Thoughts on Obama's Inauguration

As a mother of half-black children, this inauguration is a momentous event. I have never--and would never--vote for a President based on race or gender, but the fact that an African American is being sworn in to that position today--well, it means a lot to me. It means that our entire nation stands behind a man whose honor, integrity, influence, and determination were deemed sufficient to lead the country--and he is black.

Character first, color second.

The President first--a black man second.

I know racism still exists. I know not everyone thinks a "black man" can succeed in this job, and they hope he won't.

But I hope he does.

I am a Republican. I am conservative. I have liberal leanings on very few matters. But I consider myself reasonable and I view change at this time in our country's history imperative. Like I've said before, I don't discuss politics on this blog but I do have opinions and passions.

And I voted for Obama.

If you want to know why, ask me.

As my dad would say about change, we may well jump out of the frying pan and into the fire.

But today, I welcome change.

And this poem marks, in the spirit of our new President, change I can believe in.

I, TOO
by Langston Hughes

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.