for me, the inauguration was not about politics. it was not about red states or blue states, right wing or left, or even who won and who lost. it was especially not about black or white. for me, this new president means a new beginning, excitement, youthfulness, and a big breath of fresh air. i felt all of these things during president obama's speech, especially the breath of fresh air part.i thought his speech was fantastic, i appreciated so many so many of the things he said. but i especially glad to hear his remarks about coming together as a nation and the idea that we can pull ourselves out of these hard times with work, sacrifice and service. i believe this whole heartedly and feel like this message has been lost a little bit in this country. i almost jumped up and shouted amen! when he said that it wasn't just the "big wigs" fault that our economy is such a mess. it's also because people weren't willing to make the hard choices - as in not over-extending ourselves with purchases that we can't afford - what a concept! and that it will not be by government alone that things get better. each american is responsible for doing their part, working hard, nurturing the children, improving our schools and serving in our community. - all things that are near and dear to my heart. in other words, he doesn't have a magic wand people, we all have a part to do.
while the election had nothing to do with skin color, at least for me, it was such a tender thing to see and even feel the last of the racial divide in this country finally closing up. to hear him say that even sixty years ago his father wouldn't have been served in a restaurant. i'm so proud of my parents and so many others who taught their kids that people are just people, we all bleed the same. i think they played a big role in closing this divide so quickly.
i'm inspired by the hope that he seems to have been able to inject into this country, and if nothing else, that is a very good thing. and i hope he's right that after we're done here and it's time to hand over the reigns, that we are able to take pride in delivering a safe, free country to our children. that is something, we can all hope for, no matter which way your vote went.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
it felt very official where the credit card swipey method feels more like a visit to the atm machine. while i was taking a photo of myself voting, i noticed that the old lady election judges, sitting at the table next to the ballot box, were looking at me like i was from outer space. maybe i am from outer space, but to me, voting is a big, big deal. i'm just so thankful to have the privilege to do it.