New Era in the United States

The inauguration of President Barack Obama, the first black man to occupy the White House, is truly the beginning of a new era and will, without a doubt, have effects in all four corners of the world.

In the first place, the election itself was a big event, since the main contenders for nomination in the party favored to win the election, the Democrats, were two unexpected figures: a black lawyer and a female legislator.

No one quite believed that either one would win, since it was a completely unprecedented situation. Nonetheless, the intense, passionate campaign ended with the triumph of the senator from Chicago, Illinois, who gained notoriety as a distinguished student at Harvard Law School and for his work in service of the community.

Mrs. Clinton, a lawyer of great talent and who accompanied her husband to the White House, was also a very strong competitor. But in the end it was fresh air and support from younger Americans, plus the sympathy of groups that place importance on technology, scientific professions, and the so-called “Era of Knowledge” that won Obama the nomination.

The party that lost the election paid a very high price for the war in Iraq, not to mention the violence in Afghanistan. Those decisions, which many classify as grave errors on the part of President George Bush, continue to weigh on North American politics and were decisive in the failure of Republican candidate John McCain.

This year we hope to see the departure of the U.S. troops stationed in Iraq. The issues in Afghanistan may take more time and the negotiations regarding Iranian weapons, including atomic energy, will possibly be a very serious problem. Added to these there is the challenge of the economic crisis, but programs put in place to overcome it have already begun. Even the most pessimistic observers believe that the worst of the difficulties will be over in little more than an year.

Internally, the new president plans to reform to the social security program and, eventually, immigration policies. The blockade on Cuba will be lifted soon, and little by little, relations with Latin America will enter into a phase of real improvement. There are many hopes with respect to the new government, although it is important that everyone understands that the changes will not be radical or immediate.

We must not forget that the United States will continue being the primary world economy and that, when they sneeze, the rest of the world will catch cold. With respect to Honduras, we believe that it is possible that bilateral relations will improve, especially if Mr. Mel Zelaya’s aides nourish serious and healthy conduct. There are real possibilities of a better future. In large measure, that future will depend on the fact that we not fight with Uncle Sam, but rather improve our ties as we seek the common good.