A New Beginning

Tuesday, January 20, 2009, our country's first African American president, Barack Hussein Obama, was sworn into office at the mall in Washington DC with over 1.2 million people watching in 25 degree (fahrenheit) temperatures. Unfortunately, I was out of town up in PA for work so braving the crowds and cold weather wasn't even an option for me. I honestly had no intention of going even before my business trip was planned, but I will say that after watching the excitement from my hotel room on television, I do wish I had attended. Our house is only about 35 miles from DC which would have been a long and overly crowded metro ride in, but in hind sight, it would have been worth it.

This new president brings a new beginning for us as a country. A beginning filled with much needed hope. Whether it is hope for new jobs, regaining our strong foreign relationships that once were, repairing our school system or responsibly ending the war in Iraq. But I think, regardless of our party affiliation or whether or not if we voted for President Obama, we can all agree that we need someone in office who will execute these hopes. I am putting my faith into this president and the tough decisions he will be faced with in the next few days and throughout his entire term.

I have always said that behind every succesfull man, there is an even more succesfull woman. I think what impresses me the most about this first couple is the strength that is very apparent in their relationship and how comfortable they are together. If their children are any reflection (which I know they are) of what they will help this country achieve, I am very excited for the next 4 years.