It’s January 20, 2009 and as I sit at my desk in this early morning, pre-dawn hour, I can’t help but be excited. I feel a sense of possibility and hope, like everything’s going to be all right now. No, I do not see Barack as the miracle worker, but I do see a change in collective attitude, a reaching out to the other side, a respect for differences and a true desire to serve. I haven’t felt that before in a leader.
I know a lot of people are upset about Rick Warren speaking today. He’s not my favorite preacher and I don’t agree with much of his message. But, I do accept that it is his message and as strongly as I believe in my perspective, he believes in his as well. What I honor about Barack is that he had the courage to say that those who disagree with him and his values are citizens as well and they too deserve a voice. While other Presidents have said they serve all Americans and not just those that voted for them, the invitation to Warren shows that Barack actually means it. None of us are going away, so we might as well find a new way of dealing with each other. Labeling each other and pretending those that disagree with us don’t exist hasn’t work, so it’s time for a new option: Accept that their opinion is valid and deserves respect and a voice, not because I agree with it, but because I agree with their right to have it and express it. Starting there, for a change, makes anything possible.
It’s a good day.
