Let Freedom Ring

Uncharacteristically overcast and cool this morning in Puerto Vallarta, it's like mother nature wanted us to share the experiences of the 1.4 million who have gathered in a frigid Washington, DC (OK, uncharacteristically cool here is 72 degrees, but work with me on this). It is also very quiet here. We hear the pounding of the surf a half mile away, but traffic is lighter than normal, sounds are more subdued. Perhaps it is because so many people here, like around the world, are so in tuned, so genuinely excited, about the change that is taking place today in the United States.

Though somewhat detached, sitting thousands of miles away watching on television, little of the excitement of this historic day is lost. There are several public parties here, but we decided we would rather stay home and savor the experience here. Most of us have watched inaugurations before. Never can I remember one as poignant as today's. The plethora of images beamed around the world illicit different thoughts, not just for those of us who are observers but for the participants as well.

For the outgoing administration, one wonders what in the world goes through the mind of George Bush as he takes those last steps out of the house he has occupied for the past eight years. Perhaps he shares the relief that 78% of the rest of Americans feel that he is finally gone. Does Dick Cheney appreciate the irony of being wheeled out of the White House, head down, looking very much like a scorned little old man? But today is not about the past, but rather hopes for a new future.

The flashing blue and red and white lights as the motorcade wound toward the Capitol. Seeing the moving vans at the White House. The masses of people. Sasha and Malia. Aretha. Overwhelming.

Through the pomp, I was awed by the burden that President Obama faces, wondering how he would address it in his first speech as leader, then carry it out in his first hours and days and weeks. What struck me in the speech was its universality. It was a speech to the world. And with the outgoing President sitting behind him, he clearly repudiated the errors, missteps, and corruption of the past. Inspiration comes to mind as he made it clear, it is not incumbent solely on government, but on all of us to overcome the misdeeds that have plagued the U.S. It is time to remake America.

At the conclusion of the speech, I logged onto Facebook and read the immediate reaction and comments. "Excited," "Shock & Awe," "Grateful," "Let Freedom Ring." Largely hopeful. But now, the real work begins.

Perhaps again symbolic, literally, as I watch the helicopter lift off from Washington with Bush & Cheney on board, the Bidens and Obamas waving farewell, the sun has burned through the clouds here. The temperature has risen. It's time to go to the beach to celebrate.