Inauguration Day

Max was home from school sick on Tuesday, and we had the opportunity to watch Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration together. I loved that he was just as excited as I.

It's official -- I love Yo-Yo Ma! (Max was already a confirmed fan.) He is so entertaining to watch, he is so obviously enjoying himself -- he looks like he's having the time of his life -- despite the cold, and despite the fact that, unlike the pianist, he is not wearing fingerless gloves. I loved this.


What a beautiful sight! The crowd, the Capitol building draped in flags, banners, and buntings. As much as I hate being in crowds, I think it must have been hugely exciting to be there. This is the first inauguration I've really been excited about, because Obama is the first politician I've ever been excited about. Because I was paying a lot more attention, I learned quite a bit. I never knew, for example, that according to the Constitution, the new president takes power at 12:00 noon, even if (s)he has not taken the oath of office yet. I found that fascinating!


I was deeply moved by his inaugural address. And because Eva was squirming on my lap, continually asking when it would be over, I just re-watched it tonight in quiet solitude (Marc is still at Sundance). My favorite selections are as follows:

"Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

"What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works."

"Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint."

"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."

"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

"This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

"This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

"This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."

I have long been amazed by those who would pursue a career in politics. Who would want to take on such a burden? But I sure am grateful that men and women of integrity are willing to sacrifice so much for our country and for us. I certainly do not envy President Obama the job that lies ahead -- he is inheriting unimaginably difficult challenges. I will continue to pray for him and for his advisers, that they might be equal to the task.

I am quite simply thrilled to be a witness and a participant in this amazing time for our country. I am filled with hope!


{photos borrowed from Photobucket's inauguration compilation}