CHANGE HAS COME!

Our 44th American President:
Barack Obama

Today is a monumental day in the history of our great nation. Today we gain what I hope to be a leader of greatness; A leader of hope and a leader of change.

As I was reflecting on this election and the transition of our new President, I was moved by his message and his request for all of us as citizens to serve in whatever capacities we can. I was so moved that I myself decided to serve in my own community. As of last night, I was elected to be on the board of our HOA committee. I know it is something so small, but I am willing to do my part whatever it may be. I love this nation and am so proud of our new President Barack Obama. As he is our new leader, I will sustain and support him.

In case some of you may have missed his inauguration speech, here are some of my favorite quotes and highlights of what he said. Sorry, it may be long, but here it is:

• "At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents."
• "Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or a short span of time, but know this America, they will be met!"
• "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear; Unity and purpose over conflict and discord."
• "In the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit to choose our better history, to carry forward that precious gift; That noble idea past on from generation to generation the God given promise that all are equal, all are free, and deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
• "In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given; It must be earned. Our journey's never been one of short cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted."
• "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America. For everywhere we look, there is work to be done."
• "Now there are some who question the scale of our ambitions; Who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans; Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done.....What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them."
• "The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works......When the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. When the answer is no, programs will end."
• "And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government......but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control. The nation cannot prosper alone when it favors only the prosperous."
• "Know that America is a friend of each nation and that every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity and we are ready to lead once more."
• "Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us; Nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead they knew that our power grows through it's prudent use. Our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint."
  
• "We will not apologize for our way of life; Nor will we waver in it's defense. And for those who seek to advance their aim by inducing terror and slaughtering innocence, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us and we will defeat you."
• "We cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; That the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; That as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself and that America must play it's role in ushering in a new era of peace."
• "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit...know that you are on the wrong side of history but that we will extend a hand if you are unwilling to unclench your fist."
• "For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies....that finally decides our fate."
• "Those values on which our success depends: honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism; These things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility and recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly."
• "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."

Good luck Mr. President, Barack Obama. May God bless you!