January 20, 2009: The New Age Begins

Yesterday at this time we were part of the world audience watching Barack Obama become the forty-fourth American president, an historic moment for a country with a long and proud history of them. In his speech President Obama had a difficult job to try to calm the naysayers, to enflame the courage of the American people and to lay a groundwork for understanding and cooperation among the various seats of power as outlined in the American constitution. He did not disappoint. He spoke with no notes that I could see, calmly, correctly, in an oratorical style born of long practice and an inate love and understanding of the power of words. I am hopeful. Oh, so hopeful.

The whole ceremony was interesting to this flag-waving Canadian, tied as our country is to our neighbours south of the border. The minister from California, Evangelical pastor Rick Warren, tried to be extremely inclusive with references and phrases linked to Judaism and Islam and a personal reference to his own beliefs. The excellent MC was an intelligent woman, the singer was Aretha Franklin, the group of stellar musicians performing John Williams' new composition were fabulous. Yo-Yo Ma's exultant smile lasted the whole time. In short the ceremony was well thought out and well performed. In the heat of exultation I forgot for a time the cold January day in Washington.

Of course Obama's speech was the highlight but there were many other moments, the last of which was the final prayer by the Reverend Joseph Lowery. His references to Martin Luther King were many but updated to today's world. Read the text of his prayer for an uplifting moment in history. I particulary liked his final words, and the trace of humour he added to his fervent plea,

Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen.