I was quite pleased to see live coverage of the events of yesterday via CNN.com.  It occurred to me how lucky the masses of today are to be a part of the moment simply by opening up their web browser.  It's one thing to be able to witness events with the invention of the TV, now the convenience factor and real-time is taken to another level thanks to the internet.  You don't have to be swarmed in crowds of almost 2 million people and yet still experience history.   

January 21, 2009 was an epic day because the U.S. celebrated the inauguration of the 44th president –  because he is a radical believer in change, optimism, slogans like "Yes, We Can" and an exceptional speaker who can move millions and for the inspiration he brings to Americans of every creed and color as the first African-American president.  However, this should not be regarded as his greatest or sole claim to leadership and should not overshadow the job that lies ahead.  What is most important, is that he is a strong, educated new leader who is going to direct our nation along a new path.  Let's embrace this above all else and hope Obama is able to follow through with his well-articulated words, ideas, and focus on salvaging us from the bitter depths of our current situation, our economic hardships and woes as he clearly states in his  inauguration speech -  http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/story.aspx?guid={EA91B550-322B-4E7F-906E-95E8965F745F}&siteid=rss  No pressure, right?

 "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility."  This phrase should motivate every single one of us.  If we want this change to take place, it starts from each one of us, not just the higher powers that be in the government.   From the highest level CEO to the Union worker, I think people need to straighten up their mentality and efforts to work hard, learn humility, and be more productive for the common good.  I think there are those who have forgotten the strength of the US as a nation is prided on our ability to help one another.  The youth especially of our nation need to learn what it is to help each other, respect one another, and work hard to move forward.  We should apply our best to give to one another out of selflessness, and those who receive should also do so in moderation.  My mom once taught me if there is a pizza pie, you should only take one slice because there are other mouths to feed.  Dare I point out the reality that there are those who fall along the wrong path and are spoiled, greedy, inconsiderate, disrespectful and take things for granted?  If each of us doesn't make strides to be better individuals, I don't see how we can change as a nation. 

While I commend believers and fighters for change, action-takers and those who make it happen are the ones who should be applauded.   For one man to rescue us from the depths of our recession is asking for too much.  Even Superman and Batman couldn't save us there.   It needs to be a joint, nationwide effort.  We all need to take action.  If he stands by his word, then we too, need to do much more than we have in the past to contribute to change.  As individuals we may not be able to provide more jobs or relieve the deficit, but we can change to be better people, and in turn a better nation.  That's what I took away from the day-long events, not so much the "So, what's Michelle wearing", or the song and dance from the "Neighborhood Ball".  I'm proud to be an American and hope that we do more than we can.