44th President of the United States of America

Barack Obama Inauguration Calls up American History – to ‘Reach for the future…’

By D.“Deuke” Eukel

“Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, when the city and country is alarmed at one common danger, we came forth to meet it.” – George Washington 1789 --

Jan. 21, 2009

More than a year ago, I, along with thousands of others, watched one of the many ‘spirited’ and motivating speeches by Barack Obama – then a candidate for the Presidency of the United States of America. There was applause and there was dissent. Rumors were rampant for months. Many saw him as a hero in the wings, others doubted his motives. There was the pervasive feeling to wait and watch.

My first comment about Barack Obama, and knowing little about his seat in the Illinois Senate, or his experience in politics, said he spoke like an “Abraham Lincoln…” There was no doubt his speech was motivating. I told friends he would be the next President of the United States.

However, not unlike the entire country, I continued to watch as Barack Obama moved from the proverbial unknown political landscape, to the forefront of popular appeal and political savvy. On January 20, 2009 Barack H. Obama took the Oath of Office – twice, so we’re told.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice John G. Roberts Jr. fumbled the words in the public administration of the oath and later that evening administered the Oath again.

Today, President Obama begins the work of “Meeting the challenges before us…” And they are many. For more than 18 months the country has been in an economic spiral downward. The global economy has been shaken from its moorings. American soldiers are at war, in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other “hot spots,” around the world. Each, are in a fight to the death. Terrorists from around the globe seek to destroy.

President Obama is indeed beset with challenges. He must tackle issues in the debate concerning national health care; public education, social reform, and the judicial system. He has the weight of the entire world balancing in his hands, and all eyes are turned to him. Will he be the “Man for the hour?” Or will he stumble?

In his inaugural address, Barack Obama said it was a new generation that has come forth to further the cause of our founding fathers. He said to the destroyers of freedom; “The people will remember you for what you build, not what you destroy…” He said to an audience of more than two million present at the Washington D. C. ceremony, and an audience of billions more from around the globe, to those who would embrace peace, “We extend a hand, if you will just unclench your fists…”

His address was inspiring and strong. He called up the history of America, when in 1789, the “Father of our Nation,” the first U.S. President, George Washington, said to the men who stood with him on the banks of the icy Potomac River; “Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, when the city and country is alarmed at one common danger, we came forth to meet it.”

President Obama confidently says he's ready for these challenges - is everyone else?

See Ya On The Flip Side.................