“I’m as restless as a willow in a wind storm; I’m as jumpy as a puppet on a string. I’d say that I have spring fever, but I know it isn’t spring.” ~Frank Sinatra
I feel as giddy as a school girl the day before a big date! I have a date today in front of my television. I’m taking the day off to witness history as an African American, elected in a landslide, will assume the oath of office of President of the United States.
My front row seat in the family room will include watching George Bush fly off into the sunset, as it were. I expect the sigh of relief from most Americans will be audible. I realize that Barak Obama is not the messiah, although we may be welcoming him as one, but it’s not like he’s got a tough act to follow. George Bush and some die-hard Republicans are claiming that history will show how truly great he was. The chances of that happening died when John McCain didn’t get elected, have a heart attack and make thereby make Sarah Palin president. I had thought that events could not be worse than four years ago, but a Palin presidency would have sent me packing to Lorraine’s parents in Ontario. Hopefully now she can stay in Alaska—where she doesn’t appear to be that popular any more—and watch Russia from her front porch and Joe Wurzelbacher can go back to Ohio and get his plumbing license.
I cannot believe that I have lived to see this historic event. Just four years ago, just two years ago, who could have imagined that the anguish of the last eight years would end with such a momentous achievement on the part of Democracy and on the part of a people who have decided to elevate our national consciousness? This shows that the common citizen in this country wants equality, wants justice, wants a change from the “good ol’ boys” governing so that they increase their wealth on the backs of the rest of us. Change will take the hard work of all of us; of holding ourselves to a higher standard. Barak Obama may well be the man to set the example and make a difference—make a change. He has been left with a country in a two front war and slipping into a depression. May his heart, head and hands be blessed as he faces governing our country in crisis.
I feel as giddy as a school girl the day before a big date! I have a date today in front of my television. I’m taking the day off to witness history as an African American, elected in a landslide, will assume the oath of office of President of the United States.
My front row seat in the family room will include watching George Bush fly off into the sunset, as it were. I expect the sigh of relief from most Americans will be audible. I realize that Barak Obama is not the messiah, although we may be welcoming him as one, but it’s not like he’s got a tough act to follow. George Bush and some die-hard Republicans are claiming that history will show how truly great he was. The chances of that happening died when John McCain didn’t get elected, have a heart attack and make thereby make Sarah Palin president. I had thought that events could not be worse than four years ago, but a Palin presidency would have sent me packing to Lorraine’s parents in Ontario. Hopefully now she can stay in Alaska—where she doesn’t appear to be that popular any more—and watch Russia from her front porch and Joe Wurzelbacher can go back to Ohio and get his plumbing license.
I cannot believe that I have lived to see this historic event. Just four years ago, just two years ago, who could have imagined that the anguish of the last eight years would end with such a momentous achievement on the part of Democracy and on the part of a people who have decided to elevate our national consciousness? This shows that the common citizen in this country wants equality, wants justice, wants a change from the “good ol’ boys” governing so that they increase their wealth on the backs of the rest of us. Change will take the hard work of all of us; of holding ourselves to a higher standard. Barak Obama may well be the man to set the example and make a difference—make a change. He has been left with a country in a two front war and slipping into a depression. May his heart, head and hands be blessed as he faces governing our country in crisis.
6 comments:
My... your candour has got me smiling... (no I am laughing quite loudly)... I look forward to joining you in making the space I occupy a healthy, safe place for everyone.
Joseph
Perhaps it took the trial of fire of the last eight years to get our values in order again. "Nah, nah, nah, nah. Nah, nah, nah, nah, hey, hey, hey, goodbye!" Did you hear the people singing when Bush lifted off?
I got to watch today. So cool, so cool! The air and the day felt so fresh!
You are the occasion for my laughing...Check out the Obamas... they walked out to the helicopter with the Bushes, hugged them, and bid them farewell... no other president had done that before...
So... let's start focusing on what we share in common, ok, and if I were the outgoing president, I would be feeling relieved, tired, and wondering who we are, where are we going, and how are we going to get there...
So keep smiling and helping us to laugh and cry... but now is the time for "yes we can.."
your buddy
Joseph
Amen, Joseph. The festivities of today will give way to the realities facing President Obama and the American people. It will take hard work and sacrifice on everyone's part to make the dream of a not only free, but eglitarian country come true. Our generation has been short on sacrifice or the foregoing of material possessions, but if we have the will to elect the first African American President, we have the will to find those things that made our country great and discard that which has been shameful and dishonorable. We have the opportunity to regain our place in the world.
It was indeed a most beautiful day. We have laughed and cried...and dedicated ourselves once again.
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