Under Angel Wings

  

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Inauguration Day~ January 20, 2009

Today Barack Obama was sworn in as President of the United States by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts, Jr.  Despite both of them baubling their lines during the oath of office, the entire day went off flawlessly.

President and Mrs. Bush were cordial and welcoming to the Obamas at every turn, even demonstrating their warm welcome by embracing them on several occasions, which historically is rare. It almost seemed that a relationship had developed between the two men, the current and future leader of the free world. By all accounts President Bush went out of his way to help insure in the last month that Mr. Obama and his staff would be fully prepared to take the reins of office on this day.

President Obama's speech was inspiring and lays the foundation for the future. I'm hoping and praying that the president will continue to move toward the center politically where he has his best chance of truly uniting this country, and therefore influencing the world community as well. We Americans desperately need to lay aside the bitter partisanship of the last few years and learn to work together once again. I'm sure everyone agrees on that, the only question is, will President Obama be able to achieve it? I truly hope and pray so. I know that Senator John McCain for one will be there to work with him.

Much has been made of President Obama being the first "African-American" president. Yes, this is true, and this is a day that we can all be proud of! Barack Obama's presidency brings Abraham Lincoln's presidency full circle in an interesting kind of way. For that we can all celebrate.

However, I look forward to the day when we can all just be "American." When we don't feel the need to attach the names of other countries to the name of our country when describing ourselves. I look forward to the day when the color of our skin won't even be mentioned when describing someone. That is when the issue of race will finally be laid to rest.


President and Mrs. Bush are returning to Texas today. While everyone may not have agreed with the decisions that the president made in the last eight years, I respect him because I know he truly tried his best to serve the interests of all Americans. He is a man of deep faith, courage and convictions. He served eight years in the White House, and came out the other side without having lost his soul to the opinion polls.

His presidency was dealt a huge blow on September 11, 2001. As President Bush himself has said, eventually everyone else was able to return to their former lives after that day, but him. He spent the lion share of his time devoted to protecting this country from further attack. He was successful in that endeavor, and I and most Americans will be forever grateful. Well done, true and faithful servant. May God bless, and the angels protect, both of our presidents!

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