Peers: Our Time Has Come

The 44th presidential election marked a monumental moment in both the history of the United States of America and the world, a moment that has layed the foundation for a nation who has always talked the talk about being the best, but really has never walked the walk.

On November 4, we took the first step on that path.

For many of us college students, this election was even more historic, as it marked the first time we could vote; for those of you who were responsible enough to exercise your right, you have done both this country and the world a great service.

Since its founding, the United States has always held the blueprint for being the primary leader of our world. Our ideologies are superior to every other country, but the realities on which these ideologies have materialzed are far from superior. With Obama now the next president of this country -- essentially a metaphor for equality, opportunity, and the notion that anything is possible -- we can finally materialize that blueprint and ultimately make this world a better place.

However, there are many aspects of our country that we must change in order to fully allow for the greatest and most prosperous materialization. For one, we must lead by example. That means holding ourselves accountable for the same things to which we hold our enemies. For example, like our enemies, we are committing acts of terror, especially in the Middle East. There is no such thing as good or bad terrorism; terrorism is terrorism, whether it is committed by American soldiers or Muslim Exteme Fundamentalists, or anyone else.

Secondly, in order to be the best, we must breed the best. That means putting education first and putting an end to outsourcing. American schools should be given as much money as necessary to achieve a promiment level of education that allows states to govern their own curriculums and requirements -- not the national government (see: No Child Left Behind Act).

Another: American companies should only employ Americans. There is no reason why our economy, educational and health care systems, and alternative fuel programs shouldn't be superior to every other industrialized country; it is simply a matter of financial allocation. If we can stop spending so much money abroad (i.e. the war in Iraq) and instead keep it within our borders, the upside is limitless.

As emerging adults and the next generation, Barack Obama -- whether he is in office for the next four or eight years -- will directly impact our near and far futures. We must assist him in bringing about change in this country so that we and our families and friends can enjoy a better life than did our parents and their generation.

This is our time.