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president-obamaToday The United States of America took a profound step forward. I don’t believe that any of us can yet comprehend the gravity of the day, but I am certain that we witnessed an event that will be forever etched in history. We, the people, freely elected Barack Hussein Obama as our leader, and today he took control of the most powerful and prosperous nation, perhaps ever, on the planet.

The video below captured this historic event, including both the presidential inauguration and President Obama’s address to the nation. If you were unable to see it previously I suggest taking a look at it now. President Obama’s address was meant not only for the citizens of the United States, but for the people of the world.

president-obama-inauguration-photosynthI also encourage you to view the Microsoft Photosynth site to see the pictures from the event overlayed in 3D so you can get a perspective of the entire event from multiple angles.

My Commentary

The 2008 race for the presidency was an historic one, because no matter which side won, American’s would be celebrating a changing of the guard. No longer would the Executive branch of the government be dominated by old, white men. We were either going to have a Woman for Vice President, or a mixed-race President (half white/half black).

We may choose to disagree over political topics such as taxes, court appointments, abortion, gun control and the like. But there are still many areas where Americans can stand together and demonstrate our unwavering conviction to freedom, liberty and one another.

President Obama's Inauguration Crowd

Photo courtesy ZachStern

  • No longer may race be deemed a handicap or weakness. If we are colorblind to the most powerful man on Earth, surely we can be colorblind to one another. Young men and women of color can stand a little taller tomorrow and know that the rest of us judge them by their character and contributions – not by the color of their skin. This is as much of a responsibility as it is a relief. The only excuses for failure are now personal.
  • “Hope” is an idea that we are free to convert to reality by the simple application of conviction. A great number of our citizens were moved to act based on a hope for change. Their reasons are varied. Some were moved by war, others by ideology, still others by economy. But the collective spirit of the American people, through a collaborative act of conviction, impressed their will on the future.
  • Our American community has a responsibility to one another, our future, and our Global neighbors. We understand the consequences that our activities and decisions bring, and we are willing to accept them. We are also willing to change everything when necessary. Our elected officials, our lifestyles, and even the very principals that define us as a nation. Our forefathers did this throughout history, and today we still have the strength to carry on the tradition.

I, for one, am indeed hopeful. I hope to live in a world free from religious intolerance. Free from greed and corruption. Free from bigotry – be it race, religion, sex, or sexual preference. Free from tyranny. Free from starvation and illness. My hope is based on the belief that we, as a global community, have the technology, wealth and wisdom to make all of these things true… and more.

The only question that remains, is whether we have the conviction to see it all through.

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