In all seriousness...

In all seriousness, this past week's inauguration of Barack Obama was truly an incredible event. It's so exciting to watch history being made and America taking such a huge step. During President Obama's speech, he spoke about how his father couldn't get served in a restaurant only a few years ago, and now his son is the 44th President of the United States. This is a prime example of the power of the American dream. The election of a black man as our new president shows how far we've come and how every man really is equal in the United States of America. The passing on of power and office doesn't happen as peacefully as it did this week anywhere else in the world. I love being part of the country that is leading the world in change and progress. The entire world was watching as our new president was sworn in, and hopefully they will all be able to mirror or actions in the future.

I'm young. I know that. I know I don't understand the policies and the changes that are going to take place during Obama's Presidency, and that because he's so popular, he also has a lot of enemies working against him. All I do know is that whenever he speaks, and when I saw millions of people gathered together to celebrate this man, I felt like a real American. I mean, that just doesn't happen anymore. We live in this world where people are selfish and violent and willing to go to crazy extremes to get what they want. There is war everywhere, death everywhere, hate everywhere. But seeing everyone in the National Mall, and knowing that there were millions more watching at home, it made me feel hope. I felt like I wasn't just an American, I was united with the human race.

I really think the election of Barack Obama is taking all of us one step closer to creating a lasting world peace. I hope he's ready to work, because these next few years aren't going to be easy, but I think they'll be worth it. The Boston Globe has some pictures of people around the world watching the inauguration. I think it's really important that people see them. I don't think anyone really understands the gravity and responsibility the country has to be an example to the rest of the world until they see these pictures. My personal favorite is here, the rest can be found at http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_inauguration_of_president.html