I watched with a lot of excitement all of the events that lead up to the inauguration today and I have to tell you, I am excited about the future. A few people have asked me what Obama has done and why he is so qualified. They have asked me how Obama will change the economy, grow jobs, tackle global warming, improve healthcare, repair foreign relations, combat terrorism and create an exit strategy for the 2 wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
For me it’s not about all that, at least not in the short term. For me Obama’s campaign, election and inauguration has been a real awakening to the possibility of what America can be. I have seen millions of people regain their hope and dreams. I have seen pessimists decide that their viewpoint doesn’t help anyone and they see the positive side. I have seen millions of children excited about the president and our country.
If you remember Clinton’s campaign and election, this was similar but not nearly as exciting. It has been a while since so many people have been so excited. The 2000 and 2004 elections were covered in controversy and divided the US in such an ugly way. But that’s over now and we needed to close that chapter.
People keep asking me what Obama has done but by now I think that is apparent. When our society achieves a sense of renewal and hope, we are already halfway home. When we can peel away that which has plagued us and shed those burdens, our hearts and souls are lightened. When people can finally look up and see the road they need to travel and decide to put their skin in the game, they can’t lose. Obama has really done that for so many people and that should make everyone happy.
I got misty a few times, not for Obama, but because you can see so many people with hope in their eyes and pride for their country. Some younger Americans are excited and hopeful for the first time in their lives! For this, Obama is a miracle worker and truly the right man at the right time.
My wife and I went out and got hamburgers and onion rings tonight in celebration of Obama as our 44th president. We also bought a bottle of champagne to toast our country’s future. Cheers!
