There are great expectations of President Obama.  He has become a symbol of hope for not just America but for the whole world.  An icon before even serving a single day in office.  Has life become that bad for the average citizen, that we have turned to one man to lead us out of the valley of darkness?

Imagine how many people tuned in to watch the historical inauguration of the 44th president yesterday, whether it was on television or online.

Whilst I was watching I couldn’t help reflecting back on the past 8 years and what has happened.  The two things that really stand out for me are; war and the economy.

After all the hype following the election, I found the inauguration a lot more sobering.  Perhaps it is the reality of what we have to face as a nation, what we have to confront and repair.  There is nothing like the severity of reality to make one come to one’s senses – to sober you up!

Indeed the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many.

Back to the two main challenges – war and the economy.  In my opinion, for what it is worth, the sooner we tidy up and retreat, leaving behind an orderly and functioning Iraq and Afghanistan, the better.  And, secondly the sooner we put into place solid and sound measures to turn our economy around the better.  Easy to say, difficult to do.

President Obama has already earned my respect.  I am not sure why.  But I just have a feeling that he is the right man for the job at the moment, and that he can do it.  Of course, it is not just him but a whole lot of effort is going to be needed by everyone.  I have followed what he has had to say online and I am sure he will deliver.

Obama speaks well, I enjoy what he has to say, it is intelligent and gives me confidence.  But the “Yes we can” talk is now old news and he is going to have to do more than talk to rejuvenate and rebuild America.

The hopes and dreams of millions of people lie on the shoulders of the new leader and the team that he chooses.  The people voted for him because he promised change, now they expect that change to happen.  There are “Great expectations President Obama”, but I am sure you know that already and that you don’t need to hear it from me.

Ok so how do we put this into a poker context – war and the economy.  Let’s see…ok lets take war first….poker is like war….know thy opponent etc… be aggressive but also fold if necessary, retreat with dignity and respect.

Then the economy… manage your bankroll…know when to enter a game and when to get out… choose your poker table wisely…

Hey I could the hang of this…maybe even I could lead the country…who said poker was not educational and could not be applied to every day life?