Barack Obama is now the president. He began his first day in a manner that says he is serious about change. He froze the pay at the current amount for some White House staff, placed new limits on lobbyists and has introduced a draft to close the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba.
According to President Obama, the pay freeze is due to the economic problems this country faces. People say things “start at home” and the White House pay freeze sends a message that he’s serious about change. The pay freeze sends a message that EVERYONE is going to have to make sacrifices due to the economic situation and he’s not afraid to make the necessary changes. This act demonstrated courage and sends a clear message to his voters who may be feeling the effects of the economic downturn that he’s aware of the severe condition of the national economy.
We’ve all heard stories about the activities and influence of some Washington lobbyists and how they are able to make politicians do their bidding. I’m not aware of all of the activities of a lobbyist. From what I’ve been told, a lobbyist is someone who uses money and gifts to get things done. A lot of people have complained about the activities of lobbyists and how there needs to be more regulation of their activities. Well, President Obama has sent the message that change is here and now. I read that he made campaign promises to change the way lobbying in D.C. is done if elected. He has kept his promise.
Also, President Obama is focusing on making government information more available to the public, in an effort to create transparency. President Obama wants to minimize the customary secrecy surrounding Washington D.C. political activity by expanding the way the Freedom of Information Act is interpreted by the federal government. President Obama’s constitutional law background will enable him to focus on the Freedom of Information Act and create transparency. Hopefully the transparency will influence politicians to be more accountable and responsible to the public.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the prison informally called “Gitmo.” According to a draft from his administration, President Obama wants the Guantanamo Bay prison closed within a year and trials for prisoners to be halted. As of Jan. 21, President Obama hasn’t signed the draft, but I recall while he campaigned that his desire was to close Guantanamo Bay. The draft is a step in that direction.
The recent activities show President Obama has a vision, but more than that. He campaigned on the platform of change. His recent activities and the activities of his administration do indicate change. It hasn’t taken a year, a month, two years into his presidency, or a second presidential term. Some of his campaign promises were addressed on his first day on the job.
I’ve noticed that generally, change is slow. Specifically, beneficial change and/ or change for the better can be slow. I’m aware that change can sometimes be hard. I’m also of the opinion that necessary changes don’t have to take a long time to happen either, but it depends on the people who are involved in the matter. I’ve observed people hesitate when obvious changes need to be made. President Obama has shown that he’s more than a campaigner who knows what to say to win votes. He’s demonstrated that he intends to make necessary changes.
While campaigning, President Obama mentioned that everyone has to contribute to bring about the change that would make this country better. Are there any positive changes that you can make that will benefit yourself and others? Is there something you’ve been dragging your feet on? Is there someone waiting on a decision from your office that will impact their life? If someone is waiting on a decision from your office, I encourage you to do the right thing on their behalf. Please.