This man is now the President. I already feel better.
I cannot imagine holding the office President Obama now holds. Least of all in his situation. Before even assuming office, he has become iconic, a symbol of hope and optimism. He is a celebrity politician in an age of celebrities, towering over all of them. We, the people, have chosen him to help get us out of a shithole that seems as cavernous as that cave in Mexico that people BASE jump into. Stuck in two wars, the economy is going to hell, our standing in the world has diminished, etc., etc., etc. It's a challenge, a huge challenge with no quick fixes or magic words. President Obama cannot ride in on a unicorn, wave a magic wand, or sprinkle magic hope dust on the stock market. It is hard work, that will likely get worse before it gets better.
But I, for one, am willing to trust this man. I think he has the wisdom and leadership to help us get out of this. And for that which he lacks expertise, I think he has the same wisdom to consult others who do. For too long, the Executive has ignored the opinions of others and charted a course without regard to pragmatism. For too long, we have been subject to ideology. It's time for a new way, and I feel a lot better now.
People are cynical and frustrated at our politics, and rightfully so. Look at our situation. But the President was right in invoking Washington's words, that when our situation is dire, we need to rest on our hope and our virtue. I get kind of irritated with folks who always seem so negative, since I'm typically an optimistic person who prefers to see the better side of things. Of course Obama cannot heal all of our ills, I realize that. But it is no help to harbor defeatism at a time that calls for optimism and determination. We need this hope, we can no longer afford the slash and burn fragmentation of years past. Confronted with vast challenges, we need to hope and work towards that hope.
I really appreciated President Obama's bit in his inaugural address that talked about community service and common purpose. It has inspired me, for one, to find a place where I can help. There has to be something out there I can contribute to. He is right when he says that we want to be able to tell our children that we stood up to the crisis of our times.
Of course, this is a moment of great historical significance for our country. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream Speech." To think that 46 years later, on the other end of the Mall, an African-American man takes the oath of office, it is simply incredible. Obviously this is a special moment for African-American's, especially those who fought for civil rights. But this is an equally proud moment for all Americans, regardless of color, class, or creed. We have shown the world that we are committed towards making the more perfect union embodied in our Constitution. Although the fight is not over, this is a reminder of the tremendous progress that has been made, and everyone in this country should be proud of what we have done. Nowhere else in Western society does a black man be elected President. Maybe it's a testament to our character, or whatever cliché you want to use, but I was overcome to the point of tears at the sight of it. We talk so much about justice and the words that all are created equal in stark contrast to our sordid history of race relations. The sight of Mr. Obama taking the oath of office was incredible.
The Presidency is a glorious burden, something to be bestowed upon great individuals who we hope will rise to the occasion. Sometimes they do, sometimes they do not. I'm hoping and praying that President Obama will be among those that rise. I think he will. It cannot be easy to have the hopes of 350 million Americans on your back, but if anyone is equal to the task, I think Obama is. God help him prove me right.
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