The new president took the oath of office this morning promising a "New Era of Responsibility." Within that responsibility he included government saying that the question is not whether government is too big or too small but whether it works. If it works he intends to move forward, if the answer is no, he said, programs will end. This view of government is one that should be pursued at all levels and one that has frustrated many who have tried. I wish our new president good luck in pursuing the goal of government accountability.
The president also spoke of the building block of our country the "risk takers, doers, and maker of things" who create our prosperity. He praised the faith and determination of the American people and the individuals who must take up responsibility for themselves and the nation. This emphasis on the individual is a good sign. For it is these individuals who make up the risk takers and doers he praised.
Allowing the risk takers and doers to flourish is an important role for the new administration. While he praised the free market, President Obama also called for a watchful eye on the marketplace. Taking a fine line between a watchful eye and too many burdens placed on the risk takers, doers and maker of things will take a steady hand.
Obama shows signs of having that steady and moderate hand as he embarks on his stewardship of our nation.
And, the new president, as he did during the campaign, offered the country hope. "We have chosen hope over fear," he said.
On this day America has that sense of hope and the feeling that nothing is impossible.