Tuesday, January 20, 2009

On This Historic Inauguration Day

Did you watch? Did you cry? I am in awe of this man, I feel inspired and I'm not even an American. And it's not just because of the man he is, which I think is pretty impressive. But because of what he is asking of the people of America, and by extension, the rest of the world. It's time to heal, it's time to change, it's time to wake up. He's not presenting himself as a messiah, but as a leader, a true leader I want to, and can, believe in - thoughtful, intelligent, courageous, humble, loving, respectful, and hopeful.

It's about bloody time.

Then I came across this interview with Barack and Michelle back in 1986 and reprinted in yesterday's The New Yorker.

Who wouldn't want to follow this man? I dare you to read it without sighing out loud.

Check it out HERE.

8 comments:

Debby said...

I was proud to hear him speak. I felt as if I, myself, was part of the change to come. It felt good.

My daughter, Cara, is in Washington right now. She witnessed George Bush entering his helicopter and flying from the White House. She also met Colin Powell who was walking through the crowd just like any other American witnessing history. She said it was an awesome feeling to be shouting Amen! Amen! AMEN! with all the other voices.

I am proud Pam. I am proud to be an American.

Liz Harrell said...

It was a proud day here in the states to be sure. Looking forward, for once.

kc dyer said...

I had to turn it off when the pastor came on to pray. I'll watch Obama's speech later, but man -- that guy was an odd choice.

~kc

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A Novel Woman said...

Debby, your daughter will always remember this day. It will forever be a part of who she is and who she will become.

Liz, the entire world was watching and cheering today.

karen, I think a lot more Americans are comfortable with that style of preaching, and it's something we rarely see here (mostly Roman Catholic priests in Quebec, but we're not going to open that particular Pandora's box.)

Uh, not sure about the last comment. I'll leave it for now.

BB said...

I am a self-confessed political cynic (those who know me well will support this description!). The man talks a very uplifting talk. And while I had tears prickling my eyelids on hearing replays of the speech, I was also chanting silently : Please let this man live up to the expectations/hype. And please God, when he stumbles, may the world not see it as a failing of all Mankind.

There is an almighty weight on his shoulders. He is inspiring, yes. Let's see now what he can do. I share America's hope. Perhaps not quite its evangelical passion.

Fingers crossed for Obama!!!
BB

PS I shall be interested to see what other Aussies say about this day. Let's hope they aren't all cynics!!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Bush Babe. God help that man when he makes a mistake (and he will). But it's nice to have hope for a change - I only wish Canada had someone like him on the horizon. Sigh.

A Novel Woman said...

I think people are going to cut him some slack, actually. And I think the relief of having Bush out of there is palpable.