We the People...

While not as ground-breaking as the first, the second inauguration of President Obama was no less thrilling for so many reasons.

The first, of course, is the fact that we have gone through another transition/continuation of power sans tanks, mobs, and violence. This is so common for us that we all too often take it for granted. But, if you look around the world, you'll find that it is still a model for how a country should behave.

Next was the amazing progressive attitude prevalent in the entire ceremony. From the "Taxation Without Representation" DC license plates on the Presidential limo to the President's incredible speech, it is clear the second term will attempt to move our nation forward more than we've seen in at least a generation.

I was especially struck by the President's mention of "Seneca Falls, Selma, and Stonewall," touchstones to the freedom movements for women, African-Americans, and the LGBT community. While I know he supports those causes, it was heartening to hear him bring them up so boldly in his speech.

The President also mentioned that, throughout history, we have converted former enemies -- think Great Britain, Germany, and Japan -- into best friends. Now imagine you're hearing that in Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and all across northern Africa and the Middle East. Anyone who travels in those regions knows the citizens of those countries do not hate us or our freedoms, as neo-conservatives would have you believe. The governments of those countries (and, in much of the Middle East, their Islamic religious leaders) are opposed to the United States, but most of the people of the world still see America as a beacon and a leader.

In another nod to the world at large, President Obama pointed out that our security does not require us to exist in a state of perpetual war. After the last ten years, that would be a nice change.

If you missed the address, I urge you to watch it on YouTube or whitehouse.gov, or wherever you can find it. If anyone thought the progressive agenda would fade in light of the other challenges facing our country, you'll find progressive solutions are front and center in facing those challenges. For me, I find that both reassuring and energizing.