Obama's In. Now What?

I know I'm one of billions talking about the new president. We're all looking for a new direction on many issues and I'm sure many are hoping for a fundamental change in direction. One can argue that not much has really changed since 1980 until now. My feeling is that Obama can overcome the Washington machine because he has so much popular support, real or perceived. This can lead to a positive change in direction on a multitude of issues, including environmental issues. A few lines I found interesting in the speech are "We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in it's defence", "we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations." and this:

What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.

These quotes, in my view, sum up what will be the driving force of policy direction for the new administration. Maintaining the way things are with the understanding of the impact beyond the present and beyond the border. The delicate balance of maintaining the American way of life without sacrificing the world and the future will be the true test of this administration and every American.