Today marks a moment in history for my life and many others. I made a point last night to set my alarm clock so I would wake early. As the multiple buzzers rang there was a part of me that truly wanted to let my head rest on that pillow and forget about turning on the T.V. And then there was that voice that comes every so often saying, you will regret not seeing this. And so my hand moved to the T.V. (which may I state is still not ready for the digital change) and I allowed the words and images to wake me. As I watched our 44th president be sworn in, I couldn't have been happier. To see the man smile like he did made a wait lift from me. Who knows if it is because I was ecstatic to see the change from Republican to Democrat. Or maybe it was just that Bush was leaving. What I do know is that Obama looked elated in times that have become somewhat daunting to the American people.
So much talk is given by the media, but when it is gradually viewed in your own city one begins to question. I have as late seen more homeless on the street. Just the other day, I viewed two men in clean clothes digging through the massive trash cans behind my work. I wondered how a person could do that, and if I was in the same situation would that be my fate to live. Almost at age thirty the world is just beginning to come into focus. There is still more to learn and much to do. I live a life that I am realizing has many luxuries, but I have no idea where it is going. Obama as president begins to give me a little more hope. I have two college degrees. And yet I can't find a job in my field (the economy showing me its toll). I have a job, but no health care (an irony I still find ridiculous). My bills (including my student loans) take over 80% of my wages a month, and I haven't been to the grocery store in ages.
And yet, I see hope. Obama was correct. Freedom does come with a price. I enjoyed today, watching the mass of people in D.C. all together, in unity, there to see a historic movement. I would like to say I was there in heart. But now I ask myself what I will do to help. To make change occur. For Obama, though president now, is still just a man. He cannot succeed in what we each want for him. There will be disappointment if we expect him to do it on his own. I acted by voting, I acted by watching his Inauguration, now I have to act to make the changes I see for myself and this country. I am not good at everything, but this year my goal is to release my talents onto the world. I am a writer and a thinker. I am a traveler and a talker. And in some ways, though not officially, I am a teacher. I want to help. I want to act. And so I write this post for anyone to see. Our nation is united today, I hope tomorrow brings the same. My hope for this president and his (first) term is that our country be viewed by the world in a better light. That the economy and business does not take over the needs of people. That our country find the need for all to have health care, because it is a right to live. I also hope, that education be available to those who want it and we work to create jobs that fit each individual.
But my greatest hope for Obama, and this country, is that he, and we, can maintain that smile and excitement shown all through the nation today. Let the fear pass us by, and may we move forward to helping not only ourselves but others. Change is here if we help it proceed.
