New President - new hope?

I have just torn myself away from the TV coverage - myself and so many others have been watching with a measure of wonder, curiosity and great interest as Barack Obama officially took office. So it is, the first black American begins to lead possibly the most powerful nation, but a nation in deep crisis.

So, as a British 30 something, aware of what is happening in my area, but also in the country, and world at large - I wait, rather impatiently, to see good things. I did feel his was an offer of hope, but also the promise to make and swallow hard choices. Will his charisma and persuasion steer his nation to better times - and what effect will it have the wider world?

Today I am inspired to hope for the best.