I originally had a difficult time not being a little bit skeptical of this historical inauguration and the promises of President Obama. For starters, I watched the program with BYU's Young Democrats. :) They gave me free pizza though, and I like listening to what they say, so I decided to make a concerted positive attitude toward a changing America. Here are my Top 10 of the proceedings (in order of appearance):
10) To think how history, technology, and fans/patriots have made the inauguration events grow. I kept trying to fathom in my mind how 2 million people and a declared "State of Emergency" were cramming into the Mall and getting anything out of it. I think they got the same feelings I did, though, being the only person on the Mall on a cold December morning, exactly one month ago: the feelings of awe, motivation, and "community spirit."
President Obama:
9) "America has carried on…because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents."
8) "The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward…the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
7) "The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works. . . . 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."
6) "Our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead…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."
5) "To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. 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."
4) "For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break…but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate."
3) "Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — honesty and hard work, 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. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."
And finally, Reverend Lowry. What I loved most about this is the reponse that overtook the internet at the conclusion of the inauguration: some ridiculing, making fun of, others applauding, some declaring racism. I admit, although it was a prayer, I laughed.
2) "But because we know you got the whole world in your hand [doo doo doo, doo dooo do], we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations. Our faith does not shrink…"
1) "we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around -- when yellow will be mellow-- when the red man can get ahead, man-- and when white will embrace what is right.
Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: Say amen --
AUDIENCE: Amen!
REV. LOWERY: -- and amen.
AUDIENCE: Amen! (Cheers, applause.)"
Congratulations, America. Congratulations, President Obama. Now who would like to ask me if I'm now a Democrat? :)
