. Today is a very emotional day for me. I've spent nearly a lifetime as a liberal in a predominately conservative society. I do understand that the function of the right is to put the brakes on when we get really flighty here on the left. I do understand that. To be human is to always struggle for balance.
. But this time people of all political stripes in the country are investing their hope in a liberal President. The turnout in Washington DC for the Inauguration is seen by many as evidential. I'm almost embarrassed. Please don't screw up, Mr. President or there will be egg on our liberal faces!
. Some conservatives are holding their noses but giving grudging support to a man of unmistakable good will. They also have seen the destruction caused by the last President and allow the possibility that the new guy can really help, no matter his party affiliation and ideology. He couldn't possibly do any worse than his predecessor, they are probably thinking!
. Wisely President Obama is minimizing difference, and emphasizing commonality of purpose and need. This will pay off in terms of the good of the nation, as we are a contentious enough lot without provoking more mutual disaffection. Also, for the first time in a long time, our President is asking the citizens to do something to help. Bush couldn't care less as long as his cronies got theirs, or so it seemed.
. Nonetheless I know the fickleness of people and the coldness of history. My hope is that a good momentum will be started right away to propel, past the coming series of obstacles, the liberal causes and to restore the friendships of other countries.
. The Obama campaign cup is now turned around. The goal is achieved: Obama is in the White House (and Michelle and the kids, and the grandmother, maybe a new puppy.)
. Some political commentators are saying his "honeymoon" period with Congress and others who matter, will be longer than was typical for recent Presidents. As with all new leadership, part of the early efforts must focus on undoing the work of one's predecessor. Let's hope that necessary job doesn't use up all his political capital before the rest of the job -- the constructive part -- is underway.
. For a number of years I've awaited the "Dawning of the Age of Aquarius". Now it's surely here, though a little delayed. Maybe the planets have indeed aligned, or at least Earth might now have friends among the planets!
2 comments:
I join you in this feeling today. His speech had me in tears in my drive to work. I have the same nagging feeling of the dread of the first misstep, scandal or mistake. But this is the first time that someone I voted for has been elected!
I'm nervous but hopeful about the future! Certainly I look forward to being able to listen to speeches without cringing (on that note, I feel I don't have a legitimate excuse anymore for not listening to the State of the State, etc!). Cheers.
Obama's big first test is now happening. Can he save the economy? Is that even possible? Will he give up his promises of bipartisanship if he feels that the country is more important? And finally, will Frank, aka El Clumso, finally restore PBS broadcasting to his own television? :)....
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