Yesterday’s inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama will forever be a momentous occasion in American history, the symbolism of the day broad such that any could find therein the personal motivation to do right, the significance of the event clear such that the world would pause to take notice, the intentions of the President clear such that no mistake should be made in distinguishing the old policies from the new. Whereas the installment of Obama by the people and the Constitution to our highest office is but the first page of a yet unproven executive, those of a progressive patriotic disposition have every right to be optimistic about the months and years to come. I look forward to laying the foundations of my professional life during these times, to be a part of something greater than myself. Will it all be a fairy tale? Nonsense. Is America this day on the right side of history? To be sure.
Listening to yesterday’s speech, I was particularly taken by its grounded rhetoric. Lines that specifically resonated (and that apparently meant something to another community as well):
[O]ur power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. . . [O]ur power grows through its prudent use. Our security emanates from the justness of our cause; the force of our example; the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
Very similar ideas have been recurring topics in the short time since I began this project, and I intend to continue in the same vein. Assuming that America’s approach to engaging with the world will be marked by some of the themes discussed here, an adherence to the virtues called out by the President will be a measure of his effectiveness. Invigorated alliances — defined by willing participants, shared knowledge, and an ability to forge novel relationships — will not overcome waning relevance overnight, yet the perils of unilateralism have made their own case for commiting American leadership to grow our strategic and ground-level partnerships abroad. With the new administration must come the realization that most of the world is vested in its peace, most desires social and cultural freedom, and most is not American. Power will only carry so far; beyond that, leadership must take the wheel.
Now, though, it’s time to let the immortal John Coltrane sound in the night.
