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therieb's brief thoughts on the inauguration

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Well there you have it. Bush is gone, Obama is in. Most everyone I know is ecstatic. It's a pretty reasonable reaction. The Bush years have been some of the worst we've known (especially among those of us who are too young to remember Reagan). This is a day for everyone who supported Obama to enjoy.

Inaugurations are supposed to be times of selflessness. We are asked not to think of ourselves, but rather of that big, often insane project that is America. I would ask, however, for a moment of selfishness from my liberal friends, and I'm sure they will have no trouble obliging me. After the speeches, the balls, and the concerts, take stock. Figure out where you are. What can you afford? Can you send your kids to college? Can you retire? How safe do you feel with your investments? What happens if you get sick?

I realize that Obama is assuming control of a country that is asking itself these questions, and he bears no more responsibility for our current situation than any of the other 100 members of the Senate. The answers to these questions, however, are now in his hands. Each of us should do his accounting and put it in a drawer somewhere, so we can critically take a look at Obama's progress when euphoria of „he's not W“ wears off.

Inauguration day is a time to think of the country at large, but save your accounting, and I'll see you in four years.