What was Inauguration?

It's a new beginning. It's a changing of the guard. Webster's Dictionary says it is the act of starting a new operation or practice. I can't say that I voted for Barack Obama this past November, but I was certainly struck with a degree of awe today. There was something that shook me when I saw the two most recent Presidents of our country embracing and treating each other with such dignity and mutual respect. I think back to just a few months ago when I was in the capital city of Nicaragua. There were men protesting the current administration on a Rotunda with masks over their faces. They feared there very lives if certain people were to recognize them.

When these two Presidents who differ in so many ways can show that much love and respect for each other, I feel very proud to call myself an American. I'm proud of George W. Bush and equally proud of President Obama. If only the rest of the world could conduct their disagreements as cordially and respectfully. Well then, that world would be quite a better place.

We've been glued to the TV most of the day and I'm restless. I don't want to go to sleep, but I can't watch TV anymore either. I need a problem. I need something to fix. I want to die for something higher than myself . I suppose that's what today's inauguration was for me. It was a reminder that we've got a part to play, a reminder that the forces of evil aren't taking a break today, and neither can we.