On this day last year, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. Obama swept to power on the promise of change. So the big question, has he delivered?

Well its a mixed bag. The economy was going through its worst phase when he inherited the mantle from George Bush. The Obama administration was quick to start work on a war footing to revive the economy. Apart from appointing top officials to oversee the stimulus program, other measures like bailouts to banks and financial institutions were implemented. The success of the program can be gauged by the fact that some of these institutions have not only turned profitable but also returned the bailout finds. However the economy still continued to sag except at the fag end of the year with some positive signs of revival which is still tentative. The good news is most of the businesses have stopped cutting down on employees.

But the main theme around which his campaign was built - uniform healthcare legislation which seemed to be just within reach after passing the senate hurdle now seems in danger. Amid declining approval ratings came a big shocker today. The Democrat party lost hold of a key senate seat in Massachusetts. It was a Democrat stronghold for the past 50 years. This is the third major defeat after the democrats already lost 2 senate seats this year. Healthcare reform is something which has deeply divided people. Suddenly President Barack Obama and the Democrats look vulnerable. These are early days as yet. Obama has still time on his side and if he wants to continue for a 2nd term, he needs to get his act fast.

The biggest shock for me was when Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Don't get me wrong but Obama has just started his term and has not accomplished anything major yet. Now this coming from people who didn't nominate Gandhi is a big let down and the credibility of the Nobel committee has been tarnished.

On the other hand I think Obama as someone who is a good orator, takes things in his stride. When people comment on his race he doesn't want to get into a debate and wants to move on. For the botched Christmas day bombing he was quick to admit his administration's mistakes (how many politicians in India really do it).

Finally Obama administration's quick relief and rescue efforts for the people in Haiti along with his appeal to the citizens to contribute for the earthquake relief to Haiti in the company of ex-presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton shows that he wants to present a united stand and didn't have any ego issues.

(Image courtesy: http://luv2hateu.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/who-is-barack-obama.jpg)

My first blog for 2010

I have just completed a month in the US. My first impressions of this country are varied. When people describe US as one of the biggest polluters I was just wondering what was the reason. Now I know. Most people here own large gas guzzling vehicles. Except for offices, universities etc most residential units are happy with incandescent bulbs. I was shocked to find in my bathroom 6 large incandescent bulbs on top of the mirror.

Other than that, groceries are pretty cheap. Here even 1 cent has a value. Contrast that in India where the old 5, 10, 20 and now even 25 paisa are not accepted even though they are legal tender. It has been snowing for the past few days. This was my first experience with snow and I enjoyed every moment of it.

The snow looks nice but it has its downside. Walking is risky as you tend to slip once the snow melts and driving on the road is even more riskier when the snow starts melting due to sunlight and then due to the sudden change in weather it again freezes this time partially giving a glass finish on the roads and making it slippery. That was one of the reasons that has led to a rash of road accidents with some proving to be fatal.