A New Leader

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 happiness

Our 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.

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