INAUGURATION DAY !

It is hard to believe for so many people that today, January 20th, 2009, brings the inauguration of the first African American President of the United States. This is a milestone for our country, not Just for the countless black Americans who prior to this election, saw no real hope of ever breaking the prejudices of our country. Yet, here we are, about to swear into office Barrack Obama as our 44th President.

It is not just people of color who celebrate this day. As all who know me realize, I am as white as can be - proud of my Irish-American heritage - but having grown up in a time where I watched TV as a boy seeing the horrific images of "Negroes" being hosed down, beaten, and otherwise suppressed for such things as wanting to eat at a lunch counter; drink from a water fountain; or avail themselves of an education at a public university, I, too, feel celebratory today.

Like the civil rights movement before him, Barrack Obama overcame incredible odds to get to this day. The little known, first term Senator from Illinois first caught my attention with his speech at the 2004 Democratic convention. I remember thinking to myself at the time, "This guy could be President someday". However, I didn't think it possible in just four years. Neither did hardly anyone else. Sometimes, though, fate has a hand in things. For Obama to beat the early frontrunners in his party - namely Hillary Clinton and John Edwards - had to be predestined. How else can you explain the incredible win in the almost all white Iowa caucus - first up among the numerous beauty contests that ensued? I believe this man has greatness in him.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to watch today's events LIVE. Quite a while back, I made my semi-annual appointment with my cardiologist for today. At 11:15. What a dummy I am. I didn't even think of January 20th as being THE day of the inauguration - as it has been since the time of FDR. So, I will have to catch up on his speech and the swearing in ceremonies later today. I know all of it will be carried - either on CNN, or YouTube.

I am hopeful that Obama's detractors give him a chance. The last 8 years has taken a toll on our country because of the partisan nature of virtually everything. As an ex-Marine, I found my patriotism attacked by friends when I first told them I was against the war in Iraq. Many of these same folks had never served in the Armed Forces. When I explained, as logically as I could, my reason - Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11, their answer was Saddam was a bad guy. When I agreed, but asked if it was up to the U.S. to eliminate All bad guys throughout the world, such as Chavez in Venezuela, the guy in North Korea, the corrupt leaders in numerous African countries, or the current leaders in Iran, I was either told I was missing the point, or sworn at. Hopefully, civility will return.

Let us also hope that false information, hate, and pure meanness go away during the next several years.

Old Fart Mike