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17:09 GMT, Wednesday, 21 January 2009

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

Issue: the economy

Mark Suter

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

Mark Suter

| Brookston, Indiana | Democrat

Issue: foreign policy

Jess Carmichael in Iraq

"
We must repair our relationships with countries that we have alienated "

Jess Carmichael

| Seattle, Washington | Independent

Issue: taxation

Jim Reidmann

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

Jim Riedmann

| Gleneale, Arizona | Republican

Issue: healthcare

Katheryn Gallant

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

"

Katheryn Gallant

| West Covina, California | Democrat

Issue: education costs

Katie Sparrow

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

Katie Sparrow

| Washington DC | Republican

Issue: welfare reform

Mary Beal

" 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

Issue: fluctuating prices

Brian Hind

" 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

Issue: immigration

Srinivas Bangarbale

" 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

Issue: gay rights

Daniel Petraglia

" 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

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.

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