I am a social studies teacher by training, with an emphasis on politics and government. The last year has held great interest for me. It probably won't surprise you to learn that I generally favored the other guy, but like most Americans, I am praying that Mr. Obama will eventually be revered as one of our greatest Presidents. Simply put, we need great, effective leadership for our country. I am not one of those who believe we are in the worst times since the Great Depression. I remember gas lines, runaway inflation, and Jimmy Carter's malaise speech. I do worry that some of the strengths that our country had in the past that could lift us out of economic calamity are no longer present. I do believe we stand at a turning point and that the actions we take over the next few years will very much determine whether my children will have a standard of living that surpasses the one I have had for most of my life.
I am anxious to hear what he has to say. It is a time for a return to moral courage, to look beyond our own needs and to build community. I hope simply he tells us the truth, unambiguously.
I also hope that whenever possible, our students will be able to watch or listen to the speech on Tuesday. History is being made And what President Obama does could have a profound effect on destinies of the young people with whom we work. My prayer is that his decisions are guided from on high.
