Obama gets to work

Yesterday's imperial spectacle in Washington D.C. was brought down to earth by President Barack Hussein Obama's inaugural address. It was a wonderful smack in the face to Americans and a slam of failed Bush policies. The speech was cathartic for me which surprised me because I've always felt that nothing short of prison or execution for Bush, Cheney and company would be good enough. Not true. The overwhelming turn-out, the irrational joy and actually feeling that it really was morning in America, despite the gathering economic gloom, contributed to the humiliation of Bush and his miserable administration that nearly ruined U.S. Government and cherished American institutions. If there ever was a terrorist and traitor it was the Bush Administration. Only if they could be banished to some desolate place - like Texas*.

True, the inauguration was a royal spectacle that seemed extravagant in the context of our economic crisis and Israels slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza. Still, I was riveted and enjoyed the pre-inauguration concert, watching massive crowds gather in the nation's capitol, and the presidential motorcade leading the inauguration day parade. Every element seemed to me to repudiate Bush policy and confirm American's commitment to returning to a sane government that's ruled by law and not by religious or irrational, neoconservative ideology. So, it was a great party to watch. Finally, we have a president whom we voted for!

So, now it's time to get to work. Robert Scheer writes about what he sees as the two most serious flashpoints - the economic bailout and the war in Afghanistan. On the bailout front he insists that there needs to be accountability and oversight. Both elements seem to be missing while the rich benefit from the bailout at the expense of homeowners and the rest of us. On the war front Obama seems poised to commit more troops to what is likely to be a disastrous quagmire of Vietnam proportions. Still, Scheer hold on to hope. Hope in the fact that we now have a "big-brain president" who might actually be able to think. But will he?

Bill Boyarsky notes that hard part is still before us and that Americans need to heed Obama's words and take up the call to service. Perhaps the nation's mood is ripe for this. That remains to be seen. However, without broad and popular support, Obama's dreams won't be made real.

So, we've got work to do and the hard part is still before us, but where are we starting from? Where do we stand now? How bad is our economic crisis? How over extended is our empire? Can we repair the damage done to our republic? Can we pull back toward civilian rule and reject our growing militarism? Tom Engelhardt contemplates where we are in terms of an unstable planet. Is the world still standing? he asks.

Today, the day after our 44th President's Inauguration, I was not disappointed. Though my expectations are low, I was encouraged by President Obama's First Day. Though there's a long way to go on many fronts, and an overextended U.S. military empire to dissolve and redeploy to a domestic, defensive position. Will we get there? Will we stand down like Great Britain did after World War II? Or, will we go the way of Imperial Rome and slowly decay through a series of tyrants and evaporating civilian democracy. So far, it seems Mr. Obama is determined to turn the listing ship of state and set a new course that once again pursues the American dream of liberty and freedom instead of fear and tyranny.

*Sorry Texas, I really don't mean that. I'm a Californian and so I always joke about how backward Texas is. At least you have Austin. And Austin is just like Sacramento! :-)