First, while Obama might not have been my first choice, I wholeheartedly support my president. The speech was moving... while I know that inaugural speeches are very much written with a view on history, his hit many notes that I was heartened to see included. It was a speech that included hope while stating that the road ahead was not without bumps, cracks and the occaisonal abyss. Very well done.
I am the first to hope that our new president lives up to everyone's expectations. He has a full plate... and a congress that doesn't like the thought of ANY president telling them what to do... regardless of party affiliation. I sincerely hope that he is the man of integrity, truth and honor that this country needs in that position... and pray that he finds the strength for the tasks ahead.
My other hopes for him? I hope him to be a man of precise decision and decisive action. I hope him to be a man governed by his personal moral compass and not by what is written about him in the press. I hope him to be a man prepared to make popular and unpopular decisions... as long as he believes those decisions to be correct.
I hope that the press that has proven itself to be vicious and divisive learns to allow for humanity and the inherent imperfection there while still holding him accountable for his actions and decisions. I hope that the world sees him as the best man for the job and not as a gimmick or result of guilt - but as a man for whom the color of his skin is an interesting but unimportant footnote. I hope that he stays grounded and connected to the people from whom he came and not to listen too much to those that worship him as the answer to all problems and the fount of all wisdom.
I hope he allows himself to make mistakes rather than to do nothing. I hope that he remembers the rich history of this country as he writes the next chapter. I hope that his election and presidency becomes the benchmark upon which the next candidates strive to surpass rather than try to live down. In the last several elections cycles, the sitting president's endorcement (both Republican and Democrat) of a campaign has actually been seen as a detriment to a candidate's chances of success. We deserve better.
Lastly, I hope he remembers that he is merely the steward of that chair and that his decisions and actions will reflect upon all of those that occupy it after he has become a historical "jeopardy" question. Others have occupied that chair.... some far better than others... some as objects of honor and integrity and some as objects of humor and corruption.
I sincerely hope that he is the best of them all. Because this country deserves no less.
I add my prayers and sincere hopes for success.

