History and Hope

Today, history and hope unfold side by side as Barack Obama takes his oath of office at first black president of the United States.

The first-term Illinois senator will lead the most powerful nation in the world, hopefully out of two wars? He is the fourth youngest president and the son of a Kansas-born mother and Kenya-born father. He is 47 (same as my age), but most important of all, he is the first African-American in real life. In “24” they have had two African-American presidents already.

In a few hours, or rather at high-noon in Washington and amidst cold temperatures, thousands or maybe, even up to two million will gather for witness the dream of Martin Luther King become a reality.

Obama will stand on the West Front of the Capitol and place his left hand on a Holy Bible, which is really the same Bible that President Abraham Lincoln used at his first inauguration in 1861. The 35-word oath of office will be administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, has been uttered by every president since George Washington.

His oath-taking also puts an end to eight years of “W.”