A historical day indeed.

Today I told my cynicism and critical mind to take a break and to just appreciate the historical significance of this day; and to, perhaps aptly (cheesy-ly?) enough, have hope.



I've been known, often unpopularily, to not always be a fan of Obama's grandiose oratorical style (I blame Socrates for making me hate on sophists), but I have to say this part of President Obama's inaugural speech even kept me quiet and nodding in agreement:

To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

Let us hope so.




Finally, this section of the speech - and moreover how soon into the speech it came - provides me with cautious optimism and hopes for some traction for my work....

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Speaking of work, I even convinced my colleagues - who, as usual, were 'beavering' away - that they did not want to have to tell their grandchildren they were in their cubicle when they were asked where they were on this day (instead we can all say we were in an office building foyer or boardroom watching it with public servants).