Column by Zachary Kiser

Let me start by making a few clarifying statements, so as to avoid confusion over the purpose, intent and sentiments of this column. First off, I am a staunch supporter of President Obama, and I believe that he is the right man for the job at this junction in history. However, this support does not translate into a “no questions asked, full support” attitude. As a free-thinking individual, I will constantly question Obama’s actions, policies and decisions; this column will serve as the first instance of such questioning.

Not in recent history has a presidential candidate run as a “man of the people” and “champion of the middle class” like Obama.  Not since the Great Depression and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, has the country so desperately needed a man that is willing to connect with the struggling middle and lower classes. I had the utmost faith, confidence and hope that Obama would be that man. A president that was willing to remove himself from the upper echelon elite of Washington and become a true man of the people; my faith was shaken today.

I realize that the inauguration of our first non-white president is an extremely important and ceremonious occasion, but there should be a limit to this pomp and circumstance.  While watching the inauguration, I could sense a distinct air of class separation. The huddled masses of middle and lower class people crowded the mall area below the capitol. All the while, the Washington elite sat comfortably in seats around and on the stage, looking down upon the governed. This time, with a small number of exceptions, would be the middle and lower classes’ only participation in inaugural events.

Later that night, now-President Obama was whisked away to the most grandiose of parties; parties where he was wined and dined by Washington elite, far away from the people that elected him.  The “man of the people” we all had hoped for had disappeared into Washington.

We, as the lower and middle classes, must remind Obama that he must stay true to the “man of the working class” image that we elected him on. We must remind him not to fall victim to Washington corruption, which plagues so many of our politicians.

For the Obama presidency to be the transparent and prosperous one that he claims to want and so many need, he must work hard to establish a trust with the ailing middle and lower classes. This trust must be built on the premise that he will look out and protect the interests of those classes, rather than protecting the interests of those who could line his pocket book.

We must trust that he will seek to close the ever-widening gap between the classes, a feat many pay lip service to, but have no intention of tackling. Obama must truly be a president to all, every step of the way, and not just when it is advantageous to be.  It is our responsibility as Americans to constantly hold Obama’s feet to the fire. We must constantly question his motives and look to seek out the truth in his actions. If we do not do this, then we may fall prey to what has beleaguered us for the past eight years.

Leading up to yesterday’s inauguration, I was promised change, I was promised a new beginning. Yet all I saw and heard were fancy words and more of the same.