Out with the old, In with the new
President-elect Barack Obama will soon take center stage and assume the role of commander in chief but as he brings in a wave of ‘change’ Americans begin to wonder just what will be different.
Obama appears to be in no way the same as former president George W. Bush. He is young, eloquent, and a democrat. With all these difference what will he do with past polices? Obama now has the power to alter the controversial restrictions imposed in the previous regime.
Stem Cell Research – During Bush’s 8 years in office he impose harsh restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, barring federal funding for many forms. Obama, who on his website said he supports new stem cell research, may very well reinstate funding for more exploration. This will be met with great enthusiasm for many researchers and victims of diseases such as Parkinson’s.
Funding for Organizations that perform abortions – Bush cut all funding for organizations that perform abortions overseas or even offer counseling about them. It is thought that Obama may over turn this policy and restore funding.
Oil drilling – Obama may also overturn Bush’s policy of lifting restriction on the fragile areas of Utah. Many environmental groups have been outraged since this was enacted.
Guantanamo Bay – Obama hopes to close this prison once he takes office. This prison, which currently holds hundreds of ‘suspected terrorists’, was put into full use during Bush’s 8 years. However, a decision has not been made as to the 255 inmates residing there.
As our new president takes up the mantel we will just have to see what changes he will make, for better or for worse.