Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Hail to the Chief..........

Having the amazing command of the obvious that I am known for, I guess I should note the historic occasion that occurred today.

I don't think that the important thing is that a black man was sworn in as our president. But rather, I once again marvel that there has been a peaceful transition of power from one political party to another. Compared to the last party in office the current administration is almost 180% in opposition to what I believe in. However, unlike most of the rest of the world, we do not take our opposition or dislike and turn it into unauthorized target practice at the presidential palace. The system once again works, as it has for over 200 years.

It was said that when George Washington resigned his command at the end of the American Revolution, that King George of England could not believe that any person would willingly give up that kind of power. By that act, Washington set the standard and pattern for a quiet and safe transference of power that we enjoy to this day.

Do I think that America made the right choice? No. Do I think that Mr. Obama will do a good job as President? No. Will I work against him and his party 4 years from now in the next election? Damn right. Will I support him as my president? Damn right, as a American it is my duty to do so. Will I bitch if I think he is wrong, or does something I don't agree with? Yep, again, it is my duty to do so as a American.

America is strong, tough and resilient. It will survive no matter what man or woman is in the White House. Because America is more than just one man or woman. It is the sum of ALL the people.

2 comments:

Home on the Range said...

I have to say. . I got so tired of hearing that he was the first black man in the white house. He is, at best 1/3+ black, mostly white with some Arab thrown in there. He identified with one culture over another and took it as his own. There is nothing wrong with that. I'm probaly 1/3 Scandahoovian, but by looks, coloring and personality, I greatly identify with my Celtic parts, and consider myself mostly Scot. Nothing wrong with that either thought I'm very proud of my Norwegian grandmother and love the bits of heritage she passed on.

But he is NOT the first "black man in the white house". He is a man, of many races, and many backgrounds and I pray he'll pull the best of them out for the next four years. Not because I voted for him, for I most certainly did not. But because we need some strength in that position, and he better find it .. fast.

Michael W. said...

I agree, but unfortunately the largest majority of our fellow Americans would not agree with you. I guess that is the nature of the beast, in that people tent to focus on the superficial, the bright and shiny as well as the new and improved. But as I said, America will take her lumps and keep on going because that is what we have always done and will continue to do.