The First Days

Obama's been president for two days now, and so far so good. (How's that for a honeymoon period?) His first actions to start the ball rolling to end the institutionalized injustice of Guantanamo Bay, and mandate greater openness in government affairs, are most encouraging—as is the fact that he's already been on the phone to open dialogues with heads of state in the Middle East. And while we have yet to see what he'll do in the arena of science and the environment, his inaugural speech pointed the way. The New Scientist offers an excellent recap of his statements about restoring science to its rightful place in political decision-making (this, I might point out, from a man of strong faith), and rethinking how we can use the world's resources for the benefit of all, not just the wealthy.

The economy, of course, will be the real test. Will he find the silver bullet? I guess we'll all stayed tuned.