An oath in the bleakest of winters

America swore in its 44th president, the first black man to takes charge of the White House, not even a century after black Americans were still living in segregation. In an age where the American dream appears to be fading fast, this day marking another peaceful transition of power in an often bloody world served a powerful reminder about America’s amazing ability to renew itself. Beyond the celebration however this president faces huge challenges that will require tough decisions in order to solve major problems such as failing schools, poor health care, lost jobs and tackling global warming. Accomplishing all of this in a time of economic crisis and soaring public deficits will be an even bigger challenge and Mr. Obama knows this comparing the current crisis to the bleakest winter of the Republic’s history, when George Washington’s battered army lay at bay at Valley Forge. He promised an end to “putting off unpleasant decisions” but we shall see how these good intentions will fare against taking on the well entrenched interests and lobbies that are at the core of this amazing and yet sometimes seemingly doomed modern American Republic.