Reflecting

Reflecting on the day of January 20th. I feel good today. I feel a definite change in our country. I feel a change in the world period. They say when you leave a relationship or a job or a group you realize many things that you wouldnt have noticed if you had stayed. In this case you feel the difference between the Obama Administration and the Bush Administration. Just the fact that the Obamas opened the white house doors to the people was huge in my book. We will never be directly involved in the decision making process of the president nor will we be able to be there for the joint chiefs of staff meetings. Obama on his first day has made an effort to set the tone of his presidency to America. He wants us to be involved and aware of what he is doing. His whole approach is a relief to the Bush years. I like how he got right to work on his first day because up until this point it was just words. Now the hope he spoke of is put into action. You feel it now as opposed to hearing it only. I am excited about the next 100 days. Superman? No!! Great President? I think so. Of course, that cant be defined after 2 days in office. However, he has made some bold moves already that are defining his presidency.

Here are some quotes from President Obama's Inaugurational Address that jumped out to me.

"We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to
set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring
spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift,
that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given
promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue
their full measure of happiness."

***

"What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them—
that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer
apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too
small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent
wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is
yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And
those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend
wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because
only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government."

***

"Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with
missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They
understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do
as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use;
our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example,
the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of
a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver
in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror
and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and
cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."