A Historical Moment In Time-Presidential Inaugurations

       It is a historical moment in time, this presidential inauguration of 2009; just like every other presidential inauguration since the beginning of the United States.  Yet, this one feels different.  It feels as though this particular inauguration is getting more attention than any other one, in my memory.

          I did not personally vote for Barack Obama…still, i can appreciate this moment…as it will be a moment of history as well as a moment for our future in America.  There is hope, excitement, fear and anxiety, as this nation faces huge difficulties.  That hope and excitement creates an air of expectancy; yet, we must temper that.

          To hear the media tell it…Obama is the answer to all the issues facing the nation.  That can not be,  he is just one man after all…even though he is a powerful man.  It isn’t fair to put that kind of pressue on him.  He cannot fix all of the issues facing this country in a way that is going to satisfy everyone.  There will be frustration, there will be disappointment…and, there will be a reality check for those who believe that things can only go up from here.

           The reason for that is…President Barack Obama is human; he is not God.  I believe that he realizes that…but, there is such a building up of who people think he is; that i think it builds a false sense of what he will be able to do.  He will represent the people…not just the black population, not just the white population or the male population.  I do think he will do his best.  I do think that he will accomplish much…but, it will be in partnership  with the Senate, the Congress,  and even the citizens of the United States.  This country will change…for better or worse who knows?  History many years from now will be the judge; when we look back to this period of our history we will have the advantage of knowing what came before and after.

          The Presidency is also a conditional thing; people forget that you must balance your expectations with reality, because reality is based on the conditions during that president’s time of the leadership.  The reality is that there are foreign governments, there are terrorists, there are internal struggles that create situations that each and every President must face during their term in office. 

     What we as a nation want to know is that our leader is a strong person, a person of good moral fiber, a person of commitment and a person who we can trust; we want a president who is wise, who knows good counsel when he hears it, a person of integrity who knows how to balance compassion and strong leadership.

          I say for now…let’s enjoy the excitement of the moment.  Let’s celebrate with the Obama family at this accomplishment. Things will get real soon enough with all of the demands of the office on the President, his family and friends.  This is a huge accomplishment and honor; but, let’s not forget it is also a sacrifice.

            The sacrifice comes by way of a sacrifice of schedule to have family time whenever they want it; it comes with pressure like no other job, it comes with a lack of privacy, it comes with media scrutiny that is justified; and, with scrutiny that is not. 

          So for now, can we not just honor the new President of the United States…acknowledge his tipping of the hat towards President Lincoln and his respect for the man and the office…while quietly considering the possibilities before us? Let’s celebrate our patriotism with our fellow citizens and not let ourselves be divided at this time…let’s look forward to the future and it’s impact on us and those around the world.

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Referred by Colin Powell

       There was a recent announcement that Colin Powell, former Secretary Of State, has given his endorsement of Barack Obama.  Powell has been a pretty well respected retired United States General.  He was once approached about running for the Presidency but he turned that idea down.  Powell is a respected Republican.  A Republican that is concerned with the direction that the party has been taking in recent years…he is not alone.  However, he not only says he is voting for Barack Obama…he has itemized his reasons for doing so.

       Powell says that Obama’s campaign is of an “inclusive nature”…and that Barack is steady, intelluctually curious and that he exhibits depth of knowledge.  This puts his stamp of approval on the Obama campaign.  In contrast, he says that he is very concerned about the negativity in the John McCain campaign…that it is inappropriate.

        This is America…and everyone has a right to feel strongly about their leaders in public office.  I think that Colin Powell will have a lot of influence on those who hear his expressions of support.  Is it right for someone who is so very powerful and famous to publically state their position?

         I think many people who have been staunch supporter of the Republican party has felt divided with the direction that the party has taken over the last 8 years.  It would be wise for the Republican party to take notice of the conflict of those who align themselves with the party.  Rest assured that the Democratic party is taking notes.

          I also feel that the media has been overwhelming supportive of the Barack Obama campaign.  This has helped to slant the political temperature in our nation, as well as several other factors.  The American public has been very unhappy with the course the United States has been heading since President Bush has been in office.  This is unprecedented…an all time Presidential lack of support.  It is sad; but why do leaders back themselves into a corner this way.  I think a candidate should run on it’s own positions…but then they wouldn’t get the kind of funding that they do from their individual parties i guess.  There is alot wrong with our system that spends so much money on negative advertising, up to 30 million a week, when this country is in the financial condition that it is in.  There should be a rising up of protest over such shennanigans.  That shows a lack of fiscal responsibility to me, right there!!!

          What is going to happen on election day?  Who knows.  Whatever happens…we have to find a way in this country to try to unite behind our leaders and try to correctly establish some stability, some respect within other countries for the reputation of the United States…and, we have to get the American people working, saving, living productive lives and re-investing in the society of the United States once again.  The alternative is frightening…divisive relationships, a broken economy, a weakened image, and a Congress that is locked in an ineffectual battle of positions that can no longer function and provide the American citizens with leadership that performs as it is supposed to perform; with integrity and a sincere desire to represent the public in how they vote.  Do you think this country will find a way to heal itself after this election?

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