Tonight, Alyna and I sat in our 'family room' in the Netherlands and watched as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. What an amazing time to live in. Alyna was not thrilled about having to spend a couple of hours watching something that wasn't very interesting to her but I'm sure many years from now she will appreciate the enormity of the moment.
I can't adequately express my thoughts or emotions as I watched this happen. When I was 4 years old, Martin Luther King gave his 'I Have a Dream' speech. My childhood and teen years have been filled with the struggles and big moments of the civil rights moments. It wasn't a big part of my life because I don't remember ever really meeting a black person and talking to one personally till I was in college but it was in the news, in our classroom discussions, in the church as to why the blacks couldn't hold the priesthood. I remember clearly the day that the announcement was made that the priesthood could be held by all worthy males. What a huge announcement that was. And now we have a black American president.
I thought he gave a great speech and it really made me think of how many things there are that makes me grateful to be an American. I loved watching all the organization, planning and preparation fall into place to make the day go so smoothly. (It appears that much of that planning and organization was done by women - of course. Way to go!) I appreciated all the people of so many races and backgrounds and talents that participated in the inauguration.
I am now watching as the Obama's and Bidens are walking along the parade route. That's pretty amazing to see them out walking. I think I agree with the secret service people and breath a sigh of relief when they got back into their armored car. I don't want anything to mar this day for them.
It is interesting to be in "the world" as the rest of the world is called. The weight of the whole world is truly resting in Obama's hands. For the past month, it seems like CNN is reporting that decisions that countries need to make are being put on hold till the new president is sworn in and see what he does. So much talk about what America will/can do to change the world and save it from the economic and political woes it is now dealing with. It is an interesting time to be alive and it will be fascinating to see what the history books of the future will have to say about this day.
Has there ever been such incredible press coverage? I'm sure I've never spent as much time watching any other inauguration but I've been so amazed at all the great camera angles and coverage. I'm sure all of us that are watching on TV are getting a better shot than anyone that is actually there.
2 comments:
I also have enjoyed watching and listening to the inauguration today. My kids came home from school and said the whole school watched the actual ceremony on tv today. I was happy to hear that. I too think they will look back one day and say, "I remember where I was when . . ."
It's interesting that times change so quickly. Cameron and I were talking about it and both thought that if it wasn't repeatedly pointed out, we wouldn't classify Obama as the first African-American president anymore than we would say, "Oh look, it's George Bush, the 43rd white president." The civil rights movement seems so long ago. It just isn't really a thought to our generation.
I think he did give a wonderful speech and will really get some things rolling but I also have many concerns about having such a liberal president and congress.
Post a Comment