Does the Election of Our New President Signal Time for a Change of Direction?
Now that Barack Obama’s inauguration has happened, it will be interesting to see if the interest that people showed in the political process during the election will be something we can count on going forward. This election was unprecedented because of President Obama’s African American lineage, but only over the long haul will we know whether that will be enough to garner peoples’ ongoing interest and support.
It would be nice if that were the case, because there’s been so much struggle for so long. For example, there would be great benefit to veterans if this unification happened. Many gave their youths to serving in wars and after serving in a war, sometimes they were met with less than full appreciation for their contributions when they returned home. That’s the reason I felt compelled to design some Veterans Day clipart that pays tribute to veterans. Using the clip art in crafts and on Web sites or print pieces is just one small way that we can pay homage to them. That show of support could mean a lot to veterans who feel their country has forgotten them. But we need to do more than just send annual patriotic greeting cards. Americans need to value them all the time. They’ve earned it. If we don’t support them; who will?
On the other hand, every American –- not just veterans -– would benefit from the United States having renewed interest in unity. It would be wonderful to see people saluting American flags when on parade, because the sight of the flag moves them to express themselves. One would hope that love of country will help Americans achieve peace. At this moment, it’s up in the air as to whether this unity will come to pass. There are already some people who are having a bad reaction to Obama’s proposed changes. But that’s to be expected. Differences of opinion can actually help keep the process balanced. We hope so anyway. The people of the United States will just have to see what happens.