Inauguration
Today is an historic day. At noon EST Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America. Ever since Obama won the Democratic nomination (and maybe even before) I have heard so many varied opinions of him that it is hard to believe that people are talking about the same man.
Some people say that he will be the savior of the country. He will single-handedly turn the economy around, end the war in Iraq, fix health care. You name it and he’ll do it. He can do no wrong. America is finally back on the right track.
Some people say that he’s a socialist, a communist, a terrorist. He is someone who shouldn’t even be president because he isn’t truly a US citizen. Before the election I was covered by a storm of people saying “We must pray for America! Our country needs prayer now more than ever!” This was said not because they have always had a true concern for our country but came from their beliefs that having Obama as president would be the beginning of the end of the world. Some have even said “Maybe he’s the antichrist.” America is doomed to fail.
Today, many people have said that they are proud to be Americans for the first time in their life. Others say that they are praying for Obama to fail as our president.
I say to you all: Shame on you.
Shame on you who say you were never proud to be an American before now. Yes, you voted. Big deal. What else have you done, other than bash President Bush? Can you honestly tell yourself that you could have done a better job? If so, run for president yourself next time and see how easy it is. How dare you disrespect the leader of our country. Besides, this is Obama’s first day in office. Time will show us whether or not he is the miracle some expect or whether or not he will hold to his promises.
Shame on you who wish for President Obama to fail. Tell me, what would be accomplished if your plan succeeds? Do you truly want our country to fall further than it has? If you pray for this because you think that it is God’s will you’ve got some learning to do. How dare you claim that it is God’s will for a leader fail. The Bible instructs us to pray for and respect those in authority. If you pray for anything, pray that President Obama will seek God’s guidance to become a better leader for our country and to follow His will. For those who thought it would be the end of the world for Obama to be elected: election day was a little late to start praying. Our country needs prayers continually, not just when there is a “threat.”
I know that not everyone falls into one of these extreme categories. Some people are indifferent. Some didn’t even bother to vote. Wherever you fall I have one word for you: hope. Whether you want him to succeed of fail, have hope that he will do his best to lead our country. If his best isn’t enough, hope and pray that he will receive the strength he needs to be our leader.