January 20, 2009---a date many will remember forever. Any why not? How many of us can remember other presidential inaugurations? A show of hands please? Uh huh, just a few political die-hards and the odd Reagen devotee.
So much excitement shared by so many. And not just in the USA. This inauguration ignited a worldwide celebration and a renewal of the perception that the United States actually deserves its lofty status as the leader of the free world.
Once again, for the first time this millenium, our nation is suddenly respected and admired as a place where people of humble origins can achieve the nation's highest office, including for the first time, people of color.
For most, the lasting images of the day will be those of Barack, Michelle and their adorable daughters. But for some, the most pleasurable image was the sight of W boarding the presidential helicopter and leaving Washington DC for good. Like an uninvited guest who outlived his welcome by 6 years, W's departure came far too late. Some are fond of saying "all good things must come to an end", but so it is too for bad things. And the Bush presidency was bad beyond belief, leaving a legacy of debt and bad will that may take generations to erase.
Could the juxtaposed images of January 20th be more starkly different? Out with the old president, a semi-articulate C student/frat boy (no offense to frat boys) mostly concerned with enriching his buddies and running government like a third rate church. In with the new president, a guy fairly described as brilliant, handsome and incredibly cool, committed to converting our government into a well-functioning organization in a fast changing world and restoring America's reputation as a beacon of democracy.
I've never been so proud to be an American.
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