History

History

There can be no doubt in anyones mind that today is one of those few moments in a persons life where true history is being made. There also should be no doubt, that as I write this at 11:00 AM, before the transfer of power in the government of the United States, that we are experiencing the last moments of unbridled optimism about the possibilities for the future.

One of the first historical moments I remember in my life is the inauguration of President Kennedy in 1961. Remember is of course a convenient construct of the mind. I was 7 years old. The big event was my father had bought my mother a television, our families first, so she could watch the inauguration. I would be hard pressed to remember a word President Kennedy spoke that day, if I were to rely on my memory from that day only and not the constant replay of his inaugural address. But it does not really matter. I remember history was made that day and I was a witness.

Looking back on that day, and the innocence of a 7 year old, I am struck by the meaning of it all. As a 7 year old, I had no concept of the future. I did not know if it would be good or bad, and yes it was both. But I knew from the look of my mother and father on that day that something special, something significant was taking place. And I had a "front row" seat.

Today, before the oath of office and the inaugural address, we as a nation are once again swept up in a moment of innocence. We can wrap ourselves in a blanket of denial for another hour, firmly pretending that life will become easy once the clock strikes high noon. And after the last 8 years of...(my mother once told me if you can't say something good, don't say it).... having an hour of blissful denial is actually quite peaceful.

Today, of course, the promise of change translates into the hard work of making change happen. The innocence that it will be easy will be replaced with the reality that it is hard work. But as a nation we are ready to work. We are ready to replace the narcissism of I with the selflessness of we. For today is truly a day of history. And we are its witness......let it snow!