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Obama urges Americans to share burden of economic woes

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-25 15:46

WASHINGTON -- US President-elect Barack Obama on Wednesday called for unity among Americans to share the burden of the economic crisis and strive for a better future.

US President-elect Barack Obama meets with Marines and takes time to take some pictures after working out at the Semper Fit gym on Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, while in Hawaii for a vacation over the Christmas holidays, in Kailua, Hawaii December 22, 2008. [Xinhua]

"If the American people come together and put their shoulder to the wheel of history, then I know that we can put our people back to work and point our country in a new direction," he said in a radio/video message being broadcast on the Christmas eve.

He called on Americans to "serve one another, to seek new ideas and new innovation and to start a new chapter for our great country."

Obama promised his incoming administration will operate in such a spirit.

The president acknowledged the daunting challenge the country is facing.

"As we count the higher blessings of faith and family, we know that millions of Americans don't have a job. Many more are struggling to pay the bills or stay in their homes. From students to seniors, the future seems uncertain."

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But he invoked George Washington's surprise attack on British colonial troops on the Christmas Day of 1776 to make the case that "hope endures, and that a new birth of peace is always possible."

Obama, who will be inaugurated on January 20, 2009, will be one of a few US presidents who faces both war and economic woes at the beginning of the administration.