A Bit 'o Random Musings on Politics, Religion, and Anything Else That Passes Through My Crazy Head

Monday, January 21, 2013

We, The People

As I watched the inauguration today, it was easy to be proud and excited - after all, I voted for President Obama and was happy that he won.  Perhaps it was harder for you, because you wanted to see someone else speaking at that podium today.  I totally get that (this is written by a person who was sad to see one, let alone two, inaugurations of President George W. Bush).  But I hope you were able to find something to like about today.  If only that it's the last time Obama will be inaugurated!

Last time I was privileged to be there in person, but today I had to settle for TV.  Here are some of my favorite moments of the inauguration:
- Obama's beautiful daughters :)  I think Obama is a good example of a family man who loves his wife and kids.
- All of the American flags waving on the national mall.  I really do love America!
- Beyonce's beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.  Gave me the chills!
- The closing prayer


This is my favorite quote from President Obama's speech today:

"What makes us exceptional, what makes us America is our allegiance to an idea articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

That they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, and among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Today we continue a never ending journey to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time. For history tells us that while these truths may be self-evident, they’ve never been self-executing. That while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by his people here on earth.

The patriots of 1776 did not fight to replace the tyranny of a king with the privileges of a few, or the rule of a mob. They gave to us a republic, a government of, and by, and for the people. Entrusting each generation to keep safe our founding creed. And for more than 200 years we have. Through blood drawn by lash, and blood drawn by sword, we noted that no union founded on the principles of liberty and equality could survive half slave, and half free.

We made ourselves anew, and vowed to move forward together."

Obama emphasized the "we" of America - we must move forward together.  We certainly will disagree about many things but "we the people" deserve a voice in the debates of our time.  Let's not leave them to the blathering talking heads of cable TV - let's take an active part in building America together.

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