The Inauguration...

[pameladlloyd]

...has finally happened. For much of Bush's presidency I didn't think it would. From very early on in our last president's first term, or at least, following 9/11, I was convinced that he would find some way to halt the ordered transition of power, up to and including declaring martial law. Even after the election, I waited, hopeful, but still nervous. That Bush had the grace, finally, to let the will of the American public stand, is perhaps the only one of his acts I can truly approve and applaud without hesitation. I am ecstatic to have a new president in office, especially one for whom I have respect and who inspires hope, not just in me but in the vast majority of Americans. As mmegaera says: "I can say, with pride, 'I voted for him.'" Someday, my husband and I, as well as our adult sons, will be able to say that to our grandchildren. There are very few moments when we know that we stand at a cusp between the past and the future. This was one of them.

Comments

[mmegaera.livejournal.com]

You know, that's one thing I never was afraid of. I don't know if I should have been or not, but what I was afraid of was an assassin's bullet. I still am. And will be for at least the next four (oh, eight, please!) years.

[pdlloyd.livejournal.com]

Yes. It's very frightening to think about. I hope that those whose job it is to protect our president are very, very good at their jobs.

[core-opsis.livejournal.com]

That was how I felt today too. I just bagged my lesson plans for the middle of the day, and watched the inauguration proceedings--speech, music, poetry, prayers and all. I think this is the first one I ever watched, and I wanted my students to be able to say that they too were present at this moment in our history.

My son came in and wanted me to write a pass to my class so he could watch it, because he said there was no way his calculus teacher would ever let them watch, but he did. I think the whole school was on hold, and euphoria was in the air.

[pdlloyd.livejournal.com]

I imagine it's wonderful to be able to share an event like this with your students.

I've only known this from the student side, when we watched rockets blasting into space. At the time, teachers, even those I really liked, felt like alien creatures and I don't think I ever thought, until this moment, that they must have been excited to be watching, too.

[pdlloyd.livejournal.com]

I was just thinking about the so-called "No Child Left Behind" act that Bush pushed, and how almost every teacher I've ever had contact with has felt that this approach has made teaching harder without providing much, if any, benefit to kids. I sure hope that President Obama will do better.

[satimaflavell.livejournal.com]

After Bush, anyone would be good. But Obama shows such promise. Pray he a. stays alive and b. fulfills even half his promise.

[core-opsis.livejournal.com]

My son (who at 18 thinks he knows everything) says that of course Obama won't be able to, because four years is way too short a time to do anything about all of the problems plaguing the country. He's kindof coming in at a very sticky point. I am so so hopeful, though, something which I've not allowed myself to feel in the political arena in a long time.

[pdlloyd.livejournal.com]

President Obama probably won't be able to do everything we want him to, but just the fact that we expect so much of him and he has the backing of the public will help him to achieve his promise. I've been very impressed by what he's done so far. It was very interesting to me that even after he'd won the election, I continued to receive notifications from his team, reminding me of ways that I can participate in the process, such as an invitation to participate in the national day of service (which also included events throughout the week).

It's funny, I've been doing volunteer work associated with our local science fiction con which is a non-profit organization, but it didn't even hit me until yesterday that my work for them could be considered participation in that event. Monday was tremendously busy for me, as I had to deal with getting my car into the shop, so I still feel that I owe my community some time working on more serious issues like homelessness or feeding the hungry.

[satimaflavell.livejournal.com]

Writing, reading and particpation in writers' groups not only brings a lot of people pleasure but it can also help educate, inform and encourage them. While feeing the hungry is laudable, giving service to the arts, directly or indirectly, is feeding soul hunger, and that's important, too.

[pdlloyd.livejournal.com]

Yes. Soul hunger. I like that. :)

I agree that feeding both are important, but I want to do more. I've had a project I'd like to work on, that might help a few people. It's only inertia, really, that's holding me back. So, I have scheduled this on my calendar and will start taking the steps necessary to determine whether it's feasible.

[satimaflavell.livejournal.com]

Good for you, Pema. I hope the idea turns into a very satisfying and worthwhile project for you:-)

[pdlloyd.livejournal.com]

Word. :)