If you lived halfway around the world, would you be waiting for the inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the USA?
Probably so. Many will cheer because he'll be our first African-American President. But there's more to it than that. All over the world people marvel that in the United States, power passes from one administration to another without riots, without wars or assassinations. Instead, we have parades and parties, all of it broadcast freely--in its entirety--over national television and radio. If you or I could find a way to shoe-horn ourselves in among the one million plus people who plan to shiver away many frigid hours, we could at least be in Washington, D.C., to be present.
After all, this is America! We take it for granted, forgetting this is rare. Not many countries in this world change parties or governments so calmly.
We are blessed, bountifully. We are free to rant and rave about what's wrong with this country, or with whatever the current administration happens to be doing--or not doing. We can march and carry signs. No one comes to cart us off to prison. This is America.
After eight years as President, George W. Bush will become a private citizen and quietly go home to Texas. Throughout his years in office our nation faced many challenges, beginning with September 11, 2001, before he had been in office a year. He leaves when we're in the middle of one of the biggest crises, and his popularity ratings are at their lowest. I wish him and his wife, Laura, much happiness in this new phase of their life together.
I am sad for him ... and for her. I believe he did the best he knew how, with what he knew at the time. Since he often professed his faith, I take him at his word that he sought God's guidance every day, then went forth and did his job.
By now I've lived long enough to know that's all any of can do, whether we're a President, a parent, or a paper-hanger.
I almost always know more afterward than I did at the time I had to make a decision. Later, sometimes much later, I find I have a better grasp on what was involved. Perhaps I've come to understand the wider picture, or I know the people involved better than I did, or I'm simply wiser and more seasoned. Alas, I cannot go back and live it over. Neither can President Bush.
Neither can anyone else. Whoever coined the term, "Hindsight is 20/20," said it well.
I have no idea how history will view his Presidency. It is interesting to remember that the press and people universally trashed Abraham Lincoln almost every day he lived in the White House. He was hated by both the North and the South. The names they called him make the labels hung on George Bush look tame. Yet he calmly stood his ground, never wavering, because his passion was for justice and freeing the slaves.
Now he's known as our greatest President, the role-model and inspiration for President Obama.
I did not vote for Barack Obama, but as our elected President, he merits our full support. I pray his administration will succeed mightily. I do think it's wonderful that an African-American man rose to the Presidency, and I pray it will heal the old wounds and animosities. We are, after all, the United States of America. That implies we, the people, too, are to be united.
Since he has said he is a Christian, I'm guessing he, too, will pray for God's guidance each day. Then he'll go forth and do his job, the best he knows how, with what he knows at the time.
As always, I'll pray God's wisdom and leading for our President and for all those who lead our nation. As always, I'll try not to expect perfect performance. (Does that look anything like expecting his decisions always to please me?)
I'm thankful our new President loves his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters. I'm thankful he talks about respect and honoring authority, about the value of working and finishing school. President Obama and Michelle have the platform to be powerful role models and to inspire many, young and old. Their positive comments about family may turn around some alarming trends in our society. I'm thankful they're Christians.
As we enjoy the pomp and circumstance of another Presidential inauguration and the hoopla surrounding it, let's give thanks. We are privileged to live in the greatest nation on the face of the earth--and let's not forget it. What's more, let's talk it up! Let's speak hope and reassurance when others are talking gloom and forecasting doom! That will cost us zero, but pay big dividends in so many ways, in our lives and in our communities.
Because you and I and all of us together are the United States of America, not just our new President.
Won't you join me in daily asking God to bless and protect the United States and our leaders? And enjoy the festivities!
Lenore
