BARACK Obama today steps into the history books as the United States of America's first black President.
That is a significant milestone for a nation that still considers itself to be divided by a colour divide which, legally, was confined to the past many years ago.
But he is much more than that. Barack Obama stands for hope and direction in a world
which has increasingly lost its way over the last few years.
With youth, enthusiasm, energy and charisma on his side he swept to victory on a tidal wave of expectation.
And today, as the world's most powerful man, Barack Obama steps out on a journey which - like it or not - the majority of the world will follow.
For Barack Obama holds not only the key to the future prosperity and stability of his fellow Americans, he also will play a major role in revitalising the world's economy. He could not be taking over the keys to the White House at a more critical time.
With his domestic economy teetering on collapse, matched by a world wide implosion of the banking and financial systems, everyone will be looking to Barack Obama to provide the sure and confident leadership that is needed.
The problems facing the global markets are, of course, on such a scale that it would be nonsense to expect one man to provide a single solution.
But that is the burden Barack Obama brings to the Oval Office after an interminable campaign that gifted him victory and responsibility in the same package.
Beyond the economic troubles facing America and the world, the President of the United States also has a pivotal role to play in creating and maintaining world stability.
Conflicts around the globe have brought misery in place of the promised liberation. Barack Obama faces a tough challenge in finding a resolution to the mess that American foreign policy has imposed on people.
And the President of the United States must also be seen to be generous and helpful to struggling nations.
With all of these challenges waiting for Barack Obama, he must show that he is much, much more than simply the first black President of the United States. He must become the United States of America's finest President.
Share your thoughts on this story by adding a comment below.READ MOREMain news indexYour lettersFeaturesSouth Yorkshire's environmental newsKids ZoneMore business newsMore Rotherham newsMore Doncaster newsMore Barnsley newsLatest sport.The full article contains 419 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
