Regime Change and the Politics of Hope

Inauguration Day here in America, and we'll be watching with bated breath as Barack Obama is sworn in as our 44th president.

Yes we did.

There is much to hope for as the next four years unfold, and so much for concern.

The economy for one, and whether Keynesian economics will provide work and much-needed infrastructure changes or whether it will be the shackles on the legs of future generations.

Climate change and James Hansen's rosy report of "flooded cities, species extinction, and climate catastrophe" for two. Will we keep hearing words like "clean coal" and "cap and trade" or will serious efforts begin?

Two wars and America's standing in the eyes of the world for three. What does a responsible draw down look like, and how long will it take?

Agriculture and food security for four. Vilsack offers no great hope on this front, but there is hope that Alice Waters is getting through to Michelle Obama on an organic garden at the White House.

Here's to the politics of hope and change overriding the age-old addage, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."