Rant

Portfolio Magazine

(Art Institute of California - Orange County, Spring 2009)

A president's first days in office can be defined by landmark victories - or memorable failures. President Barack Obama's optimistic campaign rhetoric had a great deal to do with why he got elected, but it has yet to be seen whether or not he will deliver on his promises of change for America. We are living in a time of great uncertainty, and most of us in this country have very legitimate reasons to be worried about the future. The economy is at a low that it has not seen in decades and we are fighting multiple unpopular wars that might even be putting us at a greater risk for further terrorist attacks. Change is indeed necessary, but it is also only a word. The only thing that can bring about real change is action. Not the actions of one man on a podium, but the concerted effort of an entire society.

Let's talk about the economy. The truth is that it is such a complex and nuanced topic that very few of us actually understand how it works and how we got to the state we are currently in. However, one thing is certain. We cannot continue living the same wasteful and extravagant lifestyles that many of us have grown accustomed to. Whether you are a millionaire or a struggling student, it is almost certain that you have been affected negatively by the current economic situation. The president can give out tax breaks and stimulus packages until he is blue in the face, but what really matters is what we do with the extra bit of cash. Instead of a new pair of expensive jeans, why not invest in a night class that will make you more of an asset to your employer or company? Until we as a nation can adopt a more selfless world-view, change will not happen and we will only fall more deeply into debt.

There is no question that change is something that needs to happen sooner than later in this country, but it is also just as evident that it is not something that can come about overnight while we as a nation do nothing to bring it about. While inspirational speeches and rhetoric are certainly helpful to improving morale, they are meaningless if we just sit back and wait for change to happen to us. Rather, we as a society need to get out into the world, grab opportunities, and actively participate in being part of the greatest nation in the world.