Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A Day in History for America

Today is a day in history. It is the day that Barack Obama becomes officially President of the United States.

Since I woke up and turned on the TV to WTVR-6 to watch the Early Show, there is nothing on but about this. The Inaugural does not start until 10AM, but the Early Show (as I am sure the other ones have been as well) is there in Washington D.C. since yesterday, showing all the fervor and excitement from people who are coming to the Capitol to see this charismatic man being sworn into office. It is estimated to be around 2 million. I wish I was there, but I will watch it on TV instead.

They are talking about the first African-American becoming President, but I see something more. I see someone who will try to unite all of us. It is not about color, it is not about male or female, but about maybe hopefully that we are all equal. When I voted for him, I did not see the color of his skin, but that he would be the right person for the job.

Yes, we should all be proud of where we came from, or where our ancestors came from. But that’s not the point. I had a Native American half breed grandmother who told me my mother one time that she was American. Okay, it might have been shame from her side, as that was the times. But that’s what we all are: Americans.

He started by saying yesterday was a day of service, that we must all serve to help others. Not black nor white nor yellow nor brown, not even aged or young, but all. Think about that. That is what equality really means: together as one unit, not separate beings.

And so, will America go forward into that dark night, carrying the lamp to light the way? Being maybe a little smarter and more gracious to each other? I hope so.

I wish President-Elect Obama all the luck in the world; he has quite a job ahead of him. I know he is the man for the job. But I will pray for him and his family in the four years ahead. For the road will not be a easily traveled one, not just for America, but for the rest of the world is going through these sad economic times and people still wanting to war with each other.

But this is the first step in one day, just like in the science fiction books, movies and television shows, that not only an United States, but one day in the future an united world.

Barack Obama, as you depart Blair House and get into your limo to drive for church service at St. John's Church, the first thing in your goal of becoming President, I wish you well, and know that I too, am behind you. As an American, just like you.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Truly an historic day. I think his inaugural address struck the right balance between optimism and pessimism. Certainly we have problems to tackle, but he inspired me with the hope that not only will we tackle them, we'll succeed with at least some of them.

Anonymous said...

I wish him well in the coming years and hope that Americans, all Americans will realize this fix will take more than four short years.
bill

Charles Gramlich said...

He gave a great speech. I hope he has a chance to carry out his plans.

Carol L. said...

It was a wonderful Historical day for this nation. I loved the eagerness and stamina he presents. I too believe he's the right man for the job and wish him well. I also agree with Bill that these fixes won't happen overnight.

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

I just hope people realize the man is not a miracle worker. If he can stay honest (politics corrupt, folks--to get enough money to run you have to make promises to some not so wonderful people)and stay the course, he'll do okay.

I fear some people will be disappointed that he can't "fix" things that have been wrong for years (not just from Bush, but Clinton too--since he's the one who sent all our factories and jobs overseas and to Mexico NAFTA, remember? and even for many presidents earlier.)

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Rani Turton said...

I'm not American but Obama touched me too. I think his charisma goes beyond frontiers. For the first time in years people are reaching out to a political person without cynicsm. He is there, he has made history, and we can only we inspired by that.