"Ideal of Equality"

It has become apparent that the 2006 Elections have been elections ushering in change. Along with that change has come a series of political firsts. Massachusetts elected it's first African-American governor, and Minnesota elected the first Muslim to the U.S. Congress. However, the one first that stands out is that of Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) becoming the first woman elected Speaker of the House. She beat out John Boehner 233-202 to win the prestigious seat.

As Speaker of the House, Pelosi, 66, is second in line to the presidency. She is the highest ranking woman in the history of the American federal government.

Pelosi's address to the House emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two parties, as well as acknowledging the historical aspects of her election. "I accept this gavel in the spirit of partnership, not partisanship, and I look forward to working with you, Mr. Boehner, and the Republicans in the Congress for the good of the American people", she said.

"And today I thank my colleagues. By electing me speaker you have brought us closer to the ideal of equality that is America's heritage and America's hope... For our daughters and our granddaughters today we have broken the marble ceiling. For our daughters and our granddaughters now the sky is the limit. Anything is possible for them," she said of her being the fist female speaker.

She went on to ask for a new direction in Iraq and for the United States.

She ended with a call for bipartisanship. "Let us stand together to move our country forward, seeking common ground for the common good."

My opinion: After 12 years of Republican control of the United States' legislative branch, I'm glad to see Democratic control and a balance of power with an overbearing executive branch. Hopefully 2007 will prove to be a year of change in the United States, and in Iraq.

I'm pleased to see that a woman has the chance to hold such an influential office in government. I trust that Nancy Pelosi will do her best to create a workable atmosphere in the House of Representatives to accomplish a great deal within the first "100 hours".