The Christmas list for Americans is no longer made up of what children want from Santa, but what grown-ups want from Obama as their President.
Americans have already started a holiday list of what they expect Obama to do once he takes his place in the White House. Because of the precarious state our nation is in financially, there are people who are even predicting what they want to happen pre-inauguration.
President-elect Barack Obama has already included a list of campaign promises for change, and Americans will be holding him to them.
In an out of control recessed economy, saving tax cuts, re-visioning energy, reforming education and overhauling federal affairs heads a long list of policy issues Obama needs to check off on the long road ahead of him as the new President of the United States.
Tanya Wilkins, senior theater arts major, said she wants Obama to provide tax cuts for the middle class, especially for those who are single parents who have a hard time and are struggling to make it.
“I am from a single parent family home, and it is very difficult to get by,” Wilkins said.
There is good news on this wish.
According to CNN.com, “Obama Spells Out Plans For Change,” a first priority for Obama in the path of economic recovery will be the creation of 2.5 million jobs and to provide relief to middle-class families.
During Obama’s election night acceptance speech, he said he would cut taxes for 95 percent of all working families and eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow.
“I am also interested in students who cannot afford to go to college and hope my wish will be granted for those who are less fortunate to have the education and scholarships they need to succeed,” Wilkins said.
This wish will probably be granted, too.
In another Obama speech, he said he would meet the moral obligation to provide every child with a world-class education.
He also plans on recruiting teachers with better pay and making sure young Americans can afford college if they serve their community.
Many students at La Verne will be wishing for budget cuts that will make attending college less expensive.
Phillip Velasco, sophomore theater arts major, said he wishes that all of the troops would be removed from Iraq.
Velasco has had family who served in Vietnam and compared the two wars.
Ralph Saldana, freshman theater major, said he hopes that we would not pull out of Iraq.
“I think we need to increase the troops in Iraq and hope we can come to a common ground where it is finally safe in this country,” Saldana said.
“Obviously, there are groups there that still need to be patrolled from terrorists, and we are still not in the clear,” Saldana added.
Good news on both of these wishes.
Obama stated he would end the war in Iraq responsibly and finish the fight against al-Quaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Although he noted he would send troops into harm’s way with a clear mission, he said he would rebuild the U.S. military to meet future conflicts.
Uvette Vernon, sophomore anthropology major, said that she wishes for Obama to find a way where we had alternative fuel sources in oil and to have no more increases in gas prices.
She said she hopes that the United States will no longer be dependent on the Middle East for energy.
This is another wish that looks promising.
Obama said in a speech that he would set a goal so that in 10 years the United States will end its dependence on oil from the Middle East and be able to tap into natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology and find ways to safely harness nuclear power.
Vernon came back for a second wish for our president-elect.
“I would wish for us to have more trade within our own country rather than depend so much on other countries,” Vernon said.
According to Obama, he would stop giving tax breaks to corporations that ship jobs overseas and would start giving them to companies that create good jobs right here in America.
Daniel Loera, director of the office of multicultural affairs, said he would like a more renewed hope in peace for the world.
“I would like to see Obama alleviate the anxiety and fear of the population among countries,” Loera said.
On that wish, the new President would probably say he will have to get back to Loera.
With so many wishes this season and such a long road to recovery, Obama has a long list of obligations that he must uphold.
Because of his role in the progress of our country, he is being charged with doing his part for affordable health care, fair labor laws, closing the gap between the sexes and cutting federal spending.
Obama will also be responsible for keeping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, building new partnerships and preventing terrorism.
On social issues affecting young people in this country, Obama will have the opportunity to influence reducing unwanted pregnancies, arguing over gay rights and fighting for universal health care.
Even though Obama is not yet President, the wish list of issues concerning Americans still exists.
In perhaps the most pressing issue facing the United States, the economic status of our country is getting more and more dismal.
Every day companies are announcing numerous layoffs and store closures.
Leopards are hoping that Obama will help with a positive impact on the country’s finances.
Nevertheless, it is apparent that America loves super heroes. And it is the season of hope.
Jennifer Kitzmann can be reached at jennifer.kitzmann@laverne.edu.
Jennifer Kitzmann
