Press editorial: Will you change?

Talk about it

Millions stood outside in the frigid air, shoulder to shoulder. Many wore thick gloves and hats, scarves and heavy coats. Many also wore smiles.

Those millions came to witness history, to be a part of it and many believed the swearing in of Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th president meant true change for this great country.

With the energy that swept across America Tuesday and the anticipation of positive change that we hope isn’t all campaign babble, Obama will help steer the U.S. back in the right direction. This in turn will touch the world — be it pulling troops from foreign countries or finding the key to a better economy.

But as Obama so eloquently said in his inauguration speech, “For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.”

The words made a connection to what John F. Kennedy said in his Jan. 20, 1961 inaugural address.

“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

Everyone does have the power to make this a better world but how many have the motivation? We propose this, get up and dust yourself off, get out and do something!

It doesn’t have to be much. Be it for the people — help a neighbor carry in their groceries, take time to visit elderly residents in a nursing home and truly hear their stories; or for the earth — challenge yourself to use less energy, see a piece of trash flying in the wicked North Dakota wind — chase is down and throw it away; or be it for society in general — get involved with service organizations or local politics, or at least pay attention, spare a pint of blood, write a letter to someone who needs a pick-me-up, stop for someone who has a flat tire on the side of the road. Simple efforts often bring simple results but it is simply worth it.

Did Tuesday inspire you and if so, how? Will it change your attitude toward government, your involvement, make you think more before taking action? Did the speech say anything to you?

Obama has, and will, continue to face numerous challenges. Now we have a bit of a challenge for you, our readers. Let us know what, if anything, you will do because of this change of power or what you foresee from the revamped administration. We want to share your input with others and see if same-old, same-old will be the theme for the next four years. If there are parts of Obama’s speech you agreed or disagreed with, let us know. Are there ways you will help straighten out imbalance?

Send us 100 words or less on what you thought of the Inauguration, the change of power, and what positive contributions you intend to make.

We want to hear from school children, blue collar, white collar, supporters and non.

Have your write-up to The Press by Saturday and we will print it the following week. Be sure to include your name, phone number and where you are from. Phone numbers will be used for verification purposes and will not be printed. Send your thoughts to jmcbride@thedickinsonpress.com.

— Dickinson Press Editorial Board members meet weekly to discuss local issues.

Tags: heavy, coats, country, obama, history, john, kennedy, president