Barack Obama's Inauguration 2009 - Brand New Day

As I reflect upon one of the greatest events in American history and perhaps the world, the spirit has been thus far so wonderful and upbeat. This is indeed the HAPPIEST day of my life for so many reasons. With 1.8 million people gathered on the Washington Mall and 130,000 holding hands (by choice) lining the parade route along Pennsylvania Ave., Charles Gibson of ABC News proclaims, “There have been no incidents thus far.” How wonderful to hear this, yet a poignant and symbolic commentary to the times we still live in.

In the words of Mr. President Barack Obama:

“My fellow citizens,
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors”.

This is a president who will shoulder not only the weight of the free world and their impending trust on his shoulders but who bares the task of unifying 3 continents from which his own blood originates, Africa, Europe and Asia. Therefore, when he speaks of sacrifices borne by our ancestors, he is acknowledging the fabric of his very own DNA. He represents not just the African in us, but the melting pot that is these United States. There is indeed a cultural surplus of trust that has been bestowed upon him! We live in an amazing time.

Obama continues,

“That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.”

Theses indicators are not a surprise to any American because we are sadly living in the midst of every one. The world is watching and many have been awaiting our demise, lurking like vultures to pick at our financial decay. Will we remain the greatest super power, the ‘enterprise of excess’ and the world’s glowing symbol of freedom? That remains a mystery, possibly traveling on the coat tails of the outgoing administration. However, as of today, we affirm our place in the world as the greatest example of democracy and that it indeed works. Today we hail to a new chief!

Obama continues,

“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.”

This day is the birth of a new politics and indeed a new era. It is the first for many things. However, it must be the re-birth of this country through service. The old system of Self First and the Me Generation must die. We must come together with our new president for a unity of purpose, the purpose of saving our country as well as this planet. Together we must continue to lead as the world watches on. We must set aside our differences, pull ourselves up by our worn, collective bootstraps and organize with our friends and neighbors to set this nation back on its very narrow footing. The old ways can no longer stand and should crumble today like the Berlin Wall.

Americans are a collection of outstanding talent and a shining example of what is possible. Let us dig deep within for what we can contribute to the restoration of our homeland. Let us reorganize it brick by brick, for our president cannot do so alone. Today we give to him in celebration, but tomorrow should be a commitment “by the people and for the people” to do whatever they can for this country to succeed again. In the words of best-selling author and spiritual leader, Marianne Williamson when asked pre-election why she was voting for Barack Obama, "…I believe having a vision for what I want the world to become is more important than simply solving the problems that have arisen in the world that is."

President Obama became the first incoming president to address the Muslim world in his inauguration address. He so eloquently stated,

“To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

These are the anticipations of the world from this Statesman since the moment he solidified his candidacy. As we ALL watch, and certainly his will be the most scrutinized presidency in history, let us remain vigilant yet reserve judgment. Remember that despite all the hopes and amidst the pomp and circumstance, we are still a country at war. In addition, our newest Commander-in-Chief has ‘inherited’ his fair share of failed policies both domestic and abroad and thousands of lives hang in the balance. To say that there is much to consider and an exorbitant amount of tact he must implore around the world is an understatement at best. As Americans, we are least known for our patience. However, our 44th president holds the most unenviable position in the world during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. He should be given the fair opportunity he deserves to carryout the complex duties for which we have entrusted him. It will be quite some time before his performance of these duties can be established.

As I close my reflections for this historic day, naturally I will end with more of President Obama’s great Inauguration Address as he sums up what we are all now charged to do,

“As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.”

Embrace your community and begin to organize because service is indeed the way to support the renewal of our country and our new president.

"It is time to set aside childish things."

Congratulations to you Mr. President and Mrs. Obama and God bless The First Family. A new light has come!