"for we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. we are a nation of christians and muslims, jews and hindus — and non-believers. we are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that america must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.to the muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. to those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the west — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. to those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."
what to say... for some reason i have this lingering urge to write about the historical values of yesterday... whether you count the inauguration speech or the deciding night in november as the "where were you when..." memory, the world has taken a new step...
as quickly as people jumped to praise obama and all he preached, now there are handfuls of non-believers that question whether his checklist is beyond his capabilities... and you know what, it might be... but by no means do i believe his head is in the clouds...
he took stood proudly in front of 1.5 some-odd million people (and millions more via facebook and youtube, as well as radio and television broadcasts)... and he didn't spout false promises or tag each line with his merchandise motto... he led us all to believe that the fight ahead to bring change into our world will be difficult, but it is something that is overdue and possible in many ways... all ills cannot be remedied -- that is simply the truth... but choices from yesterday have impacted our today and tomorrow... and it would suffice to say that new choices we make from here will lead to new todays and tomorrows...
i, for one, choose to believe that barack obama is a man set out to make a difference... as tall an order as that may be, he is willing to listen to his people, be criticized, be loved and accept both success and defeat... perhaps that is all we can ask for...
now countless eyes will continue to watch...
"the time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the god-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking america."
