Obama...

It would be remiss for politically minded me to not mention a word about Obama's inauguration yesterday. It received quite a lot of coverage in NZ. I did not get up at 5am to watch the coverage, but must say that Obama is certainly an orator.

I certainly agree with a number of sentiments he expressed in his address.

"...We understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. ... It has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things- some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom."

"Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions... Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done, what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage".

"They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. ..."

"We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror.. we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

And the quote he chose in the finish was very profound. In the darkest of days where hope could barely survive, still moving forward to meet the day.

He's spoken well, but now comes the time to take action. He has the ability with support of the people and his party. He faces a tremendous challenge- the expectations are high. He has looked back to the past to see others who stood in a similar (although different) place. He's got a very difficult job ahead of him- but he has chosen it- and knowing the difficulty- he has chosen to walk forward. For that, I respect him.