Guest Comments by Michael Moore

An American author and Academy Award-winning film-maker, Michael Moore frequently analyses U.S. politics.

What a happy, happy day we had on January 20th! Barack Obama has taken office as the 44th United States president.

We made it through the Dark Ages and witnessed one of history’s most redemptive moments. Obama offers our best hope to get it right, to heal our national soul and to reach out to the world with an olive branch instead of shocking brutality.

Politically, the sun has come out. The disgraced outgoing president headed for Crawford, Texas, to sell the Hollywood set known as the Bush “ranch” before settling into an exclusive neighborhood in Dallas. George W. Bush should have issued a final pardon before leaving -- his own.

He should have issued a blanket pardon for all crimes that may have been committed since 2001 by himself, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and the whole gang. Serious laws were broken, and war was concocted on a lie. Now, please, justice must prevail.

Let’s move forward and fix the horrible mess we face. We’re fortunate to have a new president who is smart, kind and committed to serving his country. Citizens should take a moment to consider how best to help him do his job. We’re all in this together. Our country has been so profoundly wrecked by an administration that decided to mug our constitution and steal what they could for their Wall Street cronies.

Here’s my plea. Let’s not leave Obama alone to clean up the mess. After witnessing his oath, let’s take one ourselves -- to work harder to end the wars, create universal health care, save our planet, end poverty, increase knowledge and establish a true government “of, by and for the people” (not “of, by and for the lobbyists, bankers and war profiteers”).

On a personal note, it’s no secret that I suffered an avalanche of hate and attack as I stuck out my neck simply to do my job. Someday I’ll tell you the true cost for me, but not now.

This is a time for celebration, optimism and hope. I’m glad we lived to see such an incredible moment.

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