A global recession of a severity not seen for perhaps 80 years; a new
war in the Middle East and old ones in Africa; missions very far from
accomplished in Iraq and Afghanistan; a prickly Russia and a rising
China. These international challenges must jostle for the president’s
attention alongside noisy domestic concerns like rocketing
unemployment, the desperate need for a better health-care system,
exploding deficits and failing cities.- Economist

In spite of being in the midst of these incredible and unprecedented crises, what we saw today was unbridled pride, optimism and joy. Millions of Americans huddled in the sub-20 degree weather to watch Obama get sworn into office and deliver his much anticipated speech. The energy was absolutely infectious. I myself can’t help but feel the same way. Looking back to how we arrived at this moment is astounding. A virtually unknown man in the national political scene wins over a country by inspiring hope, optimism and energy at a time in history when we need it the most – a feat that I have never truly experienced in my lifetime before. I’ve read and heard a lot about how charismatic and passion-fueling leaders and politicians are able to unite countries but to live and experience it is completely different.

I really enjoyed Obama’s inauguration speech. Instead of being flashy, replete with sound bites, it was powerful and full of substance. Reflective, I hope, of his term in office. It had numerous calls to actions for us Americans the largest being responsibility, endurance and sacrifice. Here are some quotes I particularly enjoyed:

“We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”
“… know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.”
” We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers”