A Great Day for America

I think that I have smiled almost non-stop today. It was a very exciting day at work. As soon as I got there, I started trying to get our school TV system set up to show live coverage of the inauguration. I was absolutely elated when I finally made it work with less than an hour to go before the oath and speech. I really felt like all students should be able to see this historic event as it happened. I know this may sound corny, but I felt like it was my duty to try to make it happen for the students at my school. And I loved all the talk from teachers and students about it.

I watched the speech live and again this afternoon on a special report from Channel One. Actually, I also heard some of it two more times while I did a little library work this afternoon--yes, today was not a very productive day for me. Tonight, Valerie and I are watching the coverage on MSNBC and plan to watch The Daily Show later, and I plan to watch Colbert Report too. It's like election night and the night after all over again. :-)

Speaking of Obama's speech, I thought it was awesome!!! Here are a few of my favorite passages:

• On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
• The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
  
• At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: "Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive ... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

I also enjoyed Elizabeth Alexander's poem and Joseph Lowery's benediction. Maybe I'll write about them later. All in all, I feel like I don't have to be so cynical and pessimistic about our government anymore. I truly feel more hopeful!