Obama's Inauguration

Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44Th president of our country. It was done with pomp, circumstance and a lot of class, as well as diversity. His speech was moving, not a classic, but one for this time, which hopefully is a sign that he is interested in the here and now and not how history will judge him at some later date.

He and Michele played to the crowd and really enjoyed their day, as was their right. Tomorrow business begins and their is a lot on his table. Actually, I feel sorry for the man because so many are placing so much on his shoulders. Unfortunately the majority of the people and the press have played him up to be some kind of superman, a role that will be very difficult to play.

Its like everyone forgets that the president does not act alone. Like him or not, George Bush did not act alone. The majority of Congress approved everything he asked for. There is moaning and groaning now, but the facts are clear - George Bush was not a dictator, Congress went along for the ride.

Now we will have to see if Congress goes along for the ride with Barack.

A final note. I was really impressed with how the Bush's greeted the Obamas, and how they took their leave of DC. Laura made it clear in earlier interviews that she did not like what Obama had said about her husband, but she remained a lady. I wish them well in their new life.

America has plenty of problems but a day like today helps us remember that we can come together as one, and if we put aside our prejudices and bickering, we can accomplish anything.

Its Common Sense!

Martin Luther King Jr

Today we remember the life and sacrifice of Martin Luther King, and the others who participated in the Civil Rights Movement in our country. With the inauguration of the first biracial president, it appears that part of Dr. King's dream has come true.

Unfortunately, this country still has a long way to go in terms of racial, sexual, gender, and religious equality. Most of us still have our prejudices regarding those around us in one form or another.

Perhaps today is a good day to sit back, be honest about our prejudices and evaluate if they are based on fact, fear or ignorance.

Now is the time to confront our prejudices, deal with them, and make ourselves open, honest, caring and sharing people. If the country is to be truly one, it will only happen if we believe all of those around us are entitled to same rights and freedoms as ourselves.

Its Common Sense!

Write in Candidate

The campaign ads are getting more intense. I'm glad I don't live in one of the battle states. Of course, thus far I have not encounter campaign ads while watching Turner Classic Movie Channel, Animal Planet and the History Channel, so if I avoid the networks I may be safe.

I know my daughter saw the title of this edition and is wondering "What is the old man up to now?" I do not have a history of voting for major party candidates. I did vote for Jimmy Carter for his first term and submitted a write in vote for Miss Piggy when it was Carter against Reagan. I voted for Ross Perot (I apologise, I'm not sure how to spell his last name) and Ralph Nader.

Major party candidates just do not appeal to me, maybe because I know they are going to fall into their party line, regardless of what promises they make.

So what I want to do this evening is ask you to share your thoughts on the best write in candidate for President of the United States. I'm not talking about someone off the wall, or someone with no chance. I am talking about some one you feel is at least as qualified as Obama and McCain and maybe more so.

If you could add a name to the presidential ballot, who would it be? I am really curious to know who people respect and feel is capable to lead this country.

I'll start off and say that my number one choice is Colin Powell. Now we all know his wife told him no, but I believe that Powell is the type of leader who could really lead this nation in a positive direction. I know he was part of Bush's cabinet and bought into the WMDs in Iraq, but when he realized he had been played he did the honorable thing and got the hell out of Dodge.

Okay, now its up to the rest of you to nominate your choices. Who knows, we maybe able to run a quickie write in campaign in the final weeks and screw up the election for the big boys.

Share your thoughts. Dialogue can lead to great things.

Its Common Sense.