Yesterday, January 20, 2009, President Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States.
Most of my colleagues tuned in to the ceremonies on their computers. Although I did not, I am glad to have access to the speech, which to me was the essence of the occasion, since it was the new president's message to the nation. I could always log on later for videos and highlights, and I am sure that the media will continue to talk about it in days to come. I try not to saturate myself with coverage (except for glimpses of photos) so that the enigma of this historic event will not easily wear off.
The day before the inauguration was a holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.. Somebody asked if Obama is the "fulfillment" of King's dream or if we still have ways to go.
Here was my response:
I think perceiving Obama as the "fulfillment" of King's dream depends on the depth, intensity, and memory of experience among those who are able to personally contrast what life was like for them which MLK expressed in his lifetime, and what Obama now represents...
We still have ways to go but I think...that Obama represents a symbol of hope and inspiration. There will always be discontent and violence in human nature and societies, but I think that Obama has the aura and demeanor of a leader that makes one believe or at least aim for realizing King's dream in its various manifestations - whether it be through law, service, accountability, or justice.
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