Spring Break
THE SCOOP: What the Obama win means for us
by Richard Alterbaum
Columnists | 11/11/08
Posted online at 3:23 AM EST on 11/11/08
It was around midnight on Nov. 4, 2008, at Hyde Park, Chicago. After a nearly two-year-long campaign filled to the brim with every single trial and tribulation imaginable, Barack Obama triumphantly presented himself before an immense crowd of elated supporters. Framed by a soaring array of American flags, a dignified and somber Obama declared his historical and well-deserved victory over Sen. John McCain for the highest office in the land.
Without a doubt, it was a momentous occasion for the nation and the world. But I think that of all people, we college students, with our whole lives ahead of us, stand to gain the most from Obama's election.
One reason for this has to do with the background of our president-elect. As Obama has often mentioned in speeches, his story is the American dream. His ascent-from a childhood marked by instability, a lack of a father and near-poverty to our next commander in chief-is truly remarkable. It exemplifies how, with a little hard work, motivation and ambition, we can all become something great, no matter what our socioeconomic status or race may be. Fortunately, we can utilize Brandeis University, its facilities, its resources and its faculty as a stepping stone to achieving these ends.
The positive change that I hope to see stem from an Obama administration will assist us in realizing this American dream when we leave college and become independent of our parents. Currently, we face a whole host of issues that may affect our livelihoods in the future. However, Obama's policies, which are grounded in pragmatism, open-mindedness and bipartisanship, might ultimately help lift us up.
For instance, the financial crisis on Wall Street has severe implications. However, by pursuing a practical approach that includes more governmental regulation and oversight, a sensible relief-providing tax policy, large investment in new jobs and many other initiatives, Obama, along with our own personal drive, can steer us toward economic stability and prosperity in the future.
Without a doubt, it was a momentous occasion for the nation and the world. But I think that of all people, we college students, with our whole lives ahead of us, stand to gain the most from Obama's election.
One reason for this has to do with the background of our president-elect. As Obama has often mentioned in speeches, his story is the American dream. His ascent-from a childhood marked by instability, a lack of a father and near-poverty to our next commander in chief-is truly remarkable. It exemplifies how, with a little hard work, motivation and ambition, we can all become something great, no matter what our socioeconomic status or race may be. Fortunately, we can utilize Brandeis University, its facilities, its resources and its faculty as a stepping stone to achieving these ends.
The positive change that I hope to see stem from an Obama administration will assist us in realizing this American dream when we leave college and become independent of our parents. Currently, we face a whole host of issues that may affect our livelihoods in the future. However, Obama's policies, which are grounded in pragmatism, open-mindedness and bipartisanship, might ultimately help lift us up.
For instance, the financial crisis on Wall Street has severe implications. However, by pursuing a practical approach that includes more governmental regulation and oversight, a sensible relief-providing tax policy, large investment in new jobs and many other initiatives, Obama, along with our own personal drive, can steer us toward economic stability and prosperity in the future.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
George Patsourakos
posted 11/17/08 @ 4:52 PM EST
George Patsourakos
The election of Sen. Barack Obama as the next President of the United States will result in "a breath of fresh air" for all Americans -- and especially college students. (Continued…)
Post a Comment