As I was sitting in my study on the morning of the Inauguration, the phone rang. DK Shah from Chenai, India was calling, a friend of 45 years.  He was watching TV and said he “just had to call.” He was excited not only for us but for “people of the world.” He called Obama ‘President of the World.’ a bit lofty, no doubt, but certainly sentiments shared by many around the globe.

So much has been said and written already about this day and this time in our history.  A few of the phrases that particularly struck a chord with me:

1. -it’s the content of his character not the color of his skin...
   

2. -a Rorschach president
   

3. -a dream realized (color does matter)
   

4. -end of all marches
   

5. -1.8 million and no arrests
   

6. -a country maturing
   

7. -our generation’s JFK
   

8. -the depth of this man...
   

9. -hope at a time of crisis for the nation and the world
   

10. -he’s already a success...
    

His Inaugural Address didn’t rise to the lofty heights of rhetoric that JFK’s did. But it struck me as a tough speech, truthful and hopeful, one that should be read for its content.  As he spoke I was wondering what Bush was hearing as Obama spoke about the ‘gathering clouds and raging storms,’ his calling for an end to ‘petty grievances and false promises,’ and his challenge to build, not destroy, to unclench fists and to do our ‘duty to ourselves, our nation, and the world.’

I got a copy of the speech and have read it in a number of times. I am going to keep it and use it to judge the success of his presidency. I don’t know if he and we can accomplish even a portion of what he has outlined. But I can’t help but believe that we are witnessing an emotionally stable and intellectually and politically gifted man who every day seems to exhibit his depth and character. 

Certainly the crucible of the office and the enormity of the problems he faces will test whether he can translate his rhetoric and beliefs into any kind of reality.  He seems to understand what needs to be done. He seems to have wonderful energy and a strong backbone. The family he has built seems authentic and wholesome (he doesn’t have to talk about ‘family values;’ he lives them).  He seems mature beyond his 47 years.

Will he be the leader we need, the leader he aspires to be? What do you think?