Today, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America. It has been all over the news and was quite the occasion. I have never been interested in politics. I feel that most anybody will tell you what you want to hear...and then do whatever they want anyway. In the past, as I heard politicians speak...I would zone-out...but not with Barack Obama. Whenever he speaks...I find myself listening. I am unable to turn away. I think he is so well-spoken and passionate. He has a true talent of presenting. He is charasmatic and seems to be a man of the people.
Elizabeth and I were at home, and watched today's events unfold. I have never watch an Inaguaration before, so I cannot compare...but I think today's events were a success. I was very impressed with President Obama's speech. I feel a sense of confidence and determination when I hear him speak. I truly want him to success...our country depends on it.
I love how President Obama stressed the importance of everyone taking responsibility and everyone playing a role in getting our country out of the mess that we are in right now. He reminded us of where we have come from and that we are an amazing mixture of so many different cultures and peoples.
I love when he said...
"...They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."
I feel we do need to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and get to work. So many people talk and complain...just get to work. It is that simple. We, as Americans, are intelligent, creative, industrious, and passionate. Let's get to work!
President Obama ended his speech in such a beautiful way. He said...
"...At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."".
What touched me the most about the whole day's events, was a short moment in the afternoon parade. I loved how President and Mrs. Obama left the shelter and warmth of their vehicle to walk with and wave at the people that had been waiting for hours out in the cold. As they walked, Barack and Michelle Obama held hands and Michelle even snuggled into Barack's shoulder a couple of times.
Time and time again...I have been impressed with the husband and father that Barack Obama is. He has his priorities straight. He is a family man. He loves his wife and his kids. If he can lead this country with the intensity that he loves and leads his family...I know that he will do a great job.
