The world watched with bated breath as America’s 44th President was sworn into office. A few decades ago, no one would even have thought that this was possible. The first coloured President of the most powerful nation on earth – even now, it’s too surreal for me. Not that I have anything against Obama. In fact, I think that by electing him as their President, the Americans have shown how far they have come from their slave-trading and owning past. This is indeed a defining moment in their history and with them, the rest of the world. At least this once, I can say that America is at its best.
Again, I can’t help but think about my country, the Philippines. I hope to see the day when my people will finally decide to vote for a leader not on the basis of his lineage (political dynasties are still very much alive in the country), his wealth or his fame but on his character, conviction and fitness to govern.
I hope to see a Philippine president in Malacanang who, like Obama who was elected based not on his skin colour but his abilities, will be chosen by his own people because they know that he can bring about positive change and usher the country out of the Dark Ages.
Meanwhile, for the sake of my country, I hope Obama makes good on his promises which he reiterated in his inaugural speech. Thousands of my countrymen are in America, trying to find a better future for them and their children, which at the moment, is hard to secure in their own country. For their sake, I pray that America’s new President will succeed.
