You Have To Believe It To See It!

I'm a Republican.  I've never been, nor will I ever be a Democrat.  To my daughters' chagrin, I'm much too conservative.  But - politics aside - what happened in this country yesterday with the inauguration of Barack Obama as 44^th President of the United States cannot help but cause a sense of pride, inspiration, and hope for our nation.

The special thing that happened yesterday was not that the first black president was inaugurated, not that his speech was great (or not), not that Michelle's outfit was lovely (or not), or that Aretha's hat was tacky (it was!).  The special thing that happened was that almost 2 million Americans on the mall in Washington endured hardship, celebrated together, and demonstrated by their "actions" that all people are created equal. 

The special thing was that millions of other Americans celebrated with those in Washington, sensing a bond of freedom and equality with their countrymen and a new pride in their nation.

Many people throughout history have said that all people are created equal.  But few have shown it in their actions or inspired others to act as if it were true.   It does no good to say it and not believe it.  It does no good to believe it and not act like it.  It does no good to act like it and not try to make others believe and show it through their actions.

I don't know whether President Obama will be a great leader or not, whether or not his leadership can resolve this nation's problems, or whether he can really change the way our government works for the better.  Those are things all of us will have to watch, and call him to task for if he doesn't live up to his promises.  That's our job.

But I do know that, yesterday, President Obama inspired millions of Americans to simultaneously believe and act like all people are created equal.  For that alone, he deserves our respect and support.  

It is now up to us - to all of us - to ensure that yesterday was not one brief, shining moment.  It is up to us to ensure that yesterday was not special because of a bond we "shared," but because of a bond we "share."  It is up to us to believe and to act like all people are created equal.  For until we do, it will not be so.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the Rain!