"A New Birth of Freedom"

It's day 2 of the new and improved United States of America. I watched the Inauguration on the 20th and thought it was amazing. I watched it alone so I had to cheer, stand, and cry all by myself at home. I thought Reverend Warren's prayer was beautiful and appropriate. I love Biden and I can't explain why. It's like the weird affection I have for Bill Clinton where I realize he's kinda scary, but so affable that it dims their mistakes, but their intelligence and unexpected savvy reminds you why they are where they are. (Yes, I know this sounds hypocritical, but in my opinion, they can be a trainwreck as long as they are smart. And they are smart.) I am sure most people could have appreciated a more simple Inauguration day (Especially the President and First Lady) and I certainly would have thrown out some of the pomp. I loved the moment that Barack Obama became our 44th President at 12 pm (est) as per the 2oth amendment of the Constitution, to the strains of "Air and Simple Gifts" (performed by Yoyo Ma, Perlman, Montero, and McGill). A more beautiful moment than the actual swearing in which was moving, even though there was a bit of a confusion when Chief Justice John Roberts. It was the first time that a President had been sworn in on that particular Bible since Abraham Lincoln. And the country breathed a sigh of relief when he ended in "so help me God." (Well at least the ones who were still clinging to the Muslim terrorist thing.) I breathed a sigh of relief when I found out that the Oath was retaken in a private ceremony in the map room of the White House so there would be no question. I have always been moved by the 21 gun salute and even more so on this day and then watching as "Hail to the Chief" was played for our new President.
President Obama's Inauguration speech was everything I had anticipated it would be. Direct, inspiring, moving, and brief. He made it clear in no uncertain terms that we are not victims. We are strong and will always remain so because we are America. There will no longer be injustices against us by the leaders we have put our trust in. That we are willing to help any country that will extend their hand in friendship but not tolerate those hands clenched in fists. We will not be defeated. In 18 and a half minutes, President Obama reminded all of us along with the entire world that America is ready to overcome all of the challenges we face.
The speech in it's entirety can be read here: Inaugural Address
The video of the Oath and address can be viewed here:

I have yet to watch the parade and seriously TEN Inaugural Balls??
This one WAS amazing, though:


I am so excited about our future. I am encouraged by the words of our new President, but mostly I am convinced of his character not by his words alone, but by the way he treats his wife and children with love and respect. By the way he makes this victory not his, but ours. And by the loyalty he shows to his staff and that they show to him.
Now, I pray daily that he is given the chance to prove himself without the constant criticism of skeptics and kept safe from people who in their ignorance, and hatred, seek to harm him or his family.
God bless America and God bless President Barack Hussein Obama, who has proven that there is nothing we can't achieve.