I was fortunate enough to be able to stay home to watch the Inauguration, and am not ashamed to say I cried a few times. Never in my lifetime have I felt so inspired by a politician, least of all the President. Even in the midst of an economic crisis not seen since the Great Depression, I feel hope that President Obama will lead our nation in a direction that will pull our economy out of this mess.
As the words of President Obama's speech sank in (I can't say President Obama enough, btw), I felt a sense of calm and elation overcome me. The part that touched me the most was probably this:
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
I emplore you to take some time to allow the full impact of those words sink in. I have every confidence that President Barack Obama (see what I mean?) will get our nation back on track to success and dignity.
2 comments:
As someone who was last EXCITED about a president was JFK, I too was thrilled with the entire President Obama inaguration!!!
Personally, though I loved the Pres's speech, I was most impressed by the closing benediction by the peer of MLK!! Particularly the part where he addressed all races with "...black coming back, and brown sticking around....."
AND: to have over 2 million folks crowded into a small - relatively, that is - space and to have NO arrests - awesome!!
AND, to have an entire subway car breaking out in prayer, singing Amazing Grace - this doesn't happen ANYWHERE else in the World!!
A new man, a new administration for a new century.
Gotta love it!! I'm proud of your generation!!
OK, I So botched the Benediction, that I looked it up online and here's what he said so eloquently in closing:
"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen."
To this I can only add my Amen!!
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