Obama's Inaugural Speech

My high expectation for Obama's inaugural speech were met today. Perhaps it was the occasional CNN camera on former President Bush that made me think it has been a very long time since we had a man in office that could inspire others with mere words. Today, Obama did that for me--I was inspired by his words. Regardless of one's personal and political views, all must acknowledge he is a great speaker. Today's speech was a great one and I hope it will be followed by swift, decisive actions that are equally inspiring. On this score, I worry how much one man can do. But Obama has the power of the people behind him. He is in every sense of the term a rock star, his power immense.

A good friend emailed me today and when I replied I asked about her reaction to Obama's speech. She did not bother to listen. I was incredulous. History, I said, was made. A black man is the President. To me, this is proof positive this nation has changed. I told my friend Obama is more than our first black president. He is more than a gifted speaker. He is more than inspiring. I hope he is the man to bring about the changes he promised the last two years. I think he could be the man. The man that will push the government and cynics such as my friend to be energized. We are emerging from an eight year span in which the worlds wealth has been diverted into the hands of a tiny minority of people and corporate entities. Our government operated under a business model that not only failed but was corrupt, ethically bankrupt. In its place we have a man that may be truly special. Obama promised that:

We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

These are wonderful sentiments, things we should indeed aspire to. More than words Obama also noted that:

What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility--a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and promise of citizenship.

Obama's views express why I am hopeful and committed. I will continue to write, piss off people that violate my civil rights as a crippled man, and push for those with disabilities I have never met. I do this in the hope that in 60 years the life of other crippled men will not be like mine. These cripple men, women, and children will shake their head and wonder why was the unemployment rate among disabled people 70% They will read about buildings that were not accessible. They will be appalled that health care was unaffordable, people forced into nursing homes because no community support existed. They will read about institutions that no longer exist, razed and replaced by new schools and accessible homes. They will gasp in disbelief that people with cognitive and physical disabilities were stigmatized. So today, I dream of a country that for me does not exist yet. But one that Obama has at least helped me dream about.