Post Inauguration Thoughts

I am incredibly moved by the words that our President, Barack Obama, spoke at his inauguration this afternoon. His speech was primarily about equality and freedom; it was a speech of hope for the nation. It acknowledged many problems we currently face, and gave listeners hope that these will be addressed in the next four years. 

Obama spoke about the need for our social systems in order to safeguard our people, keeping them healthy and safe. He spoke about how this country will thrive when all people are happy, healthy, and thriving members. Obama addressed the idea that our system often works only for some, on the backs of everyone else. He spoke of our country's success with all of us as a collective. It is an important balance between the American ethic of hard work and personal responsibility and that of everyone being equal to everyone else. It is difficult to juxtapose the idea that we must all be accountable but must all act for the greater cause of the nation and not as individuals, but he walked this line beautifully.  

I was energized by his words and his message, but find the depths of what needs to be done in our nation overwhelming. There is no question that Obama is the voice of our generation and I could not be more proud of his work. He is a symbol of progress, he is a representative of diversity and new ideas about who this country is for. I can't help but find that despite this being a day of happiness and hope, that I feel a tinge of despair. I feel that this country is fundamentally flawed, what with the second amendment and the way this country was brought into existence--on the backs of slaves. These fundamental issues have become root systemic problems of violence, anger, and socioeconomic inequality, that this country has carried with it for over two centuries.  These ugly things are written into our laws and our history books, and they are hard to ignore and overcome. While Obama's words were words of hope, we are still so far from what I dream of and what our people deserve. This is not a quick fix, but things that are part of the fibers of America, and the reason for my distaste. I recognize that these issues are fundamental issues with the identity of this country, and that leaves me at an impasse--where do I go from there? 

Both Obama and his introducer spoke in terms that quantified as America as greater or "more powerful" than other nations. While it is important for citizens to feel pride in their nationality, I think it is dangerous to speak about being such a powerful and wonderful place, particularly in light of the dangers and economic problems that we currently face. Many citizens do not have passports and do not understand for themselves the cultures of other countries, except for by what people tell them. I believe this American exceptionalism creates a certain arrogance and dislike of people from other places around the world, and I do not agree when politicians speak in these terms. 

Regardless of this, I do feel there are things to look forward to in the next four years, and I am eager to see what Obama can do. I know by his words that he believes in equality and freedom, but it will be a matter of what he is allowed to do for this nation. 

--Megan