Obama - What do I think?

Until now, I have held off expressing my opinions about the events of this week.

I watched the inauguration with my students on Tuesday. I, as well as most all of the teachers in my building, felt that the events in Washington superseded any curriculum (including geometry) that could have been learned in the classroom during that time. So what do I think?

Well, I talked with each class about the significance of the events. I downplayed the obvious facts about race and the presidency (my students knew that) and tried to emphasize that on days like Tuesday, we can better understand and appreciate our great country. We were witnesses to a day when political opinions are set aside and a peaceful transition occurs by a democratic process. As boring as that sounds, I tried to emphasize how all over the world there are power struggles that go on daily with violence and bloodshed. We live in a country where that doesn't have to happen. And whether you like Obama or not, you have to appreciate and be grateful for the process.

What do I really think? What are the opinions I refrain from sharing in the classroom? I think that President Obama's speech was exceptional! He has a presence about him that is, well . . . . presidential. He is polished, classy, and a talented orator. I am motivated by his rhetoric. Some say it is merely rhetoric with no substance. But, I feel it is the best rhetoric we have heard in a long time and if even some of it can come to fruition and make "change," I'm all for it! I see every day, mainly through my students, how people in our nation are apathetic to just about everything. If there is someone out there - Obama - who can get people excited and willing to work towards a common good, I want to be on THAT bandwagon. Plus, the stakes are high for this guy, but really, the only place to go is up!

My favorite lines from the inaugural speech:

" . . . that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

"The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works . . ."

" . . . we can no longer afford indifference . . . "

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."