Inauguration day thoughts

I watched the inauguration of President Barack Obama this week, and I was really impressed, and moved by what I saw and heard. I don't know whether or not I would have voted for him, if I was American - I never had the reason to study both election campaigns so that I would be in a position to make that decision... But as I sit as an outsider, and watch a man that inspires such confidence and hope, I can't help but feel that if anyone can lead America, and possibly even extend his influence to leading the world, to a more positive future, then Barack Obama can.

I was very impressed with his speech. His delivery was incredible - including the fact that he had no visible notes or prompts. To speak for over 20 minutes (and I've seen a transcript of his speech, and it's 4 full pages) is really amazing, and noteworthy.

But I felt that his message was really great too. I was impressed with his frankness in the way he tackled the issues, and the message of hope that I couldn't help but feel.

I think what I really appreciated as well was how he emphasised their "patchwork" history, and how their pioneers and forefathers went through everything they did in the hope that their children would have a free nation to call home, and have a better life than they did. I feel a greater responsibility to try and make our country a better place for our children.

Many parts of our history is South Africa are similar to the American story. And as I look at the country that we are part of today, I think that our forefathers - of all races - also endured much so that we could have the country that we have today. It is certainly far from perfect - with sometimes more issues than there are pages in the newspapers to cover them. But there are MANY positives. And I am proud to be South African, and to be trying to make a good home for our future generations.

I certainly hope that our politicians can look at the example set by Obama, in every aspect of his campaign, and his acceptance of office, and try to do things a bit differently in our upcoming elections. I don't really expect it to happen, but we can hope anyway.

But I am glad nonetheless to have a world leader that seems to have a true desire to use his influence for good.

"America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

I hope that we can give that same gift of freedom to our future generations.