2009

Happy New Year! The Assembly is back and so am I. So what kind of 2009 are we facing? Not good so far. We have a war in the Holyland that is pitting the might of Israel against Hamas in Gaza. As usual it is the ordinary people who are suffering.

Ordinary people across the world are also suffering from the global economic recession. Billions of various currencies are being thrown around and pale into insignificance against the challenges that economies face. In the USA President Elect Obama is asking for $770bn to solve the economic problems. Critics are saying the stimulus package needs to be at least $1000bn to make an impact. Where will this money come from? Who will pay the debts of nations? Ordinary people.

Is there hope? Yes there is and a lot of it rests with Obama and his new administration. The President Elect has a team of massive experience around him. This is telling that he has got intelligent and experienced people around him rather than just friends from home. However, Obama needs to be given a chance to deliver and 100 days may not be enough to even start tackling all problems. So much is expected from one man and inspite of the Spiderman comic he is not a superhero but an intelligent man who will do his best.

Having worked for a brief time on his campaign I can say that if anyone can turn things around it will be Obama and his team. The new approaches to greater Wall Street regulation and a Green economy will need to be replicated by others across the globe.

2009 will test all our politicians to help the ordinary people with jobs and support. One leader cannot do it alone but he can make a start. Will anyone have the bravery and intelligence to follow?