President Obama’s Inauguration. The Dawning Of A New Era In Global Politics

Like many Australian’s I got up at 3.30am to watch history in the making.  The much anticipated inauguration speech did not disappoint with President Obama asking the American people to join with him in taking America into a new era of responsibility. From my perspective as  a tree hugger and a scientist these two points stood out.

* “each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet”

* “We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost”

Energy independence IS possible, not only  for each state or each country but for each individual.   My hope is for renewable energy that is affordable and available to all.  My hope is also that we as individuals will be supported in our efforts to become energy independent.  Would this bring world peace?  Probably not (we would find other things to fight over) would it bring economic security? Just maybe.
In a complex world where when one country sneezes we all catch a cold a highly intelligent and motivated population is an asset. Science is not the only route to intellectual greatness but the qualities of rational thinking, investigating, challenging and testing hypothesis that science thrives on will play a large part in shaping our collective future.

I have never been to America and  until recently had passed it over as old news in favor of the  fast paced and culturally diverse Asia. However, now there seems to be real reason to believe that America can retain its front seat in Global Politics and lead the world to an inclusive future full of opportunity and promise.