THE GREAT HOPE THAT IS OBAMA

One of the defining moments in history has come and gone. The inauguration of Barack H Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America was indeed a worldwide event with celebrations not only in the US or Kenya but also in places as far away as Freetown, Sierra Leone.

It might come as a surprise that Freetown holds Barack's appointment so dear. For those not versed in the history of slavery, a lot of freed slaves settled in Freetown in the 19th century from places such as the US, Canada and the Carribbean where they were used as cheap labour. The movie, Amistad was based on the story of slaves from Sierra Leone who mutinied in the high seas and were subsequently given their freedom in the US.

A lot of people spoke of the sacrifices and the commitment of the civil rights activists in the 1960s which undoubtedly played a significant role in the historic inauguration watched globally. Many commentators have informed us that the Hispanics played a great role in Barack's election victory as they voted for him in droves. All these people deserve hearty congratulations for the roles they have played in promoting freedom and equality.

I also want to congratulate the white population of America, especially, who have come a long way from an almost cultural prejudice to acceptance of other races. They have ceded a lot of ground over the years either willingly or by the sheer force of change. The went to the polls and actually voted for Obama of their own accord. Frankly, Obama would not have won with black and Hispanic votes alone.

The romance is over now. It is time for Obama to step up to the mandate given by his people and promote an environment of peace, tolerance, freedom and empathy. After all he is the most powerful man in the world now. The world is watching. He intends to pull troops out of Iraq, engage with former adversaries willing to do the same in good faith and bring together warring parties with a view of finding a solution to the Israel-Palestine deadlock.

The whole world is watching and waiting. More importantly, the whole world is looking for him to succeed. I fervently hope he does.

While he goes on with his assignment, I'd like everyone to remember the people of the United States of America. They have stepped up to the plate and more or less demanded that their world becomes free, safer, peaceful and tolerant. That is the promise that was sold to them by Obama, not just for their country but for our planet.

For this I say thank you to the people of the United States of America.