Let's hope that today begins a change, and a new chapter in America that we can be glad about, and hopeful for.
It's Inauguration Day, when Barack Obama steps into the biggest shoes he's ever tried on.
This is no longer just a debate, or a test, or just some words. This is the time when America sees if it made the right choice.
To those who doubt - have hope. And if you don't, then you must have lost hope in our country long ago.
To those who worry - don't. Instead of sending empty emotions, do as Kennedy said decades ago - "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
To those of color who see White America as a hindrance, or a successful Black man as an Uncle Tom - get over it. The time for change include, and involves everyone. This isn't about petty grievances, nor about who did what to whom in the past. This is beyond color, and politics and parties. This is the time when we all need to hold hands and cross a bridge.
Never look back at what crumbles behind. Look forward to where the sun shines.
At the lowest, the only place you can go is up. We can only hope that we have the right balloon, and enough helium to make it rise.
Regardless of blames, and mistakes that were made, this day - January 20, 2009 - marks a historic event that should uplift us all. We should stand proud, and know that we indeed are strong. We should all smile, if even for a moment, through any of our darkest times, and feel the sense that we indeed are moving forward.
Instead of pondering, fretting, and complaining, we need to do whatever it takes to offer our own assistance to the bigger picture, and to the greater good. Together we are everything. And together we can make the world whole.
So today, take a moment to reflect, and to smile. You are above ground, you are breathing free air, and we have a new President.
Happy Obama Day! Jan. 20, 2009
~ Philip Anderson ~:)
