New Era Begins As Obama Takes Office as 44th President of the United States

Frigid temperatures in Washington, DC did nothing to cool the anticipation that marked today’s inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Obama, whose campaign buzzwords of “hope” and “change” and the mantra “yes we can” sparked an enthusiasm that grew as the nation’s crises deepened, delivered an 18-minute inaugural speech that summoned Americans to “pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America.”

Referring to the country's current economic distress, Obama said there was a "collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age." In calling for "a new era of responsibility," Obama said, "today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: they will be met."

Obama continued, “The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government."

And so a new chapter in our nation’s history begins. AHAA is excited to work with the Obama Administration to ensure the interests of homeowners and homebuyers are represented, and we look forward to “remaking America” together.  

Why Vote?

With less than a week until Americans go to the polls on Nov. 4 to cast their votes for President, we are being bombarded with news reports of expectations of record voter turnout and already-predicted leads and deficits for each candidate in many states. It’s enough to make you stay at home on Election Day, with one or more of the following thoughts:

“I don’t have time to vote.”

“My candidate is already predicted to win/lose my state.”

“My vote won’t make a difference.”

In each case, you’re wrong.

It doesn’t matter how long it takes to vote, it’s our right as Americans and there are millions of people around the world who do not have the freedom to elect their leaders and make their voices heard. It’s like your mother told you when you wouldn’t eat your dinner – somewhere there’s a hungry kid who would love to have those peas. Somewhere, there are millions of people who would love to have the right to vote. So, exercise yours.

It doesn’t matter if the presidential candidate you prefer is already predicted to win or lose your state. Vote anyway. No poll really matters except the one on Election Day. And, remember, not just the presidential race is at stake. Congressional seats are up for grabs as well, and local officials are up for re-election or replacement. And many states have local issues that you need to express a “yay” or “nay” on.  As a homeowner, there are local issues that can affect you significantly. If you don’t already know, take a few minutes before you head off to the polls and educate yourself on the local issues that may affect you.

You may believe that your vote doesn’t make a difference, but it can. Many people remember the tight race in Florida that essentially produced the winner of the 2000 Presidential race. While it’s rare that a Presidential race could be affected by a difference of a small number of votes, it’s not so rare at the local level. And again, as a homeowner, you have a stake in local issues and elected officials. Your vote counts, so make it be heard.