Politically Speaking

For the first time ever, I watched as a President of the United States was sworn in.

I keep thinking that if someone like me, who is normally ignorant of politics, who willfully tunes out when the subject is brought up, can sit and watch a President be sworn in, then there is something amazing happening.

No, I don't know about all of his policies, and yes, I do know that people think he will bring the country down and have no respect for him. But because he is the first African-American to be president the country has changed. I think he is an incredibly smart man from his speeches alone. Not only does he know how to deliver them without sounding ignorant, this is a man who knows the importance of inspiring others.

I know some of us wonder if we're putting too many eggs in one basket. Placing all our hopes onto one man is a little much. He's only one man! But to hear him speak - how can you not be hopeful? Do you know what I think is amazing? He knows we're in difficult times, he knows that everyone is putting all their hopes on him - and yet - he's making sure to tell everyone, and often, that it's gonna take a village. When was the last time we had a president who tries to inspire people to work together for a better country and government? Who was the last president who tried to not only better the government, but tried to better people of our country?

I like that Obama has been telling us up front that he knows it's gonna take a long time for things to feel better - economically, politically, and globally. I'm so glad he's acknowledging it. Yes, he is a symbol of change, but just because he's the first black man in that seat, it doesn't mean he's the only to save our country from ourselves. We have to keep voting, we have to keep voicing our differing opinions, and we have to keep helping others as well as ourselves. How will you try to help others? Will you have a bake sale for the Vets? Will you sell embroidered hand towels to help fund the local high school's music program? What can you do to help your life be a better one? How can I make my life better by helping others?

These are huge questions and the answers can be long and complicated. I don't want the weight of the world on my shoulders, I'm sure Obama really doesn't either. So you do what you can, right? A little goes a long, long way. I have often been overwhelmed at the idea of volunteering. Luckily for people like me, there are lots of areas to volunteer in. I'm choosing to read to kids.

How did this turn into a ramble about volunteering?

What I like about Obama is that he something new for people to pay attention to. His prescence alone is causing people to look around and see things for the first time. I'm pretty sure Bush Jr. didn't inspire that. I just hope that people see this man and respect him and our government that made it possible for him to be president. I hope that if you don't like something you know you have to the right to work for change, to debate with your friends and family. I hope that you're inspired to..., to.... I just hope you're inspired. I think this country is ready to be inspired again, and to make strives forward.

I'm excited.