44.

Today, January 20, 2009, Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America. The moment was historical for many reasons, and I enjoyed watching the proceedings with my colleagues and friends at school. Everyday we witness history in the making, but seldom do we recognize truly "historical" moments as they are happening.

As we watched his inaugural address, I could literally feel my lungs swelling with pride to hear Obama declare that America is ready to lead the world again. Some might argue we have been leading the world since the end of World War II, but I would hardly call the last eight years an example of leadership. From mishandled/misguided wars to negligent global trade and environmental policies to of domestic policy, George W. Bush and his administration failed America and its people, and they failed the world.

No longer will the world be so wary of America's might. The roots that bind America to the world will be nourished once more by policies that will put peace before pre-emption, cooperation before condescension, and freedom before fear.

Hello, world. The United States of America is back.

Hail to the Chief.