The excitement surrounding the inauguration of Barack Obama has been going strong for a few days now, but the real ceremony, the one 43 presidents have gone through before, happens today.
The swearing in of our first black president is what’s historic about today. It’s not about Sunday’s concert and U2’s performance, or today’s parade to the White House. That should be apparent, but with all the hoopla since Saturday you’d think this is the week of a Super Bowl.
We’re as excited as much as the next U.S. citizen, but we’re hoping people take a moment Tuesday to soak in the history of Obama’s presidency and not settle for all the peripheral events around D.C. or televised from now until Thursday.
There is reason to be excited, but let’s take time to reflect on what all of this means.
Whether you agree with Obama’s politics or not, the election of America’s first black president is history in the making. That seems to be the understatement of the week, but it’s true.
History is in front of us today. But what does that mean? It will mean something to every one of us. To some, today is business as usual. To others, who are taking time to realize what it will mean when Obama puts his hand on the Bible and takes the oath of office, it’s not just another day at the office.
Opinion
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Charles Dharapak
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RICK BOWMER/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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