November 4, 2008 was truly a historic day, not just for the United States, but for the whole world. Change came to the USA; voters decided to elect Barack Obama, an African American, to be their 44th president. Unless you have been living in the land of Oz, the significance of this moment cannot be emphasized enough. For many African Americans who went through it all, who fought for their rights, Mr. Obama’s election was the single-most, biggest achievement they could have ever hoped for. No wonder people cried.

And the whole world was watching. Just as he carried the hopes and dreams of African Americans in the USA, Mr. Obama also carried the hopes and dreams of the peoples of the world. To many, he represented all that is good and fair and just in our society, and what can be achieved in today’s world, no matter what color you are. Welcome to the new world, folks!!

I am overjoyed that Mr. Obama won this election, not just for the symbolism, but for what he plans to bring to the table. While the US and the rest of the world face an economic crisis, there is no doubt that Mr. Obama will have his plate full when he starts his new job. But I am excited for what he plans to do when he does start tackling issues. By now, you must have read in this blog, and others, as to how Mr. Obama plans to reinvigorate our science and reorient our science policy. Let us hope that he does bring about a couple of quick changes, such as increasing the NIH budget.

They used to say that faith-based groups struggled to be heard in the government, till they realized that the president himself, George W. Bush, Jr., was their point man! Well, lets hope that Mr. Barack Obama is the point man for us scientists.

Good luck to him. We are expecting a lot!!