alittlenews

Sunday I covered a pre-inaugural celebration for Barak Obama in Decatur.  Mr. Obama was busy elsewhere and did not attend but that did not dampen the enthusiasm.  I am off work on inauguration day so I had the chance to see the inaugural on tv and hear Mr. Obabma’s speech.  I am a conservative and usually vote Republican.  Unlike many in the conservative community, Barak Obama’s election did not bother me.  In fact, I think he will be a fine president and my only reservation is in the way he will handle abortion and a couple of other social issues.  His votes in congress on abortion issues have been opposite of my views.  Today, however, I join America and the world in welcoming Barak Obama and family to the White House.  May your stay be blessed by the Almighty with grace and peace.

Joyful supporters of Barack Obama celebrated his inaugural Sunday at Liz Vaughn's home in Decatur. Vaughn and Yolanda Baker are all smiles during the event. Photo by Gary Cosby Jr. 1/17/09

I will say that parts of President Obama’s inauguration address were very inspiring and whatever you think of his politics the man can really speak.  I was glad to hear him direct a very clear message to the enemies of our nation that they should expect nothing short of defeat.  I am glad to hear that the precious blood that has been shed to this point in the war on terror will not be wasted.  I do feel sorry for President Obama.  The expectations placed on this man and his presidency here and around the globe are unachievable.  Just the expectations placed on him by his own party are unreasonable.

I strongly disliked the presidency of Bill Clinton and did my share of verbal stone throwing.  The Clinton presidency did teach me one thing.  It taught me that no matter what happens from this point on I will not criticise the president.  I will be praying for him.  President Obama will need the prayers of this nation more than any man who has taken the oath of office in the last half century.  While I am sure I will not be in agreement with his politics in many cases, I will be sure to be praying for him every step of the way.  The nation is far more important than any political party or agenda, liberal or conservative.

We are entering a new era of American politics.  How that will turn out is unclear.  All that is clear is that the nation has a serious financial crisis to deal with.  The world has a serious financial crisis to deal with.  As this new era begins in American politics let us hope that the change produces a positive, and not a negative, effect.  The country is alive with hope right now.  May that hope lift the nation from the brink and get us back onto sound footing.  President Obama will face many different crises in his presidency, may he be blessed with the wisdom from above to deal with them effectively.

Though you enter the office in less than perfect conditions, Welcome Mr. President.

Photo copyright Gary Cosby Jr., The Decatur Daily.  The opinions expressed in this blog are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.