It's a new year, and once again here I sit in front of a blank page marshaling my thoughts. I consider myself lucky because I like what I do, this writing. It is a privilege, really.

But in thinking what to write I realize how glad I am I don't have the responsibility of the blank pages President-elect Obama will have when he is sworn in Tuesday. Let's face it, he certainly has a few obstacles, and, unlike my challenges, it isn't a split infinitive or a dangling participle.

There has been plenty of fodder for the political cartoonists lately, and one by John Darkow gave me a chuckle. In it the old year is being escorted away by a nurse and another gentlemen is saying to the baby New Year 2009, "I don't want to say your year doesn't look good — but even Angelina Jolie won't adopt you."

Guess it'll be up to President Obama to take on that job.

The year 2009 is turning into a real "hot potato" mostly because of all the unknowns. The year 2008 had such mood swings and volatility there was no predicting just what would happen next. For those with any money left to invest there was not a safe haven or a sure thing.

The shocking revelations of Bernard Madoff's ponzi scheme were the real "frosting on the cake" to end the disturbing year and added to the frustrations already in place.

In a conversation with my son, Mike, I asked what he thought about Obama, and he voiced pretty much what I had been thinking. Like his politics or not, the man stands tall in his shoes. He is articulate, thoughtful and seems willing to try. It seems as if there is something historic occurring — he evokes images of JFK's era. There is an aura of dignity and calm intelligence surrounding him.

Another friend whom I value for her thinking, Karen Heckmann, had this to say and tied in a personal experience about Kennedy that she feels may relate to the election of Obama: "As for the new government, it is the Great Unanswered. You will only see it as it plays out. Personally, I really believe, morals aside, John F. Kennedy had a great mission and did something outstanding with the Cuban missile crisis.

"Remember that? I was newly married, and we all went to work that day not knowing if we would see each other, and there would be nuclear rain on us before the end of the day. I remember the sorrow leaving for work driving to Hayward 30 miles away to teach. I thought, 'this is all over too soon.'

"It could really have happened. It was a flat-out threat from Khrushchev, and Kennedy stood him down."

Tomorrow is a day of destiny for the new president and for our nation. I hope he will be able to "stand down" the challenges he will surely face.

There are many who look to him as a savior, which we don't necessarily need. What we need is a leader who will get Congress and the rest of the nation to work together for the best interests of everyone, not just themselves. Well, I guess maybe we do need that savior after all.

E-mail: sasyoung2@aol.com