1 year down, 7 more to go!!!

Almost a year-to-date, my friends and I were packing our bags eagerly awaiting to battle the cold weather to witness then President-elect Obama assume the highest office in our nation.

What a difference a year makes!

Although he has been faced with unprecedented events, he and his administration are to be commended. In a year, they have pulled the economy from the brinks of collapsing, made huge strides in overhauling health care (though not completed, yet), have plans to close the never-should-have-opened Guantanamo Bay, restored international confidence with our allies, and the list continues. However, America still has her hands full. As his first year comes to a halt, his to-do list has greatly increased. I look forward to witnessing him work diligently, with or without the Republican slash "do nothing party" slash "party of 'no'" – support, to put America back on the right track.

(PHOTO CREDIT: White House)

Dick Cheney... go away!

Yesterday, former Vice President Dick Cheney cordially attacked the president's position on closing Guantanamo Bay. He claims that the U.S. will be less safe if we decide to close the prison facility that houses those who are claimed to be a threat to our national security. He also doesn't believe that third-world countries would want to take over housing these inmates because they have not agreed to do so in the past. Perhaps other countries were not on board because the Bush Administration had few allies. President Obama's administration is now advocating world peace and bridging the gaps of those torn relationships that Dick Cheney and his colleagues were responsible for ripping apart.

I strongly believe that we have to uphold fair and equal justice - even to those who are considered an eminent threat. This is the only way we are going to retain our powerful and respected position in the world. Housing these inmates in a federal prison would be just as safe. President Obama credits that there has never been a breakout in one of these high maximum security prisons. Furthermore, intense and harsh interrogation is not only unethical, but it also tarnishes the reputation of this great nation and what she stands for. Several studies also conclude that these unlawful interrogations causes people to admit to crimes they never committed.

This will be an interesting development to see if the Democratic Party will support the POTUS efforts to close Guantanamo Bay.