Jan 20 2009

It’s a Beautiful Day

(11 am. – promoted by ek hornbeck)

I’ve been watching all of the coverage of the inauguration festivities over the last few days and am feeling at a loss for words for what is happening. The American people are collectively experiencing a healing from the fear that has gripped this country and was so exploited by the out-going administration.

This transcends politics. Its about our national psyche. The best summation that I’ve heard over the last few days was a CNN commentator who said that he’s sensing a “softening of the hearts of Americans.”

And finally, the words of Langston Hughes are seeing fruition.

I, Too, Sing America    

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.

They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes,

But I laugh,

And eat well,

And grow strong.

Tomorrow,

I’ll be at the table

When company comes.

Nobody’ll dare

Say to me,

“Eat in the kitchen,”

Then.

Besides,

They’ll see how beautiful I am

And be ashamed–

I, too, am America.

So words fail me. But for this one moment in time, I’m singing with Bono.

I’m watching the festivities. If you’d like to chat about what you’re seeing/thinking – please join me.

45 comments

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  1. already today. One for me was seeing Mohamed Ali arrive for the festivities.  

    • Edger on January 20, 2009 at 17:02
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  3. but my friend who owns a pub has two TVs & I thought I’d ask him to tune one of them to the festivities.  This kicks off at noon EST, right?  What channel are you watching; or, who has the best coverage?

  4. … they’ll have teevees in our cafeteria for everyone to see the inauguration.

    I can’t wait.

  5. introduced and there is booing – singing “nah, nah, nah, nay, hey, hey, goodbye.”

  6. Vice President!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Goodbye Cheney – hello Biden!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  7. performing…Perlman, Ma, Montero and McGill!!!!!!!!!!

  8. we’re about to have a new President.

  10. to the President and the former President.

    I can feel the weight lifted in my bones!!!!!!!!!!!!

  12. Photobucket

  13. report on her experience in DC today at Jack and Jill Politics.

    Once it was over, I was wiping away tears and a woman next to me whom I hadn’t noticed until that moment tapped my shoulder. She was white. Without words she opened her arms to hug me and I saw tears on her face too. Obama is right that this moment is not about him, ultimately. All of this energy, excitement, passion & hope is about what this moment means for all of us.

    Martin Luther King Jr. said “A man cannot ride you unless your back is bent.” Much of Obama’s speech served to contrast his approach to that of the hated George Bush who sat chagrined, pouting & smirking through the whole affair. Today, because an unlikely figure has been chosen by the American people to lead us, all Americans can stand straighter today and that gives me a sense of courage for the future, no matter the challenges ahead.

    • kj on January 21, 2009 at 04:06
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    for this essay (and it’s title and song!)

    was able to catch some of the ceremony live (the swearing in and Obama’s speech) but there were only two of us in the room who cared what was being said (and that about sums up how many obama supporters there were), so didn’t really get the sense and feel until this evening.

    .

    no words, of course, to describe.  except there was this moment, after the ceremony was over, Obama and Michelle were standing together, looking outward at something (goodbye to the Bushes, probably) and the camera zoomed in for a closeup.  then zoomed out, then in again.   these two faces, a tight shot of them, and it dawned on me as if for the first time, “This is our President and First Lady.”   i don’t know that it was real to be before that moment, and i can’t imagine what others are feeling about the realness of it all.  

    a shock.  also a shock of recognition.  this is us.  

    my god, the speech.  unequivocal.

  15. at the Comm. College in Oregon where I teach.  There was a small classroom set aside with probably 40-50 people crammed in (standing room only).  There was a good mixture of students, staff and faculty.  After Obama finished the oath the room erupted in cheers and applause.  I was glad I was there for it, it really felt good.  It was the same feeling I had on election night, but better…

    relief and joy…

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