Mr. President’s First Day on the Job

President Obama swiftly sets course on day one by distancing himself from the previous administration, pushing top military leaders for a plan to withdraw combat troops from Iraq and issuing a string of orders to make government more open. Obama moved as well to put his own house in order. To keep in line with the recession, he announced that about 100 admin aides earning more than $100,000 would have to do without pay raises.

Obama said, However long we are keepers of the public trust, we should never forget that we are here as public servants, and public service is a privilege. It’s not about advantaging yourself. It’s not about advancing your friends or your corporate clients. It’s not about advancing an ideological agenda or the special interests of any organization. Public service is, simply and absolutely, about advancing the interests of Americans.

The new president also takes up withdrawal from Iraq and Mideast peace. Obama also laid the groundwork for fulfilling his campaign pledge to close the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I guess most will call it all in a days work and then some.