Inauguration Thoughts

• First of all, I'm glad he survived. Just the other day, I heard about a high school in Ashburn, GA that held its first integrated prom in 2007. While there has been incredible and sweeping change in this country, there are still pockets of folks who are sheltered from progress. And sanity.




• It appeared to me that Obama knew the oath of office better than Chief Justice Roberts. One of the things I like about Obama is that he seems to be calm at all times. He didn't get fidgety during the flub of the oath, which I find to be very impressive. I can't imagine the kind of nerves one must have when being sworn in as the most powerful human being on the planet.




• Did you see the cheap little plastic chairs that Malia and Sasha had to sit in? Everyone else in the inner circle appeared to have plush, royalty-style chairs, but they got stuck with bingo parlor seats.

• These are my favorite snippets from the speech:
  "Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age."
  I like this because it points out that we, as a nation, loved riding the high tides but turned a blind eye toward the possible failings of our system. Now we, as a nation, are paying the consequences and are responsible for fixing our mistakes.

"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."

I realize every politician says this, but I'm going to choose to believe it this time.

"The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works."

This sort of common sense approach is refreshing and has been sorely lacking. While I would prefer that the government be directly involved in my life on a minimal basis, I don't really care if they make a program for everything - so long as it works, works well and works efficiently.

"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

I appreciate the lack of arrogance and the willingness to work with those who might be our enemies, so long as they are willing to cooperate.

"For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies."

People are quick to blame the government for our woes. Which might be fine when the government is responsible. But the people decide who is in government and, more importantly, the people do the heavy lifting of bringing about positive change. The thing I like most about Obama is that he seems to inspire people to serve and do their part in making this country a place to be proud of. He is aware that the responsiblity lies on our collective shoulders, but he is willing to be the example for us to follow.



• Unfortunately, the most enduring image of the inauguration won't be the multitudes gathered on the Mall, the crying and hopeful faces in the crowd or the stoic presence or our new president. No, the enduring image in my mind will be hats. These hats: