Monday, January 21, 2013

Daily Kos: Thoughts on an Inaugural Day

Daily Kos: Thoughts on an Inaugural Day:


Thoughts on an Inaugural Day

A new term has officially begun.  The celebrations began even earlier than that.  Today the nation officially celebrates, and we will hear what our President has to offer as his vision for his 2nd four years.
I know there will be times where I will be critical of him and of his administration.  Some of those criticisms will be very strong - on human rights for those denied them, on our increasing use of drones, on the unwillingness to fully protect whistleblowers, on its flawed and damaging educational policy, on an apparent willingness to give too many breaks to certain financial institutions . . . .
And yet I know also how much has been accomplished, starting with the Lily Ledbetter Act leading up to the President's personal commitment to do something about the gun culture that is ruining so many lives and so many communities.
I am 66.  I was born when Truman was President.  I still have some memories of him from my kindergarten days.  Since then I have lived through the presidencies of Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, GHW Bush, Clinton, GW Bush and now Obama.  I lived during the terms of 12 Presidents,  So perhaps what I offer below the fold comes with some depth of perspective, perhaps not.  In any case I invite you to continue reading.