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

[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.