Nerve Endings Firing Away

Today, January 20th 2009 will be remembered forever in the history of this country. On this day, an African-American with a Muslim middle name was sworn in as the 44th President of these United States. The frigid cold did not deter two million Americans from all over the country from witnessing this historic moment in person on the National Mall at Washington, DC. It is a testament to the immense opportunities that this country accords you and makes it possible for one to not only dream big but also reach those milestones that their ancestors had fought for not too long ago. It was only fitting that Barack Obama took the oath of office a day after the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s speech at the Lincoln Memorial calling for the realization of his immortal dream.

The inauguration ceremony culminated days of celebrations (and some tonight with dozens of those balls) in the capital. The ceremony itself was pitch perfect with the arrival of Congressmen, Senators, Ex-Presidents, and other office-holders of the Congress followed by the President and President-Elect with their families. There were brief interludes of musical pieces performed by Aretha Franklin, Yo-Yo Ma, and others. The atmosphere on the Mall even as far as a mile away from the podium was exhilarating and I could sense the excitement sitting in front of my computer screen far away in Texas. It made me want to go down there and join in the fun. I can’t image the enormity of the moment for African Americans who perhaps hadn’t seen this moment coming at least so suddenly. There was a minor flub in the oath ceremony but it seems that Justice Roberts missed his cues although initially I thought Obama finally was having a case of nerves. Anyway, it was a minor glitch and the oath is ceremonial because the President-Elect assumes the Presidency at noon, oath or not.

Obama’s speech was pitch perfect too and although it did not have any memorable lines like JFK’s ‘Ask Not..’, the content of his speech was apt for the times. One of his lines – We are willing to extend a hand, if you are willing to unclench a fist – was perhaps my favorite. It gives you an idea of his philosophy for foreign policy. The general theme of the speech focused on emphasizing an era of responsibility after historic losses on Wall Street and a failed foreign policy. After all the celebration, it is time for Obama to get down to serious business; after all there is much to be done. Let us hope he delivers on his promises and lives up to his potential. Good luck, President Obama.

Update: As expected, The Big Picture has amazing pictures from the inauguration.