I woke up this morning and turned on the television to see hundreds of thousands of people lining the Washington Mall and the streets of Washington, DC. I was struck by the fact that all these people, young and old, from around the country were braving the cold not to celebrate a football team's Super Bowl victory or to see a rock concert, as is so often the reason for large gatherings of crowds, but to witness democracy in action.
The 20th Amendment to the Constitution provides that the president's term ends on January 20th at noon and that at that time the president's successor's term begins. Article II of the Constitution prescribes a short, simple oath. And with that the transfer of power is complete. It is a peaceful and profound transition that is uniquely American.
Today there were plenty of cheers and tears and pomp and circumstance. Tomorrow, however, is a new day and our new president and vice-president will go to work. I wish them well.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
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2 comments:
It is a very exciting day for us all & that was a very lovely worded post, thank you!
This was a lovely post! I am so proud to live in this great country!
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