Inauguration Day

I started this blog in September, 2004, a Republican living in a Democratic state.

I've been a Republican in spirit since I was a teenager, but my sense of where I stood on the political spectrum truly coalesced in my soul the summer of 1980 during a trip with my wife to Washington, DC. I was just 22, had just finished my first year in law school, and this was my first trip to DC.

I was overcome by the history, by the majesty, by the feeling of awe I felt in the presence of monuments to greatness. And though I knew intellectually that Carter was a small, failed man, and that I agreed with Governor Reagan on many issues, it was during our walk through Arlington Cemetery that it hit me in the gut that we needed leaders who thought big, who aspired to greatness.

In "Charlie Wilson's War" Tom Hank's Charlie Wilson tells of when he fell in love with America.

I know it's corny, but that moment in Arlington was when I did.

The polls say that about 80 % of America is rooting for Pres. O to succeed, which is about 25% more than voted for him. I like that statistic. I like to think it's because my fellow Republicans are more likely to put America first than our Democratic brethren (see the whining and brutally vicious attacks on W after he defeated Gore), but the truth is that in good part it is because Pres. O has handled himself throughout this transition with dignity and strength and intelligence (kudos, too. to the Bush team--every report is that they are more than cooperating).

I try to put myself in the position of Democrats in 1981. I'm not forsaking my party--indeed, all I need do is look at the Democratic Congress to reassure myself that I could never stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Reid, Pelosi & Frank, secure in the knowledge that if left to their devices this country would indeed fall.

Many Democrats voted for Reagan (Carter having been their W), but even more supported him at the outset of his Presidency.

I'm in the 25% that voted for McCain but fully support Pres. O and his team. Of all the Democrats he could have chosen, he has, by and large, surrounded himself with men and women who appear sober and competent. I believe his biggest challenges in the months ahead will not be from moderates and Conservatives, but from the lunatic left fringe of his own party, people who just do not understand how the world, or normal people, act.

I hope he gives a great speech today.

I hope there is in his Presidency things I can support wholeheartedly-- energy independence, a return to civic responsibility, a call for personal responsibility for all, a rebuilding of our infrastructure.

I didn't help elect the first African-American president, but I recognize how great a day it is for our country. Perhaps it is a poor rationalization, but I know in my heart I did not vote against Obama and certainly not because of his color-- I voted for John McCain and my party. And because of that I can smile and enjoy today, not as much as an African-American, certainly--and not as much as those who pulled a lever--or two-- for Pres. O. But as an American I intend to enjoy the moment.

The fate of our nation, and the futures of our children and grandchildren, rest to some extent in his hands-- so I wish President Barack Obama well.