For a moment, the world stopped on Jan. 20. Whether you are liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, white or black, young or old, man or woman, you cannot deny the historical and social significance of that day.

Barack Obama became the nation’s first African-American president. He is sending a message to the world and to our youth that anything is possible. You can do it. We can do it. It can be done.

He has united a country torn apart by war, greed and social inequalities. While we cannot ignore those who speak vehemently against him, or who wish him harm, the day was not a day to focus on those short-sighted individuals who lack the ability to think outside their own boxes.

Now, we open our minds to hope. Hope that President Obama will be able to carry out the majority of his campaign promises. Hope that he will restore the American dream – a dream that is less about financial propserity and more about pride in ourselves, our neighbors and our country. Hope that social equality is within the nation’s grasp once again, because without social equality, America loses its lustre.

I wish President Obama good luck. May his road be paved with opportunities to make us all better.

Velma McConnnell, Windham