Our New President

I'll admit it. I cried a little. I got choked up during Aretha's "My Country Tis of Thee." And it wasn't because of her hat. I find myself becoming more and more patriotic as I get older, less able to make it through the national anthem without shedding a tear or two. Maybe it isn't as much patriotism as senility coming on. Well, whichever, I was so touched and inspired while watching the Inaguration Ceremony this morning. I've never watched one before, certainly not in its entirity. I may have watched the Bible swearing part for one president or another, but I can't even recall who. But this ceremony was of so much interest to me that I even listened to the endless commentaries before and after the ceremony itself. Not only because I have such high hopes for Obama to be a president of integrity and principle, but also because this marks such a historical day for so many Americans who have felt that they lacked a voice in our politcal system and who now must feel that true equality will someday be available to all. I thought the introductery comments by Diane Feinstien were so apt. And I thought the invokation was inspired, though the delivery was a bit odd. And then Obama's speech itself...WOW. I can't imagine that anyone--Republican, Democrat, or other--didn't find that speech amazing. I hope that he can accomplish half of what he spoke of; it was a tall order, for sure. But I haven't seen a president in my lifetime speak with such conviction and sincerety. EVER. And I think he had that speech memorized. It didn't look like he was ever reading the telepromptor. Anyway, I was impressed. And I really do hope that God blesses and guides our new president. And I hope he turns out to be a great leader.

You know I hate to be serious on my blog; there are plenty of boring, sappy blogs out there if that's what you're looking for. But today I had to stop and say that I consider this a great day, a day that I'm proud to be American. It's really true. Our political process--where we can freely elect those who we feel will best carry out our wishes for our country, without fear of reprisal or punishment or death--is an amazing thing.