Living History

I'm not a soapbox talker, not a political voice. I am only an American. Just a voter who, after many elections, and many changes in political leanings, can say our country really is a magical, wonderful place.

How many countries can say that they have a political system that actually works? Our country, after generations, has elected someone to lead us, that even a generation ago, wouldn't have been able to sit at the counter in a restaurant, drink from the same font of water, sit in the front of a bus, let alone be the leader of the most powerful, progressive, and free country, the United States of America.

I grew up in a small rural town populated of mostly white families. My graduation class of about 100, had no black students in attendance. There were only 2 black families in town at the time and I can honestly say, that those families were treated no different, the children were just 'students', not black students. I saw no difference, felt no difference, heard no difference. This was during the 60's and 70's...can you believe it?

I'm so proud to think that America has grown up enough to see no differences, at least none that would prevent a black man from becoming our President. I feel privileged to have been able to witness the inauguration this afternoon. To see that, yes, we are America, land of the free. The land of equal opportunity, people who are free thinkers, people who are able to speak freely and without recrimination. The country that was founded upon the notion that the basic rights of people are held most sacred and that we are all governed by the same laws regardless of race, religion or creed.

I don't know what drives a man, or woman to want to put their families and themselves in the political arena, especially as the President of the country. To enable comedians and the media (and therefore the people that support those people and institutions) to exploit them and the office that they hold. Although I realize that there is something called free speech, it irritates me when the media or a comedian publicly ridicules our president. Regardless of whether we voted for or agree with the one who has been elected, isn't it our duty as countrymen and women, to respect them? For heaven's sakes, they have given up their freedom, and their families freedom to lead our country and the least we can do is give them a little respect.

So...in the end...it is history that we are living. Our great country has come along way since Lincoln's time and I think he would weep with pride to think that we have grown so much and that he had something to do with it. The world should take a lesson from this great country that has done so much to help, is so sympathetic and who puts someone else's needs before our own. Just think how far we've come as a nation, in so many short years........