This news item was written by a Thomas L. Friedman. And, the item appeared in The New York Times. After reading this article, it becomes quite clear that the aurthor's reason for writing it is mainly to get people to think in a new way. This urge to get people to think in various (or even taboo) directions is essentially the motive for his entire aurguement. He wants to open people's minds! And, his inspiration for such a passionate aurguement is the inauguration of Barack Obama.
Friedman's article is directed torward the entire American population---be they conservative or liberal, minority or majority, it doesn't matter. Because the aurthor seems to feel that what he has to say is of national appeal, being that the information contained within is of national importance. Granted, the aurthor did make referance to the special significance that Obama's inauguration has for minority groups. But, the aurthor also wants the audiance to think beyond that. He wants everyone (whether they be a minority or not) to look beyond the surface implications of Obama's forthcoming presidency, and into the deeper, more substansial meaning. His basic aurguement is that Barack Obama is not only important because of his radical departure from past presidents, in terms of race and appearance, but that he is also equally as important because of this time in American history. He aurgues that in this time in American history, we need radical change, even by a radical. Because, history has shown that these radical turning poiints are when some of the gratest things have been accomplished!
