Barak Obama will officially become the President of the United States on January 20, 2009.  It is probably the first inauguration in my lifetime that I have been keenly interested in and excited about.  It’s like Christmas, New Years, wedding days, and birthdays all rolled into one.  It is a phenomenally historical event.  All this mainly because he is black.  I write that with a little ill-ease.  Is it racist to think this is a special occasion because of the color of one’s skin?  At any rate, it is an awesome time.  It is always hoped that the United States is, well, united, in its diversity, in its people, in its two parties.  We are entering a time of great opportunity for change.  As in inaugurations in the past, we are always stepping forward on new ground, a blank page before us to right wrongs, and set lofty goals, and go onward to the future with dreams, hopes, prayers, wishes.  Mr. Obama speaks of change with a positive force.  And change is what we desperately crave.  Now is the time to open the door to the future and leave past what is past.  May this presidency fulfill those dreams and aspirations that every single president has had before him – may this presidency be a resounding leap to a positive future.  May all the best of all the presidencies behind him, be the support and springboard for a future of opportunity and excellence.  Hail to the Chief, President Barak Obama, and God bless the United States of America.

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