Barack Obama’s Second Term

On Monday Jan. 21 (although by law on Jan. 20, in a private ceremony), Barack Obama was sworn in for another four years as president of the United States. Since World War II, only Republican George Bush (father) and before him Democrat Jimmy Carter failed to win re-election. This shows that it is a prevailing tendency for the president in that country to last eight years in the role. Each case, of course, has its own peculiarities and unique circumstances.

The case of Obama, undoubtedly, is linked to liberal causes, the same that he openly mentioned in his speech: the equal treatment of homosexuals, women and immigrants and the full protection of children’s rights. These are the issues that have understandably gained the attention of analysts and commentators.

In the tradition of Martin Luther King (and in the atmosphere of a new film about Abraham Lincoln), the head of the White House recalled that equality is the principal task ahead for American society. Given that the speech on this occasion is very delicate, it is best read calmly, with an analysis of each of his claims and the consequences of his arguments. A preoccupation with the control of assault weapons was evident, although it was not explicitly said: Obama referred to guarantees of the security of girls and boys. Much of the recent legislative efforts have had to do with this controversial issue. Another key issue is immigration. The United States, remember, is a nation of immigrants. From its founding it has been a society that has been generous in receiving millions of people seeking a better quality of life. In recent generations the atmosphere of assimilation has weakened substantially, and the rejection of foreigners has increased.

This sentiment was fueled by the September 2001 attacks and exacerbated by the economic crisis of 2008-2009. The presence of so many ascending Hispanic figures at the Jan. 21 ceremony is evidence that these four years will be crucial for immigration policy.

Another relevant part of Obama’s speech was when he referred to the mission of the United States to safeguard and strengthen the world. As we should know, the principal enemy of liberty is terrorism, followed by transnational organized crime. Both of these antagonists of peace and progress are seen as enemies that need to be defeated. Related to this, we can infer that the United States has concerns about bilateral relations with Latin America, especially countries like Mexico, Colombia and the Central American brothers (Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras). The U.S. is especially concerned about conditions of increased violence, which the FBI says are linked to drug trafficking, along the border with neighboring Mexico.

The speech’s message was basically directed toward domestic issues. Obama has been given a 51 percent approval rate, well above the rate of 18 percent for Republicans in Congress. With this solid and ample advantage, President Barack Obama can begin the battle on other fronts, such as public health programs and the restructuring of the retirement system. The economic dynamics of the country are beginning to change: There has been a slight rise in job creation, and consumer confidence has also increased.

Globally, Obama will seek an end to the war in Afghanistan and a rapprochement with Iran, as well as an increase in efforts to achieve a peace agreement with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the promotion of initiatives for the renewal of trade with Latin America, where 48 percent of U.S. commercial revenues originate. During the ceremony of his second inauguration, Obama spoke of his decision to end a decade of war, which has had an enormous political and economic cost and resulted in the loss of lives.

The great feat that Obama should seek to achieve is a world where justice, opportunities and social and economic welfare for those who are destitute of wealth will prevail, both in the U.S. and the rest of the world. It is only fair.