Tuesday is the third presidential inauguration of the 21st century. It is the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States. It is a day of firsts...and lasts.
On Tuesday, January 20th, 2008, Barack Obama will become the first black president of a country once known as “the melting pot.” Considered the highest achievement in our country, Tuesday will be the last time for that particular first. Coming on the day after Martin Luther King day makes the feat seem all the more poignant.
King's speech, “I have a dream...” has been quoted time and again. This line: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character," is the one I hope and pray is being realized.
I have to admit, I did not support Obama for president. Not because of skin color, race, or sex, but because my dream was to see Hillary Clinton in the office. I was most concerned about Obama's youth and lack of experience, but mainly I just like Hillary and was very disappointed that she did not win. Having said that, I have had time since the election to put my concerns aside to support the leader of our nation. Obama's actions so far have given me hope and some faith in him that I have not had in the president the past eight years.
Our nation needs change. It needs the breath of fresh air that a younger, new family in the white house will provide. Unlike my feelings following the last inauguration, I am looking forward to learning what lies ahead.
I do feel that for positive things to happen we as a nation need to put the “firsts” behind us and allow the new president to settle in to the job of running our country. I hope that we can learn to once again be a cohesive group, working for what's best for the nation as a whole. Yes, we should honor our heritage, but we must embrace being “Americans” first and foremost if our country is going to continue to stand as “one nation, undivided.”
My dream is that as Americans we will be able to recognize our citizens and leaders for what they stand for, for their ability to do their jobs, whether they are black, white, green or purple, male or female, short or tall.
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Great comment. I too was a Clinton fan. Who wouldn't like to be back in time to a balanced budget, no war, no deficit, etc. Anyway, I supported Obama after he won. His calm demeanor will greatly improve this nation. I certainly didn't want McCain in office. His temper is much too high, a result of post traumatic stress disorder left over from Vietnam. I'm looking forward to the coming term and hope and pray that Americans will lend a hand of support to our President, our nation and each of our communities.
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