God, Country, and the Inauguration

Photo Courtesy Senator Barack Obama Press Kit

I do not think it will surprise many for me to say I am not a fan of President–elect Barack Hussein Obama. That being said, I love this country. I am a patriot through-and-through. I love that we are a melting pot country and I love our constitution. Did you know that our Declaration of Independence is a model for other countries that seek freedoms and democracy?

As a patriot, I can say that regardless of our initial impression of the man, I cannot think of a single president in history who has been perfect. I cannot name one who has not made a decision that turned out badly (despite his best efforts) or who has not at some point in his term of office acted on some human frailty – the way all of us do in our daily lives. By that same token, I cannot think of a single president who has not also shown, at some point, tremendous wisdom, courage, or leadership for this country. Every incoming president is bound not only to disappoint, but also to inspire.

Soon Barack Hussein Obama will be our 44th President. Those who wish ill upon him are unthinkingly wishing ill upon us all. His blunders will affect this country in ways that could do serious damage. His triumphs will change lives for the better, possibly in profound ways.

In loving this country and her people, I pray for Barack Hussein Obama. I pray he will be blessed with the wisdom to clearly see what is best for the people of this country as a whole, and with the courage and strength to act on that wisdom even when it is difficult or unpopular.

I pray for his family. I pray they will be able to endure the sacrifice and challenges that come with being the family of the President of the United States of America. We do not need family challenges or stressors to be adding more pressure and workload upon our president. We need him to be at his best and able to focus, with a clear mind and heart, upon the needs of this country. We also need him to be able to be there for his family and to have that source of comfort and peace in his life. Those moments will help him to better endure all he must as our president.

I will be watching the inauguration as he is sworn into office. I care not for the Hollywood elite and the hoopla, but I am very much interested in the swearing in ceremony of our new president. Every swearing in ceremony is an historic event, and while some cling to that label because he is black, I use it because it is the hallmark of the democracy in this country that I so treasure. Each swearing in ceremony means ‘we the people’ have a voice and a choice in our own leadership and government. I hope to never take that for granted.

As an American, you can protest and boycott the inauguration or you can attend and cheer with tear-filled eyes. You can watch in the hopes he will commit a major blunder, or you can watch for the history-making aspect. You can do something that has nothing to do with the inauguration, or you can even change the channel and watch something else. Those, too, are other great parts of this country – you have the freedom to choose how to respond to this event, and it won’t be broadcast on every channel.

God Bless America!

PS. Those who wish to watch do not need a television to do so. Hulu is one of multiple online sites that will be broadcasting the event live.