We need them. Leaders.
Highlights of the inauguration:
Truckloads, busloads, trains full of people descending upon Washington. Two million Americans on the mall this morning. That's a lot of people.
The First Lady's dress. Her shoes. Perfect.
I loved Rick Warren's invocation. He said the Hebrew prayer, the Shma'h. The Lord our God, The Lord is One. What could be more wonderful.
And Arethra Franklin singing one of my favorite songs, and it wasn't Respect, although no doubt, Respect is a contender. She sang America. And for sure she wore the best hat I have EVER seen, a hat that not many women can pull off, but she did it spectacularly.
My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty. Of thee I sing.John Paul Stevens and the oath for the V.P., Joseph Biden, on the biggest Bible you ever want to see.
Air and Simple Gifts, a classical composition by John Williams, performed by Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Anthony McGill, and Gabriela Montere. It had to have been even more wonderful live.
Dianne Feinstein introducing Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States.
Barack giggling, for just a second, as he stands to take the oath of office.
Two million people shouting collective joy, waving Old Glory, the American flag, never looking better, either. The one above, the one you see hanging in my window, is tired.
Cannons.
The President reminding us that we are at war and that the economy has failed us, that we have failed the economy, our confidence, too, has declined.
On this day, we gather hope over fear, he tells us. The time has come to reaffirm our noble spirit:
All are equal, all are free, all have an equal chance to pursue their full measure of happinessOur President, the Prozac of a struggling nation.
Elizabeth Alexander's poem, brimming with optimism.
Joseph E. Lowry's benediction: Will all those who love justice and mercy, say Amen.
Amen
George hugging Michelle a warm goodbye, they look like best friends; he and Barbara are about to board an olive green and white Marine helicopter.
Oe'r the land of the free. The home of the brave. The national anthem.
A good day to take a couple of hours to watch history, to be a part of it.
Please G-d, we're on the mend.
therapydoc
16 comments:
I feel hopeful and cautious all at the same time. I want him to be able to do all kinds of wonderful things to turn this country around, but I don't want to see people expecting miracles from him, and him alone. I think this is a time when our country needs all of us to be looking for opportunities to help bring about the change we need. Whether we make small contributions or big ones, whether they're right in our communities or on a grander scale, I think we all have to jump in and start helping people rather than leaving it to a few. I think Millard Fuller said, "For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people's love and concern for each other." I think the same goes for our country.
(stepping down from my soapbox now)... have a great day!
But it's good stuff, soap.
Beautiful post. You captured it. It's been a long time since I've felt hope.
We are on the mend and God knows we need it.
But the flag in the picture is hanging backwards. Stars go in the upper left. Just a note. :)
But if you look at it from the sidewalk it looks right, right?
Was surfing to find video footage of inauguration and came across Starbucks "I'm in!" campaign. Asks people to give 5 hours of community service and links you to opportunities near you. Because of today's events, I had to jump in. I will do my part, and then some. The time is now - change is all around us! Thanks for another great post! :)
Oh, Moe! You should know she's a step ahead of the rest of us!
crazy day, good crazy
I looked at it again and it IS hard to tell the flag is covering a window (I had to close the shade, the glare ruined the picture).
A most excellent recap of a historical day, a day that was historic for the hope that it presented! Thank-you for your eyewitness report!
Not to mislead, but I watched it on TV while filing receipts for taxes. But I did watch!
Sometimes listening just isn't enough.
"...the Prozac of a struggling nation."
I loved that. In my case, though, "the Wellbutrin etc."
Even seen from France it was invigorating.
Great summary of the election. Here in Berkeley there was a big gathering and everyone cheered.
Thank you for a great post regarding a monumental day. I also appreciated Rick Warren reminding us that we are still FREE to make these changes without fear, whether we agree or not.
I also love Aretha's hat...being she and I are from the same city makes me really proud that she was chosen! Anything to give Detroit a boost is definitely welcomed!
Thanks again.
And to paraphrase Obama--we must not and need not betray our souls and honor to create the world in which we want to live.
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