There are precious few moments in our lifetimes when we have the opportunity to watch, with our own eyes and in real time, the titanic shifting of history.
This weeks inauguration of Barack Obama was one of those moments.
With two million people physically present, beneath the paternal shadow of Abraham Lincolns towering statue and legacy and with his hand upon that very presidents Bible Obama became the first African American to take the oath as president of the United States.
That fact alone makes it a very big deal a once solid barrier breached, a venerable historical fact turned on its head, a new road of equality and opportunity opened, one which we strongly suspect and hope can never again be closed.
Washington was a sea of joyful tears on Tuesday, as was much of the nation and even the world, to witness the unfolding of such things. The emotion and goodwill that flowed were a welcome balm to a nation which has grown weary and jaded in the face of great tragedies and discouraging news.
By Wednesday morning, of course, the sea of tears and the welcome balm were already fading. As Obama himself had made clear in an inaugural address that was more stern determination than inspirational oratory, the challenges ahead are real and very daunting.
Although it was just minutes after his swearing in, Obamas tone had noticeably changed, from the soaring optimism of his rock star candidacy to something that sounded considerably more serious and presidential.
That is encouraging. Obama was elected not out of a vague sense of enthusiasm for his personal charisma and soaring rhetoric, but for his oft-stated commitment to substantial and substantive change. In his first words as president, he indicated that he intends to take that promise seriously.
Expectations are high. America is involved in two live wars. Unemployment and homelessness are soaring. Health care, education and Wall Street stand in dire need of systemic reform.
Iran looms on the horizon.
Jews and other supporters of Israel worry considerably (and justifiably) about the prospect of a nuclear Iran. They continue to fret over Obamas stated plan to engage in talks with Iran, under certain conditions.
In his Tuesday address, Obama did not utter the word Iran once, but it seemed clear that at least one of his references had Iran in mind: To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their societys ills on the West know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.
Thats obviously not the definitive policy statement many are waiting for, but its an excellent start. We shall watch further developments with optimism and hope, as well as a touch of prudent caution.
Meanwhile, we welcome Barack Obama to the presidency and wish him a long and fruitful season of wise leadership and the courage to meet the many challenges he will face on our behalf.
