A presidential challenge

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Today, the black man who dreamed and dared to run for the presidency of the United States of America, Barack Obama, takes his oath and officially becomes the 44th president of what is arguably the most powerful nation in the planet.

After all the speeches that inspired hope in millions of people, not just Americans; after a grueling campaign that was closely watched by most of the civilized world; after a transition period that gave him an idea what exactly he had inherited; after the pomp and pageantry; the hard work of leading America through one of its lowest moments in history begins.  The challenges that the Obama presidency must face are unusually tough, and after today, his countrymen and the rest of the planet will be closely watching Barack Obama to see if he can deliver the goods and prove that he is more than just another smooth talker. 

Obama’s rise to the presidency of the United States has inspired millions all over the world, making everybody, from schoolboys in Africa to traditional politicians in the Philippines, believe that anything is possible.  As we wish him the best in his continuing journey, facing all the difficult challenges that will define his presidency and his place in history, let us also learn from his story by redefining and upping our standards in choosing the people who will be vying for the presidency of the Philippines in 2010.  If the Filipino people would only demand that those who intend to lead our nation must have the best minds, the cleanest hearts, the purest of intentions, are persons who can inspire us, be a person that we would not hesitate to follow into the depths of the earth, or maybe even just a man who can believably call for a moral regeneration; then the results of the 2010 elections could also be a shining moment in the history of our country.*