review and comment before the President signs it.

Oh, and on a less important note (but still cool, nonetheless) – the White House has its own YouTube page
There is a LOT of work to be done, no doubt. But I’m feeling optimistic about where things are headed – and ready to do my part!

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Optimism and Patience for Obama

18 January, 2009 at 1:28 pm (Barack Obama, Politics)

Yes, yes, I have had a lot of Obama-related posts lately…and frankly, they’ll probably go on until at least a day or two after the inauguration. (n.b.: we’re officially down to the 48-hour mark of time left with Bush. Wheeee!)

Anyway, today’s NY Times had an interesting article. It found that, not only do many people – Democrats and Republicans – want Obama to succeed as president, many are actually willing to have patience while he does the job. From the story:

Most Americans said they did not expect real progress in improving the economy, reforming the health care system or ending the war in Iraq — three of the central promises of Mr. Obama’s campaign — for at least two years. The poll found that two-thirds of respondents think the recession will last two years or longer.

Mr. Bush is leaving office with just 22 percent of Americans offering a favorable view of how he handled the eight years of his presidency, a record low, and firmly identified with the economic crisis Mr. Obama is inheriting. More than 80 percent of respondents said the nation was in worse shape today than it was five years ago.

By contrast, 79 percent were optimistic about the next four years under Mr. Obama, a level of good will for a new chief executive that exceeds that measured for any of the past five incoming presidents. And it cuts across party lines: 58 percent of the respondents who said they voted for Mr. Obama’s opponent in the general election, Senator John McCain of Arizona, said they were optimistic about the country in an Obama administration.

I think it is fascinating that people seem to be realistic about what lies ahead for the Obama administration, and for the nation. Granted, I’m young enough that I don’t really remember the general mood of the country during an inauguration pre-2000 (though I do remember watching Clinton being sworn in in ’93, but that’s another story), but it seems that the attitude during this transition is different. Could it be that Obama was realistic and truthful with the country during the campaign; that he actually talked to voters as adults, was honest with them, and ‘told it like it is’? And could it be that, in response, Americans are actually looking at the country’s situation at hand rationally; that despite the alleged “Messianic” way that Obama has been viewed, people do not expect immediate, miraculous results with the change of power?

Then again, it’s two days before the inauguration. I’m sure in six months, it will be business as usual and the patience will be wearing thin. But it’s nice to think that the American people are entering into this new administration with a realistic view of what is possible and what can be done. It’s a great way to start the next 4 (or 8!) years

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