Everyone has hopes for the Obama administration. We asked David Lane, Pete Greig and Q-Tip what they hope to see happen in America over the next four years.
David Lane — President and CEO of ONE
“President Obama can invite the world to see America from a new perspective, to see the America of compassion and healing hands, the America that’s a force for good. Our efforts to fight global poverty and disease are not an obligation, they’re an opportunity. Effective, proven solutions that save lives from AIDS or prevent a child from getting malaria don’t need discovering, they already exist. President Obama’s task—which all of us share—is to put those solutions to work for the world’s poorest and in the process make a better, safer world for us all.
Pete Greig — Founder, 24-7prayer.com
“As a European who loves and has lived in America, I am hopeful that President Obama will renew the U.S. commitment to international diplomacy and the peace-keeping role of the United Nations. I’m praying (yes, really PRAYING) that the new President will lead courageously on the world stage in response to the global environmental crisis. President Bush’s achievements in Africa in the fight against AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis have been nothing short of stunning and I’m hoping that the under-acknowledged President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) will continue and prosper on this new watch. Finally, as a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law school, and a former professor of the University of Chicago Law School, I’m hoping that President Obama will soon lend his endorsement to the vision for united 24-7 Prayer on every single university campus in America next year. Watch this space!”
(Check out the cover story of the current RELEVANT Magazine for more on Pete Greig and his 24-7 prayer ministry.
Q-Tip —Rapper
“We are talking about rebirth and reawakening of spirit. I think this is a case in a sociopolitical sense, vis a vis the election of Barack Obama. It’s monumental on so many different levels. You know, obviously race is one. The Bush administration is another. The economic plight is a third. And the war in Iraq. You know, there were a lot of things that were pointing to a complete seismic shift. And I think that his election exemplified that. It’s a great thing, it is a great day!
For this country and the world, I hope that we’re patient with the new president and new administration. Because it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better. I just hope people are patient. Stay vigilant. Stay focused.
