President Obama's second inauguration day was just wonderful with unforgettable images, words, and insights. Visually, the inclusive 21st century America was evident. The 21st century is finally here and the U.S. is leading the way. We, the people, are definitely moving toward 'a more perfect union.' The whole festivities were filled with joy and positiveness. Above all, there were genuine natural ease about the President and his family.
The most unforgettable image everybody is talking about happened right after the swearing-in ceremony. While everybody was moving back into the building, Mr. Obama turned to look at the people and the whole scene. You could see that he was saying "I want to take a look, one more time. I'm not going to see this again." He was not just a part of a ceremony; he was with the moment, and with the clear sense of history.
By now, people who follow history and politics understand what kind of man Barack Obama is. It is an interesting story. But I have seen many interesting stories. What makes this story wonderful and powerful is that he has succeeded. The powerful current of history was, in a way, looking for a man like him, and he rose to the occasion. It happened because he was preparing himself for the occasion, and, of course, good luck, here and there, helped.
With experiences and feelings from life we can see how he becomes a man and gives himself a clear identity, a black man from Chicago via New York, L.A., Hawaii, and Indonesia. His policies are, in a way, personal. His mother's death from cancer gave an urgency and genuine feel for his push for healthcare reform, even though the bottom line is that the country was in desperate need for healthcare reform. The list goes on and on. The point is that his positions are coming from a man who feels from life and tries to make life better for his family and we, the people.
His Inauguration Speech was memorable. Again, he delivered it with genuine conviction, and passion as only the person who truly feels what he says can deliver. He showed leadership by clearly stating the vision with we, the people, in mind. His vision is the vision of history and of humanity where we have to get to eventually. The emphasis is on the rising middle class, equal and fair opportunity for all, new ideas and technology, good education, progressive tax code, healthcare, social safety net, the importance of understanding science, climate change, voting rights, immigration reform.
Tying all these issues together is his recurring theme of "-- we cannot walk alone; to hear a
King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on earth." I'm again reminded of 'It takes a village.' The majority of thinking people would have agreed with the speech. I'm definitely glad Barack came along, and going to enjoy the next four years with sharp focus with we, the people, in mind.
P.S. Dedicated to Dong Sin who made the world a little better place just like Barack.
Dong Sin Han
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