No matter what your background, how you voted, or who you are, you cannot deny that today marked a milestone in American history.  For someone like President Obama to come from where he’s been, with his roots, with relatively little experience, shows that an underdog has a chance to equal opportunity in America.

I’ve been impressed by how President Obama’s handled himself, and how gracious he’s been.  He’s trying to live what he’s been preaching, and for that, you can only admire and respect him.  He continues to reach out to others with whom he disagrees, to create a workable interface.

The reporters have been pointing out the rare use of the word “I” (3 counts) within his inaugural address (which you can read here), and I think his popularity and success has something to do with this.  He sees himself as a common man, willing to work alongside all of us to get the job done.  That’s why he’s pleaded with the American people to step up to the plate, to state what each of us is going to do to create change.  I’ve been contemplating what task I am to take up because of this call to service, and I know I can’t wait long, for that would defeat the purpose.  No lollygagging allowed.

Elizabeth Alexander read a poem of hers today during the ceremony, which you can read here.  I particularly liked the phrase “Love that casts a widening pool of light.”  I think that’s what’s needed in this time of turmoil and unrest and economic crisis.  Love.  That’s it.  Maybe that’s what we could focus on today.  Who could we love today that would start the ball rolling?

[Post image: President Barack Obama being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States]