Some things are best done by conservatives; some things are best done by liberals.

Obama spent the day before the inauguration doing worthwhile things. First, he visited 14 veterans, injured fighting for our country in Iraq and Afgghanistan, who are now at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Later, he grabbed a paint roller and helped volunteers who were fixing up rooms at a facility for homeless teens. "We can't allow any idle hands. Everybody's got to be involved," he said.

I like his emphasis on involvement and personal responsibility. I have a feeling that Obama will be an inspiration to a lot of blacks, young people, and others who would never consider voting for a Republican. Since Obama has their ear, I believe he will not sanction sloth or irresponsibility. I believe he will tell young men to take care of their families. I hope he will encourage young women not to be content with making themselves nothing more than sex toys for young men. If he accomplishes these things, it will be great for America.

It took a conservative, Richard Nixon, to open up relations with China. A liberal Democrat, Barack Obama, will have the best chance to tame the Social Security and Medicare lions that are about to eat us. It will take a liberal Democrat to inspire those who have been dropping out of schools and living off of taxpayers to get motivated and moving to take advantage of opportunities to make something of themselves.