I watched the Inauguration yesterday with some degree of awe and some degree of skepticism. Probably we all feel that way when it comes to public servants, and, depending on which political party they belong to and which one we belong to, the degree of awe and skepticism fluctuates. After President Obama’s inauguration speech, the poet Elizabeth Alexander read her stirring poem, entitled “Praise Song for the Day.” Three words stuck out to me as being particularly prescient: “any sentence begun.” Despite the many parties clamoring for promises to be fulfilled and other parties already criticizing actions not yet taken, President Obama, in his first day of office today, has the opportunity to begin any sentence.
Elizabeth Alexnder, courtesy Poets.org
This is perhaps true of him in particular than any president or world leader in recent memory. With breathtaking popularity at home and abroad, large majorities in both houses of his political party, and a mainstream media overwhelmingly enamored of him, President Obama can, indeed, begin any sentence he chooses. Within this much enthusiasm for the President, there is risk, of course. We all know the old adage—“power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” I am both scared and a little excited about what President Obama will accomplish. I personally disagree with many of Barack Obama’s articulated policy positions, but I don’t want to alienate myself from the political process because of it. I went to Obama’s recently revamped website, www.whitehouse.gov and learned that I also agree with some of his policy positions. I also learned that he is willing to receive any comments or feedback on his proposed policies. And so, for the moment, I am willing to believe the inspiring words that surged from his mouth today.
Some of those inspiring words include:
“Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.”
“…as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”
“To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
“But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.”
“Let it be said by our children's children that …we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”
I am going to take President Obama at his word. I’m going to give him my opinion and feedback on www.whitehouse.gov. I’m going to do my best to make an honest assessment of his performance. I’m going to be involved with the political process, however disagreeable I find certain policies. I will not let alienation and apathy set in, as so often happens when we disagree with our elected leaders. So just as President Obama is starting something new today, so we all can; indeed any sentence can be begun by us, starting today.
What moments from the inauguration inspired you?
Do you feel yourself more committed to staying involved in the political process?
Nice post Margaret! Thanks.
Posted by: Whitney Johnson | January 24, 2009 at 09:51 PM
Margaret,you give me some very constructive ways to handle the next 4 years. I agree the the popularity and power that Obama currently possesses is likely to be unchecked by the media and general public.
Posted by: Julia | February 08, 2009 at 08:49 AM
Julia--I'm so glad you've joined this blog! So what's interesting now is to see how many in the media seems to be criticizing Obama, esp. given all the brouhaha re: the stimulus package. But I'm curious to see how long-lived that is--I still think Obama is the media's darling.
Posted by: Margaret Woolley Busse | February 11, 2009 at 03:35 PM