I agree with you that it's a first step in the right direction, though I fear for Obama's life as well.
I think the reason for America developing this slow is because 'they' (the important politicians etc.) still think America is impossible to defeat and invincible. Now they brought themselves down thanks to that behaviour and dragged the whole world with them.

America wasn't loved in the world because of George Bush and now this crysis they started puts them even more in a downwards flow.

I hope Obama can do some good. That people will accept that he can't walk over water and that he might need at least 8 years to undo all the crap Bush has done.

I salute you,
Thunderstrucker