Barack Obama is the new president of the United States. It was fun watching parts of the inaugural. There's something contagious about optimism, and it my sincerest hope that Obama voters who worked so hard for his election now turn their attentions to their local and state issues.
That starts with their jobs, their families, their communities, and themselves. While it is true that the American President is the most powerful person on Earth, President Obama's ability to change America is miniscule. Presidents are figureheads, and get credit and blame for much that goes on while they are in charge, but real change comes from 300 million hearts and minds waking up each day and deciding what path their life will take.
Remember that your influence on your life is greater than anything the President can do. And if you count on Obama to make things "right," then you're going to be disappointed. We don't have kings and emperors in this country, at least not yet. Don't give a politician, no matter how much you like him or her, too much credit. That credit, and the blame, goes to you, my fellow citizens.
One last thing. The opitimism of Democrats in the last few months has been enjoyable. It's nice to have Americans looking to the future with hope, rooting for us, rather than against us. It is my fervent wish that Democrats, who spent their years in the wilderness behaving like spoiled children, learn something fro, the dignity and decor they see from Republicans in this transfer of power. There were no riots, no marches, no hurled objects or obscenities.
If you consider yourself a patriot and a proud American, you'll keep your composure, even in January, 2012, when Sarah Palin takes the oath of office.
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