The Inauguration

Some of the best lines from a great speech. I remain quite hopeful that America's best interests will be served.

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

To all those who are disappointed in the outcome of the election, it's time to get over it. We as a nation proved again today that every four years we can choose unity of purpose over conflict and discord by peacefully transferring power to those who won the election. This is not a reality to be taken lightly. Look at the world's track record on elections and ask yourself, am I glad to be an American or what? If you aren't glad to be in America and you don't exercise your right to vote and accept the outcome, then don't let the border gate hit your ass on the way out to somewhere else. Delta is ready when you are.

"On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics"

Oh I sure hope so. It would be such a relief to go forward and do the work that really needs to be done. And if Obama could somehow make cable news networks shut up that would be great too.

"In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned."

I don't think I need to expand upon this one.

"The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works?"

Excellent point. The system is broken on so many levels. Let's fix it and move on.

"Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill...The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good."

I think Obama has a handle on this. Let's hope Congress doesn't derail the train of hope. I like that thought, "the reach of our prosperity". We can use our nation's prosperity in so many ways that don't necessarily translate into more government programs and an increase in taxation. I doubt seriously Nancy Pelosi believes that, but there is another election in two years in case she's thinking her reach is bigger than my reach.

"For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies."

Finally, someone is calling out the American people. Our freedom and way of life are not accidents. Get on board America. It's an "ask not what your country can do" reprisal.

"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true."

Dear America, if you don't know what these words mean look 'em up. Decide what you are. Are you working hard for America or are you looking out for yourself? Are you being honest every day or are you lacking the courage to do so? Are you a tolerant person who believes in fair play? Basically, I'm asking--to borrow words from Bill O'Reilly--are you a pinhead or a patriot? Get on board America, it's time for a little audacity of hope.