At this time of renewal and rededication of our nation to its founding principles, we pause and reflect on where we have been and those who have brought us to this moment. Yesterday, we saw an African American sworn in as President of the United States of America. It was a surreal moment for those of us who remember Jim Crow and the ugliness of the civil rights struggle. Having been born into a culture where blacks were looked upon as second class members of society, whose destiny was to serve whites, I stared with amazement as this brilliant, graceful and eloquent man took the oath of office, with his beautiful wife and children looking on. The face of America has changed for the better, and the world is a more hopeful place.
The sweetness of this moment would have been impossible without the ragged history that preceded it. We must acknowledge all that has gone before, and recognize that there can be no redemption without suffering. In their contrasts good outshines evil, joy overcomes sadness, and pride eclipses shame. We have endured much as a people to reach this point, and our path has been uncertain and difficult. The election of Barack Obama is a triumph of the American spirit and a victory for democracy that extends throughout the land.
President Obama’s inaugural address directed us toward the daunting tasks ahead, and the work and sacrifice we must all accept to fulfill our duty to protect and preserve the American dream. Having established his candidacy with lofty oratory, this President’s speech was a call to action and commitment. We must put away those “childish things” such as petty partisanship. We must understand that we live in an interdependent society and a global economy.
I have no doubt that this man will succeed. I have seen faith and hope written on the faces of so many people, and I pray for our people, our country and our new President. God bless America.
Steve Waldman – swaldman@gwlawyers.com
