One year after hope came to Washington

Uncategorized

Today marks the one year anniversary of the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Last year it seemed that most of the country was filled with hope (though certainly some were filled with dread).

Today, little of that hope seems to be left.

But rather than blaming Republicans for sucking out all of the liberals' hope or blaming Democrats for squandering their supposed "control" of Washington, one group is proposing a different solution. Their goal: Change Congress.

Basically, they're saying that we have a government of, by, and for special interests rather than the people.

Take a look at the video. I'm interested in what you, our readers with varied political persuasions, make of this. Is this something we can unite around?

When I visited Kenya after their disastrous 2007 election, I discovered that in their very young democracy, the people in power (economically and politically) colluded to stay in power without doing much for the poor. I'm sad to say that it seems our admirable democracy isn't all that different. 

On this anniversary, it's also worth revisiting Kevin Clarke's work order for the new president. Maybe we can remember how to be hopeful.  

About the author

Megan Sweas

Megan Sweas is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles.