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New Year! New Expectations!
January 1, 2009
Take your work seriously, but never yourself.
-Margot Fonteyn (1919 – 1991), Prima Ballerina
The new year always comes with expectations of change and improvement. This year, in the USA, we are guardedly optimistic that our new president will be able to be successful in taking on the many challenges our nation faces. With the election of Barack Obama, we received an unprecedented flood of well wishes from our early childhood friends around the world. Here are excerpts from a few reactions. View all of the reactions on our web site:

Henry Kemoli Manani, Kenya:
One cannot just describe how it was in words; the experience was just electrifying, it was as if Barack had just been elected the President of Kenya, the candidate all wanted to succeed. One just has to see the clips of TV camera recordings to understand how spontaneous the emotions were all over the country and the President of Kenya had to naturally declare a national holiday to be observed the following day. Though people had already abstained from work during the voting day and the day that followed and as a matter of fact people did not work for three days. This was an election like no other on earth; indeed America showed that in that country democracy prevails over racial or colour boundaries. America is a country that one would like to live in. It gives opportunity for those who aspire to have the dreams of their lives realised when they work for them.

Saša Milić, Montenegro:

Mr. Barack Obama's victory in U.S. presidential elections on November 4, 2008 made me think — democracy is coming back home. Namely, it seemed to me that the spirit of democracy was getting out of breath in the USA, which represent one of the countries rightfully labeled as the cradle of modern democracy. After eight years of a neoconservative politics, numerous wars, isolation, and economic crisis — a hope arises — the hope for a change for the better. The hope embodied in the new president Obama.

Unaisi Vasu Tuivaga, Fiji:
Elation!! Democracy at its best!!! USA is again leading the world in practising what it preaches — democracy in the truest sense of the word! Truly amazing!!

Maysoun Chehab, Lebanon:

People of Lebanon reacted positively toward the election of President Obama, mainly because they see in this an opportunity for change in American foreign policy toward Israel and Iraq. Once more, America proved to be a model for democracy and change, a nation that belongs to its people.

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Comments (8)

Displaying 5 of 8 Comments   [ View all ]
Kay-Lynn Johnston · January 05, 2009
Lecanto, FL, United States


I am curious about our form of government in the U.S....Isn't it a republic, rather than a pure democracy? (As in the Pledge of Allegiance: "And to the republic, for which it stands...) It's my understanding that in a pure democracy, every law would be brought to the vote of the people, instead of through our elected officials. By the way, I've always been proud to be a United States citizen! The beauty of our government lies in the election process, and the checks and balances that were created by some very wise men over 225 years ago. My understanding is that the role of government is to protect our borders and to keep us civil, not to solve all our problems. It is up to each of us to make a difference in our own corner of the world, one life at a time.

Brenda Thomas · January 02, 2009
United States


If John McCain had won, would it mean that democracy didn't work? I find the comments curious to say the least. The will of the people won out, just as it did 4 years ago and 40 years ago. Why do people feel that if their candidate didn't win, then democracy didn't work? Again, curious.

Jeevan · January 01, 2009
Astha Children care Home
Kathmandu, Nepal


Everyone should expect and try to solve the social evils. Lets play role of alleviator from your own side.

Linda Sorenson · January 01, 2009
Yakima School Dist.
Yakima, WA, United States


It was so humbling to read the responses of those in other countries. In American fashion I am often myopic in my view, forgetting the affects of our politics on others who continue to look to America for hope and inspiration. I too am hopeful with the election of Obama. May we as citizens straighten up to our potential stature and become a role model for serving others and not just looking to our own interests.

Billie Warford · January 01, 2009
United States


Thank you for year of wonderful perspectives! I check for your quotes for inspiration and your articles to keep me in touch with early childhood issues now that I have retired.

Wishing all of you the best of a new year!
Billie Warford



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