It seems that a dark cloud has been following me around, and those I’m in contact with feel similarly. We have a newly elected president that hasn’t done anything yet, per se, and has the best approval rating of any new President since John F. Kennedy.  Most of my associates are small business owners or people who work for small business and there isn’t as much confidence in the room as there was a year ago.  Could Obama be that ray of light we’re looking for?    

    With a plummeting stock market, banking, automotive and retail at a low point, to put it optimistically, we need to see something positive. I pray that President Obama can deliver on half of what he has promised, proving to be more than just the virtual messiah that citizens have hoped him to be. Looking at the proof, there is plainly nothing to go on yet, but with his new economic stimulus package coming down the pike, which could give him a positive track record quickly, he could prove himself right away.  I understand everyone needs some time, even the chosen ones, but let’s not let any grass grow. Americans are anxious and the best thing Obama could do is impact the economy in a positive way quickly. I could even overlook moving terrorists out of Guantanamo Bay into our country if he spurs the economy.    

    Right now, I am longing for the days when we can all show some confidence again and we feel like things are somewhat in control.  As an eternal optimist, I truly feel things will turn around, regardless of whom is leading our country, and time has a way of working things out.  People and business will adjust to the new way of doing business.  Prices will drop and those of us who have some disposable income will start spending again.  It is a process of reclamation. With the media’s love for President Obama, I assume we will see less negative press and more positive, which will lead to more certainty and fortitude. The media has that effect on people because they typically do believe everything they hear and read.  Usually, when things go awry, you have to get back to fundamentals, which is what Obama drove home during his campaign.  With simple words like “believe” and “change” he started a ripple effect through the nation, hence his major following.  He has given people hope again with no real persuasive explanation of how he is going to do it; just that he’s going to do it.     

    Americans need something to believe in, if it’s only a word that sounds good rolling off the tongue.  Let’s get back to the fundamentals and start believing again, given the right effort, serendipity will take over and our new president will play a role in turning our country around.  War, a financial depression, racism and crime are massive issues we have to get our arms around as a country and it starts with believing.  You have to tackle one issue at a time with authoritative confidence. Obama may lack the experience needed by a President of the United States but he doesn’t appear to lack confidence, which makes us want to believe him.  The good times really aren’t over for good. I am willing to believe; are you?