Inauguratioon

Everyone seems to be weighing in on the upcoming inauguration. The country, and perhaps the world, seem to be largely of one mind on two things: that we're glad to see George Bush and his cronies go, and that we're excited about the possibilities with an Obama administration. This doesn't mean there aren't detractors, skeptics and naysayers, but I'm getting emails from staunchly anti-Obama voters who still are keeping an open mind to see what is to come, and wishing the new president well. While there may (will) be disappointments, there's an air of optimism that does us good in these troubled economic times. Somtimes a figurehead is good for us, regardless of our leanings. The best thing Ronald Reagan ever did for the US was, I believe, make us feel good about ourselves. While the massive debts he ran up were a burden on taxpayers-to-come ---they always seem to forget that deficits are repaid by our children, not us---that sense of self-worth was encouraging. I'm glad to be feeling hopeful again. Whatever else happens, a period of well-being, however tainted with worry as well, does a soul, and country, good.

By the way, read the Adams biography if you haven't already. It'll give you a new sense of pride and amazement at what a job our founding fathers did in a generally selfless way to establish a better form of government.