US citizens on the big issues

Barack Obama struck a sober tone as he delivered his inaugural speech in front of two million people in Washington on Tuesday, acknowledging the scale of the challenge that he now faces.

The president called for "bold and swift" action of the economy and the "remaking" of America. He said the US was a "friend of each nation" and that the country was "ready to lead once more".

Here US citizens discuss some of the major issues that matter to them personally, and that the new president will have to tackle.

Barack Obama's priorities for 2009

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Issue: the economy

I recently got together with my fellow Chrysler electricians. We feel like our lives are on hold

Mark Suter

| Brookston, Indiana | Democrat

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Issue: foreign policy

We must repair our relationships with countries that we have alienated

Jess Carmichael

| Seattle, Washington | Independent

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Issue: taxation

On the big issues like the economy I fear we will be moving in the wrong direction

Jim Riedmann

| Gleneale, Arizona | Republican

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Issue: healthcare

A growing number of people are at risk of losing their health insurance during this recession

Katheryn Gallant

| West Covina, California | Democrat

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Issue: education costs

With unemployment rates rising, people my age are scrambling to get the necessary education

Katie Sparrow

| Washington DC | Republican

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Issue: welfare reform

Mr Obama and his family are wonderful role models, showing what you can do if you stick to a goal from a young age

Mary Beal

| Hartford City, Indiana | Independent

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Issue: fluctuating prices

The wild swings in prices of fuel and fertilizer have made it impossible to plan. I've never seen anything like it

Brian Hind

| Kansas | Republican

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Issue: immigration

Americans have mixed feelings about immigrants. We need them, but aren't sure what to do with them once they get here

Srinivas Bangarbale

| Washington DC | Independent

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Issue: gay rights

It was groundbreaking for Barack Obama to include in an unashamed way gay Americans in his vision for the nation

Daniel Petraglia

| Montgomery county, Pennsylvania | Democrat

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The readers' panel has been selected from as wide a cross-section of people as possible and may not be representative of wider US public opinion.