THE SKEPTIC

Kalash eyes the incoming administration with considerable skepticism. Not trusting of the establishment, he has always had his qualms about US politics, and has never felt at home in either of the dominant parties, both of which he eyes with suspicion. Though he has followed politics intently for years as a journalist and an informed citizen, he has never been moved enough to come off the sidelines and jump on a bandwagon.

Of Lebanese-Palestinian descent, Kalash is a first generation American who lived abroad in his youth.  The election of Barack Obama as the nation's 44th president moved him deeply, re-affirming much of what he admired about the American people and their political system. However, his cynicism about politicians runs deep, and he has deep doubts about Obama's ability to bring about the substantive changes that the American people need. While he hopes for the best, he won't hesitate to speak out when he thinks the emperor has no clothes.

Key posts:

• The meaning behind it all
  
• First forecast
  
• On 'post-racialism'
  
• First impression