the part of No we should all understand

as inauguration day comes to a close in the pacific time zone, i was struck by one question...

how is this not a national holiday?

i don't ask strictly because of the historic nature of today's inauguration, but because of the significance of all inaugurations. we continually preach to the world that our democratic system is what all nations should strive for. we remark constantly about our ability to hold political and social discussions in a civilized forum and demonstrate how to transition power from one regime to another without violence.

inauguration day is the culmination of that democratic process that we hold so dear. if people want to talk about making the day after the super bowl a holiday (sarcastic or not), how can we not discuss making this one tuesday every four years worthy of stopping the business of the nation?

i do hope that you'll pardon yesterday's post. the spirit of the events that were to come swept me up and i may have become a bit grandiose. i thank you for indulging me. however i ask for your patience once again.

as the day has gone along, i have heard from those who are cynical about what the next four years may bring. in the wave of anticipation and good feeling that have led to the inauguration, we should not forget that there are many who did not feel that barack obama was the right person for the job.

but even before taking the oath of office, mister obama was making efforts to include dissenting voices into his cabinet. likewise, those of us who believe in the president's vision should not immediately discount rival opinions. our country is entering a period unlike any seen in generations. one that does not come with an easy blueprint to follow. and though it will take a concerted, unified effort to repair what is broken, it will also take a critical eye to forsee potential problems with the method.

my hope is that those who are critical disapprove for the sake of trying to make a better way. we should look to avoid pettiness and disagreement for its own sake. otherwise, we will find ourselves sunk further into the quicksand of the last eight years.

in the same way, let those who are supportive not follow blindly, but have the insight and foresight to accept constructive criticism and use it to shape their ideas and actions.

it's been an historic day, an unforgettable day for many and a day that we should all hope renews the promise of our country, our world and ourselves.