As a young, middle class American, I want something – I want someone – to believe in. I want someone to remind me how the greater issues affect each and every person in this country. I want someone to bring out the passion slumbering inside me. I want someone to offer me “a change we can believe in.” In the 1970’s, college-aged people in this country were courageous, outspoken and informed about the issues facing the United States. But interest in this country has faded. My 12 year old nephew was recently unable to answer the question “Who is the President of the United States”. People are too busy on their iPhones or iPods, playing video games, watching sitcoms or their favorite drama on television. Barack Obama’s campaign for presidency awoke the patriotism for many young Americans, myself included.

In his recent interview with Barbara Walters, the president-elect was asked about the failing economy and his plans for improving it. His response was “…when it comes to the economy, we’re not going to get out of the hole overnight. It’s going to take some time and it’s going to take some effort. I think if people see progress, then I will be meeting expectations.” In order for there to be real change, there has to be insight. The American people have to be able to look at the big picture and understand that their behaviors, driven largely by fear, worsen the problem. It is a self fulfilling prophecy. Barack Obama said that the American people have power to make a difference simply by having confidence that the economy will improve.

As bailouts are requested and approved, it is essential that the United States Government holds the failing businesses accountable. When my family is facing a difficult financial situation, we sit down and examine our budget to determine where we can make cutbacks. We don’t pay less on our mortgage or do without food, but we spend less on leisure activities, conserve energy by turning off lights and keep our heat a few degrees lower. The same is true for the companies we are bailing out. If the government provides billions of dollars to sustain a company in order to protect American jobs, then that company has an obligation to forgo private jets for traveling, holiday bonuses and excessive corporate salaries.

The mere fact that the American people elected a young African American President sets the stage for furthering the agenda of equality. The “gay agenda” was a hot button topic for this year’s election, with liberals fighting for equality and same-sex marriage and conservatives pushing for “family values” and same-sex marriage bans. According to the Advocate, “In 2008, for the first time, Gallup [polls] found that as many respondents judged homosexual relations ‘morally acceptable’ as judged them ‘morally wrong’. At about 90%, support for ‘equal rights in terms of job opportunities’ is now so overwhelming, as to be a nonissue.” The public generally accepts the idea of civil unions, but not same-sex marriage, which continues to be an issue because the greater society defines marriage in terms of gender. My wife and I legally entered into a “domestic partnership” with the State of Oregon on April 19, 2008. The great state of Oregon allows us many of the same benefits as married couples, including the right to make health care decisions for a partner, the right to inherit a deceased partner's estate and the right to coverage on a partner's insurance plan. However, our partnership is not recognized outside the State. I can be on my partner’s insurance, but because our union is not recognized by the federal government, she is federally taxed on that insurance as income, which is a greater cost than me providing my own insurance. I have the rights to make healthcare decisions for her in Oregon, but when we travel outside the state, I have to carry a signed copy of her healthcare power of attorney in case there are any medical emergencies. While same-sex marriage may seem unattainable, the idea of a federally recognized civil union is not.

Obama has now selected key cabinet members, some from old administrations. He reported that those cabinet members come with the experience and he holds the vision to lead them. This presidency is an opportunity for American growth. We have finally ridden out the Bush Administration and it is time for a change – a change in the efforts and interests of the people, a change in the failing economy, a change in equality for all Americans. Now that’s a change I can believe in.