cha-cha-cha-changes

I didn't really think I was going to talk about this...Because I don't care about politics as much as I should. But here I go.

GoooooObama! He gave a really kickin' speech. It almost sounded like a series of empty promises but I think he's really going to do all he can to improve the situation in America and worldwide. He acknowledged that it would not happen overnight, but that improvements would happen.

I like how he spoke of taking responsibility and also of hope. Because where there is hope there cannot be fear and if we're fearful we'll accomplish nothing.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

I love that we can change government in a neat and orderly way. Bush got on a helicopter (tripping just a little bit up the stairs) and Barack, his wife, Biden, and his wife, stood elegantly on the stairs and waved them off. Plus, ten minutes of helicopter footage is always necessary ;)

Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

I think he was right that America can really do a lot more than we give it credit for. We've come along so far as a young country. We've gotten out of a depression before. We've gotten through wars, including a civil war. We are a strong people. And now we have a strong leader. (I am not a straight-up Bush hater, but I think anyone can admit he did not exactly personify strength and confidence).

And while it won't solve everything I think there is so much that can be said for just being confident and going foreward with purpose. Which is what I've always liked about Obama.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

His speech had the air of Aragorn in the third Lord of the Rings, heh. And I dig it.
There may come a day when the courage of men may fail, but it is not this day.