Midspan of the Poplar

I love our country. Watching on television as Barack Obama took the oath of office, yesterday, I was overcome with awe at the site of all the people on the National Mall. That alone spoke volumes about the hope the American people are pinning on our new leader.


President Obama did not sugar-coat things. He outlined the work ahead, and called on all Americans to do their part. He said, "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility, a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."

I love that part of his governing philosophy: government as leader, but not as provider. He also added, "In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom."

He offers the United States an opportunity to rebuild it's respect internationally. The most memorable line of the speech was, "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."


Did anyone else cringe with awareness that his predecessors were sitting a few feet away when he said, "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"? Again when he added, "Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint."

It was a terrific speech. It's nice to feel more pride about being an American again. Good luck, Mr. President.