A Possibly Unpopular Post

But here I go anyway.

Let's talk about yesterday for a minute. I'll admit to you first of all that I am an Obama cynic. It's not that I don't like him. I know that he will be an upright, honest, moral President. I will not be embarrased or ashamed of him ever, like I have been before (oh, about 9 years ago?). Anyway, I just have this nagging reservation that is in a "we'll see" mode. I will admit, too, that I was and still am a Bush supporter. I think he's a great man, still.

So, with that being established (and maybe you're already finished reading!), here were a few observations from yesterday that bugged me. It kept Reed and I up talking for quite a while last night. It kept me from really enjoying what I saw. Then, if you'll keep reading, I'll share some things I loved about it.

1. Comments like "remaking America" and "ready to lead once again". I felt like this was a slap in the face to the very man who had graciously welcomed him to his new home and sat only feet away. Whose service to our country is indisputable. But besides that, where does he think we've been the last few years? As I said, I'm a cynic about all of his "change". He can talk about it all he wants (as he has!) but how exactly is he going to change all of this? How does he intend to sit down and just have a little peace chat with terrorists or those who harbor them over a cup of tea? What does he intend to do that's so different that it's going to "remake America"? And apparently, he's so sure that he's going to do it better, that he can stand there and say that as if Bush is the whole embodiment of what's wrong with our nation. Don't get me wrong. I hope he does have a successful plan, I've just yet to hear or see anything specific. Perhaps I've made my point, so I'll move on.
2. The pervasive attitude that I just mentioned. Bush has become a sort of scapegoat for all that has gone wrong. Not that he was a perfect president. He undoubtedly made mistakes, but I feel he has had to weather some incredibly difficult decisions simply as a result of the times and because of other poor leaders who wouldn't make the difficult decisions. Yet, I do not see him whining and passing the buck. I was pleased to hear a little fight in his words when he arrived in Midland and spoke of writing a book to tell of what it was like to make those decisions and why he did what he did. I believe, like Bush and others, that history will show what kind of president he was and our attitude toward him then will change. Now that's a change I believe in! Let the Bush bashing end already.
3. This one is the most overarching. There seemed to be a sometimes spoken belief that Obama's victory means the black "struggle" is over and that they have somehow "made it". While Obama's inauguration is historically significant, I am no more "proud of our country" (another comment I heard a lot) than I ever have been. It seems to me that the true end and victory is when it no longer matters. When a black can be president and it makes no difference. I mean, if a catholic president were elected, who would think anything of it? Yet when JFK made it, it was a big deal. We've passed that, it seems. The progress of our country towards true equality for me is measured in those areas where it just doesn't matter. But as long as blacks are singled out, whether for good or bad, then it's still an issue. When our American history is everyone's history and not celebrated separately, then we'll be getting somewhere. When our businesses no longer have to account for the number of blacks, whites, women and so on that they employ, that will be something. So, when we can elect someone, anyone, and they're race, religion or sex makes no difference and is, in fact, not even an issue...then that's something worth celebrating. Except we probably won't celebrate because we won't even notice it. That will be a sweet day.
What I loved:
1. The peaceful transition of power. The outgoing and incoming presidents and their wives sitting down for morning coffee together only hours before it's official. Unheard of and unimaginable in many countries! We are so blessed!
2. That beautiful John Williams composition played by the best! Wow.
3. Rick Warren's prayer. I prayed right with him. I loved that he ended with the Lord's Prayer. It was great.
4. Michelle Obama's ball dress and the girls' adorable little coats and gloves! I am a girl after all.
5. Mr. Obama's cool, calm confidence. I love his presence. He's speeches never fail to instill hope (though I think his message of faith in the American people or "spirit" leaves something to be desired).
Well, I hope I haven't offended. That wasn't my intention. I'd love to hear what you thought and what struck you.