What the Inauguration of President Obama Means to Me

I was going to stay home today warm and cozy and spend the day with my dog watching the inaugural events. At the last minute I decided I wanted to be with people. Plimoth (The spelling rather than Plymouth) Plantation along with Comcast provided broadcasts on two large screens in two rooms. This was held in the Plantation's Linn Theater. I got there early but officially the doors opened at 10:00a.m. . Many came early as well and though the theater seemed packed there were seats in the front but many chose to stand.

I was asked to be interviewed by a reporter from the newspaper and was more than willing to be; however, the reporter was talking with someone else when I left. She said she would ask me what this day means to me. I've been thinking a lot about this question. In no particular order:

It means that the racist household in which I grew up would look very different today then in the 60s. A Racist's Daughter Supports Barack Obama.

It means that in spite of past racism my mom became an Obama supporter and voted for him.

It means for me that for the first time in many years I will Pledge Allegiance to the Flag. I wrote an article that explains the reasons that I have not pledged allegience but in a nutshell we now have "freedom and liberty for all and until we did this hand was not going to this heart.

It means that Sarah Palin even dumber than Dan Quayle, a potential heart beat away from the Presidency who couldn't name a newspaper will not be in the White House.

It means watching two little girls who clearly have parents who know how to parent grow up. My prediction is that in spite of the swimming pool and bowling alley they now have they will, like little John John and Caroline be treated as normally as possible and be shielded as much as The Obamas can shield their famous daughters.

It means to me that I watched this historical inauguration in America's Homeland which I thought to be sacred in some sense.

It means to me that for the first time in a long long time I am proud of the country. I totally understood what Mrs. Obama (Can we still call her Michelle?) meant when she said that she was never more proud of our country. Gosh she got a lot of flack for that. Had I said it to the press I don't think anyone would have blinked an eye.

It means to me that I don't have to listen to one if not the dumbest Presidents ever.

It means to me that there is hope and that I love to listen to one of the smartest Presidents ever.

It means that I get a great, warm feeling when I see President and Mrs. Obama together.

It means to me that the color barrier if not quite united (I think that will take some time.) has come down and children of color - any color - can believe in their dreams whatever they may be.

It means to me that the world will once again come to trust us; that we can go oversees and not get sneered at; that we will once again be seen as the great country we should be seen as.

America - you got it right this time!