Residents hope Obama can fix nation’s problems

By Lynda Menard
From record setting gas prices to a man having a baby, the year 2008 appears to be a historical one. However, nothing is as historically momentous as the United States electing the first African-American president, Barack Obama.

While the nation appears to be spinning out of control, it will be Obama’s duty to manage a war, solve an economic crisis and restore jobs to American citizens.

And several St. Charles Parish residents are excited about Obama’s promise of change, while others just hope for the best.

“It’s definitely a change and it will be a good one,” Angela Gervais said. “He will bring a different perspective to the presidency.”

Rayshell Hitchens agrees.

“I think it’s great and wonderful,” she said. “He’s going to do a great job.”

However, Alexandra Schmaltz is worried about the future.

“I hope we recoup from the financial wreck we’re in,” she said. “It’s too far and beyond to be picked up. He (Obama) has a mess on his hands because major corporations are laying off workers.

“Citibank alone laid off 50,000 people. It makes you wonder how long it will take to recover.”

And Robin Cabal isn’t sure if Obama will be able to fix all the problems that currently plague the country.

“We have to be positive, but change remains to be seen,” she said. “I’m just not sure.”

But Beverly Babin is confident that Obama is the right man for the job.

“I voted for him, so I’m happy,” she said. “I hope that he’ll bring less taxes, more jobs and increase the minimum wage.”

Eunice Brown says the election of Obama has made her feel something she never has before.

“As a black woman, I feel like I’m a citizen now,” she said. “He will bring change. There may be a slow start, but there will be a big change. There’s a purpose behind this presidency and God put him there for a reason.”

Art Smith also agrees that a big change will take place in the future, though he says Obama’s election has already changed America for the better.

“The country has finally realized the best man for the job and race was not an issue,” he said. “For once, gender and race were put aside. Obama will unite America and united we stand, divided we fall.”