Today is Saturday, January 24th, 2009. Barack Obama was inaugurated four days ago, and has already begun enacting a bold series of changes that will hopefully produce a swift and appreciable difference for our afflicted nation. The order has been given to shut down the prison at Guantanamo Bay, the ban on federal funding to international groups that perform abortions or provide abortion information has been lifted, and we're just getting started.
Obama has reminded us throughout his campaign that, as citizens of the United States of America, we have a personal responsibility to create the change that we wish to see. He has continually asked us to believe, "not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington... I'm asking you to believe in yours." The last several months have been a powerful call to arms, even for citizens for whom the last eight years have not.
It is with this in mind that I have chosen to start this blog. I am not certain that starting it will have the impact I would like, but it is the best thing I can think of. That is the point. This is my commitment to communication, to choosing my better history, and to creating a forum in which ideas may be shared and expanded upon. The media says the first 100 days of a presidency is the most important time for a new president to take action. If this is true, then we are immediately presented with an unique opportunity. This is our first 100 days.
It does not matter if the action is political or social in nature. Whether you start volunteering at a soup kitchen or simply start taking tango lessons I would like to hear about it. This is the chance, the choice, and the responsibility of our time. If the hope we have been given is not enough of an impetus to create the culture of excellence and well-being we deserve, what will be?
Please feel free to leave your stories of action in the comments, or to email me at thenext100@gmail.com.
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Indeed! Y'know, for this election, I did a lot of volunteering -- for the Obama campaign, for the Democratic Party, for Election Protection -- and it's an awesome responsibility, this idea of participation. The call to arms for LONG TERM participation (for me, anyway) is even more daunting. I like to think, tho', that it's a process whereby we can all break the bad habit of obeisance and live up to our own renewed expectations of ourselves. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for a blog, Benjamin.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you, and the rest of us, are able to do over the next 100 days and beyond.