On Tuesday, 20 January 2009, Barack Obama's inauguration took place.
Obama is the new president of America and I have a good feeling about it.
When the battle in the Democratic camp between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton erupted, my initial preference was for the first female candidate for the presidency.
I considered Clinton a good candidate, a strong personality. She has extensive experience and has been very close to the action, although it was sometimes very hot there with Bill.
I found Obama to be a good speaker, but the content of his message was unclear to me.
At a certain point, I heard that Jackson Browne had expressed support for Obama's candidacy.
I am a great admirer of Jackson Browne, an American singer-songwriter with a very critical view of society. That appeals to me greatly.
Browne was one of the founders of Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE), a group of well-known artists against the use of nuclear energy. Artists like Bruce Springsteen and James Taylor are also part of that group. Both Springsteen and Taylor have a strong affinity with workers and unions in America. And they too expressed their support for Obama.
Gradually, I began to feel a sense of recognition. During the concert for Obama last Monday evening, Springsteen, Taylor, and Jon Bon Jovi performed. Pete Seeger was also present: all people with outspoken opinions and certainly not from the right wing. Perhaps this has made me view Obama differently and I have developed an increasingly positive feeling about his election.
For us in Europe, including the Netherlands, it is very important that there is once again a president in America whom people believe in. Not a man who can walk on water, but one who knows where to find the seaworthy boats.
How Obama intends to solve the problems is still unclear, but it is certain that he is eager to start with an ambition that is very infectious.
Perhaps it is his emotion, but he certainly touches people, and that is important.
Credit crisis, economic crisis, and two wars
It seems an impossible task, but perhaps it is not: starting from zero, one quickly scores one hundred percent. I hope he succeeds and that the positive energy will spread to Europe and thus to the Netherlands.
A future with a reliable financial world, a healthy economy, less war, and a cleaner environment: Obama can make an important contribution to this. And yes, I have a good feeling about it because this man not only has charisma but also shows confidence without being overconfident.
So let's be optimistic: the problems are not insignificant but certainly not insurmountable.
Yes, it will be an exciting year. But perhaps also a good year.
Ben Francooy
Chairman FNV Catering