en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:11:47 GMT 15 By Humna Ali
As soon as he took the oath of office, President Barack Obama was forced to deal with an economic recession, rising unemployment rates, the ongoing results of war, an outbreak of the terrifying swine flu, and thousands of other major and minor disasters. Wednesday April 29, 2009 marked the 100th day of Obama’s term in office. As he faced the challenges he bravely requested for our sakes, our president never lost hope. He continued reminding the nation of the many changes that he can make happen with our cooperation. Obama, although definitely overwhelmed with crises, did what only the leaders do best: leave a nation optimistic but informed. On the 100th day, he took advantage of a prime-time news conference and presented another outstanding speech exposing the main problems that America faces, including those we will encounter in the future. Obama urged the nation to remain patient and supportive, stating, “We have plenty of work left to do. It is work that will take time. It will take effort. But the United States of America will see a better day.” The first 100 days have certainly been reliable glimpses of the days to come with Obama at America’s helm. Few can claim that compared with the enormous number of challenges he deals with, Obama has not proven himself a worthy president. Obama has endorsed gay rights, lifted the seven and a half year ban placed on stem-cell research, instituted a stimulus bill in an effort to provide fair healthcare, and he has also promised to have troops return home from Iraq by the end of 2011. Obama tackled problems head-on rather than pretending they were nonexistent. Despite his small successes in rescuing the country from its recession, Obama frankly stated that more jobs and homes will be lost before we even can hope for a  full recovery. He promised the full aid of his administration in furthering American security and prosperity. Humbly, he highlighted the accomplishments and promises that have been fulfilled, but he also reminded the nation that we have not yet reached our goal. For the most part, Obama displayed good judgment dealing with foreign affairs, for he has managed to change the image of America in the Muslim world. Such an accomplishment was neither expected nor hoped for in the near future. Yet, Obama did hope. He said a friendly, “Nowruz Mubarak,” to Iran and made a declaration in Turkey that stated, “America is not at war with Islam.” However, some of Obama’s actions have disappointed Americans during his time in office. For instance, shaking hands with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias and befriending the Castro brothers certainly raised alarm. In addition, his confusing greeting with King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia was one of Obama’s most controversial actions. Nevertheless, people who are dissatisfied with our president should remember that 100 days for a nation’s leader is nothing, but Obama has made it something. Obama is the president, and whether you voted for him or not, supporting him now is vital for the unification of America.   Congratulations for 100 days of honorable work, Mr. President. ]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:58:10 GMT