Some Inaugural Thoughts

I've had a hard time coming up with anything positive to say about our government lately.  The entire institution is so broken and it's not even secretly broken anymore.  The Republican/Tea Party faction has gotten pretty blatant about what they plan to do.  Over the course of the campaign, Pennsylvania passed the strictest (and most absurd) voter ID law in the nation and the Republican cronies proudly announced, "There--that will deliver Pennsylvania to Governor Romney."  There's no mistaking their intentions on that occasion, nor is there any mistaking their intent with their new scheme.  When their ID law failed to be implemented for the presidential election of '12, the Republicans decided they had better make certain that in 2016 Pennsylvania turned the proper shade of red.  Now they're proposing legislation that changes their electoral allotment, giving 2 electoral votes to the winner of the state as a whole and allocating the rest of them by Congressional district.  Those districts were happily gerrymandered in 2010 to insure that Republican candidates held a majority of offices.  If this rule change is enacted, Pennsylvania will never be a blue state again, no matter who the people vote for.  This is a scheme endorsed by the RNC, who plans to implement it in every state that is Republican held.

So with news like that, it's pretty hard to write anything positive or even hopeful about the state of affairs of our government--until yesterday.  If Bill Clinton was the man from hope, then Barack Obama is the guardian of that hope.  Let John McCain whine all he wants to because the President didn't use the word "Republican" in his inaugural address (he didn't use the word "Democrat" either), the President stood tall and delivered a heaping helping of what this country needs; a reminder of who we are and what we are capable of.  He gave us hope.  Thank you, Mr. President.  

Here are some of my reflections on the day and some of my favorite moments.  Please share yours in the comments section! 

Everyone knows that President Obama will go down in history as the first African-American President, but he's now added to that legacy and will go down in history for being the man that said, "...for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well."  The President got a coveted standing ovation in the kitchen for his eloquence in reminding us that gay rights are imperative and he will fight for equality in his second term.  

Official Republican poetry hater

Maya Angelou got a run for her money as my favorite inaugural poet when Richard Blanco read his masterpiece.  What beautiful, hopeful words he committed to the page and shared with the country; simply magnificent!  And speaking of the inaugural poem, kudos to the individual who captured Eric Cantor during Blanco's reading and  reminded us all that unless it has a dollar bill stapled to it, Eric doesn't like it.  

Just when I thought I couldn't love FLOTUS Michelle Obama any more, she gives me a reason to love her just a little bit more.  During the inaugural luncheon, Michelle delivered one of the absolute best head-shake/eye-roll combo's I've ever seen.  If this were an Olympic sport, she would have brought home the gold.  Mr. Speaker, the FLOTUS has clearly had enough of your nonsense.  You'd be wise to shut up and eat your greens.  Clearly, this is a woman who is tired of pulling the knife out of her husband's back and although she's aware that the President has to work with him, she is equally aware that she doesn't have to suffer his shit with a smile--and she doesn't.  

James Taylor

We were treated to several epic performances yesterday, including Beyonce's stirring rendition of our National Anthem, a favorite for me, as I'm from Baltimore (the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner), but my favorite was James Taylor singing America, the Beautiful, where the crowd joined in and sang along.  His acoustic accompaniment set just the right tone.  

The First Daughters reminded us that the Obama's are a real family, filled with love and genuine affection.  They showed us that even in solemn occasions like the swearing in of dad as President, there is room for laughter.  They shared a "private" family moment as the country watched. 





                                                            NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE!! Thank you, Senator Schumer, for this epic photobomb!! That's one happy Democrat! This photo makes me proud to be a New Yorker!  He smiled for all of us while watching President Obama take his public oath of office.  What makes it even better is that Speaker Boehner looks like he has a wedge of lemon in his mouth. 

Another one of my favorite moments of the inaugural festivities was simply the fact that America's happy warrior was there--Vice President Joe Biden!  Say what you will about our Vice President, I love Joe Biden, gaffes and all.  He is a sincere, genuine, down-to-earth man and he serves our nation with dignity and fortitude, every day.  His wife, Dr. Jill Biden is a lovely woman in her own right and they clearly rival the Obama's in the romance department!  Kudos to Vice President and Dr. Biden, who shared a first dance to the Ray Charles classic, "I Can't Stop Loving You" performed by Jamie Foxx.

It made me laugh to know that even a celebrity like the Today Show's Al Roker gets excited when he's able to attract the attention of our President and Vice President during the inaugural parade!  Leave it to Joe Biden to give his Secret Service detail indigestion!  It was a great TV moment!    






There were so many moments that were worth sharing and discussing; so many proud, hopeful, happy moments.  When I think of what could have been (a Romney inaugural), I get a great big Schumer smile on my face.  Four more years...and with any luck at all, the Republicans have learned that obstructionism doesn't work and they will make a good faith effort to follow this President's example and meet him at the center of the aisle.  Perhaps it's too much to hope for, and that's likely true, but yesterday's festivities have given me the courage to hope it just the same.  Congratulations, President Obama and thank you for having the courage to accept the position once more.  A lesser man would have walked away and who could have blamed you?  I do not always agree with you, but I still believe you are a man of integrity and vision, and you are my President and I will support you and give you the respect you deserve as such.  

And with that, I will leave you with my favorite moment from yesterdays inaugural celebration.  What a beautiful couple!  Clearly, they are very much in love and a very happy family.  The President looked happy and handsome, the First Lady, as always, was the epitome of style and grace.  They have brought honor to the White House and we can be proud of them as they represent our country around the world. After their dance, the FLOTUS tweeted: "Just danced to "Let's Stay Together" with the love of my life and the President of the United States.  I'm so proud of Barack. -mo" Camelot indeed...

photo Associated Press/Jacquelyn Martin