Barack Obama campaigned for and was elected to the most powerful job on Earth based on one word: change. And one thing is for certain when looking at President Obama's first eight months in office, "the times they are a changing." In his brief tenure we've seen changes in the auto industry, bank and insurance company ownership, financial regulation, pay standards, and health care. Next, the President wants to change America's image in the eyes of the world.
In his first address to the United Nations General Assembly Wednesday, Barack Obama attempted to let world leaders know that the U.S. is moving away from the "unilateralism" that George W. Bush was known for and toward a more open working relationship with our world neighbors.
Obama also asked governments to come together and share the burden of the world's issues. "Those who used to chastise America for acting alone in the world cannot now stand by and wait for America to solve the world's problems alone," Obama said.
The President went on to say, "Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges."
In his speech, Obama called on fellow leaders to do their part to address a long list of global challenges. He spoke of bringing about a nuclear weapons-free world, increasing security from terrorists, and promoting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He addressed climate change and asked for an effort on more economic opportunity.
Obama also said that Iran and North Korea must be held accountable for their actions if they insist on pursuing nuclear armament. "The world must stand together to demonstrate that international law is not an empty promise and that treaties will be enforced," he said.
In the past, Obama has said that the door is open to Iran to discuss the issue of their nuclear ambitions. But Wednesday, he stressed that U.S. patience is not without limits.
Time will tell whether or not the world will respond to Obama's objectives. And while the President's approach to domestic policy has his opponents up in arms, there are few that will question the goal of today's speech – getting the nations of the world to work together toward the betterment of all people.
