The Moment Part 2
The United States must still be important. The whole world seems to be applauding our choice. They have certainly taken notice.
Did you enjoy the inauguration as much as I did? Countless thousands of people waited for hours in 29 degree weather just to say they were there. There was almost no chance they would catch even a glimpse of the new president, except maybe on the screens up and down the mall.
What an amazing display of diversity and positive energy.
People are always comparing President Obama to Lincoln, and the overlapping themes between them are logical and compelling. Rather than Lincoln, President Obama chose to quote Washington in his inauguration speech.
To me he is more reminiscent of Harry Truman.
Both come from very humble backgrounds. Both were eggheads, even in their youth.
Truman, too, was a constitutional scholar, and almost always based decisions on the law rather than how good a decision might make him look.
Truman was a pragmatist, but preferred to do the right thing, even if it ruffled feathers. He had a penchant for telling people what they needed to hear rather than what they wanted to hear.
The duties of the president are too great, and the ramifications of decisions too important to be overly concerned with how you are perceived.
In his speech President Obama emphasized personal responsibility. “Greatness is never a given, it must be earned.”
And on making difficult choices…. “Our economy is badly weakened as a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also on our collective failure to make hard choices to prepare the nation for a new age.”
Does this mean Obama is destined for Truman-level greatness?
Not yet. He has to show he can make those hard choices. He must cut programs that are not effective in order to fund others. Cutting funding is ALWAYS unpopular.
But, for now, welcome to the big leagues Mr. President. Our prayers are with you.
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