Dear America,
When I awoke yesterday morning, the better part of President Obama’s inauguration was already over. I turned on the television just as he was walking down Pennsylvania Avenue with his First Lady, waving to the crowd, on what was obviously a bitterly cold day. The journalists covering the event were emotional, reporting the scene with tears in their eyes and as the music of U2 played soundtrack, I also became teary. It was a ‘Beautiful Day’ indeed.
I don’t think that as an Australian I’m supposed to be invested in your special day, but I am. Perhaps it is because when I hear him speak, when I listen to the power and clarity of his words and the sincerity of their delivery, they find their target. The brilliance of his oratory is his ability to locate within the imagination of those willing to listen the potential of their own hearts, and their families, their sons and daughters. I realise I might be shouted at by some for even daring to write this post: because I have no knowledge of American politics (and I don’t, really) and that instead of Washington-gazing I should turn my eyes back towards our land, our problems.
We are yet to see if the tenure of Obama’s Presidency can ever possibly live up to the expectations it was entered upon but I hope – and work for – the homespun potential he has stirred my soul to believe I can achieve. I am a natural cynic; often I look past tall towers to spy the shadows cast behind, to wait for them to turn, to shift, with the passing of the sun into something which betrays their prominent majesty.
But today, now, the sun shines directly down on me as I sit and write this. I clasp my hands together. I clap them. For you.
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I think it was a truly uplifting and wonderful speech. I cried too! My own response really surprised me. The other great thing about all of this is the response in all of us. We love the message and I think no matter what happens politically from this point, we have all been moved, by the hope, courage and vision, which has to be positive.
Joh’s last blog post..Moving Forward!
I know some Americans are sure that the world is about to end with the politics of the party her represents, but I still think that this election inspires hope in so many that something good has to come from it.
I got up at 3 in the morning to watch. As soon as Obama’s speech finished at 4:30am (Sydney time) I went right back to sleep. It was an important thing to see and I’m glad I watched it- but at the same time, I needed to get up for work the next day.
We also set the VCR to tape it. It’s a historic event.
My fear is that this new administration will collapse beneath the overwhelming weight of the American public’s expectations. There will be no magic wand; no instantaneous fix. And while Obama has been wise and pointed out the long, hard work ahead of us, I’m not sure enough people were paying attention past the pageantry.
D.Paul’s last blog post..AN IRONCLAD CHRISTMAS
Time will tell how good (or not) Obama is.
Jean-Luc Picard’s last blog post..A Princess On The USS Rhode Island
I also noticed when he was signing his first presidential order yesterday that he’s a leftie, which explains a lot- all the coolest people are left-handed
They sure are shelly
You had to live with George. It’s only fair that you get to enjoy Barack.
Tears were common here in the US, too.
“I don’t think that as an Australian I’m supposed to be invested in your special day, but I am.”
I think the world would be far better off if we were all more invested in the doings of one another’s countries.
I watched online, and kept pointing out to the kids who the people were (being 5 and 3 they weren’t that impressed). The Queen enjoyed all the music, and wanted to know if she could be friends with the First Daughters.
Janet’s last blog post..Thanks for Staying With Me!