INAUGURATION

Yesterday I watched the inauguration on TV. Not the many hours of broadcast, but I did see the swearing-in.

I liked his speech. Unlike his predecessor, he is an accomplished orator. I told Lynne that a couple of times he sounded much like a preacher in the pulpit. I don't believe anyone can argue with his message. However, being able to perform a convincing delivery of a speech written by someone else is not unlike a performer displaying his talent on stage. Both Clinton’s come to mind when I think of people capable of making a convincing performance before a national audience, knowing all along their words were lies. They certainly aren’t the only ones, but they are among the masters of deception, in my opinion. Time will tell if Obama is another from the same mold. I hope not.

I thought the use of the word Muslim, twice I believe, was interesting. I don't believe I've ever heard that in an inauguration speech before, and it may be that now is the time for it. But, I fear it may give those who believe violence is the solution, reason to claim that their actions are responsible for that recognition, which is true, and then use that to promote further terrorism.

With all the turmoil in the world today, Middle East, Iran, N. Korea, Africa, etc, and then the environment and the economy, he has a virtually impossible task ahead. He acknowledges he won't be able to follow through on his campaign promises, which he probably couldn't have done anyway, but now he won't be battered too badly for it. At the moment, he has a friendly following in the media, and a Democratic Congress to support whatever initiatives he proposes, but if results aren't forth coming, he will have to rely on his oratory skills to reassure and motivate the nation. He may be able to do that for a while, but not long.

I sincerely wish him luck. He's going to need it.