Free of Bush at last!

The big day arrived, I tuned in to watch the inauguration -- so many choices -- and opted for BBC. I skipped most of the beating-it-to-death hours before and after, and the parade. I have a feeling that if I turn on any news source right now I'll find out who sleeps on which side of the bed and in what.

I did shed a tear. Several times. Ahhh, Aretha. And Obama's speech was, as always, worth listening to. For years now I've stopped my ears when a president speaks, cringing in dismay and revulsion. No more. Imagine, a president who can talk, think, and listen! A president with intellect and a broad cultural view, someone capable of sincere diplomacy and yet unafraid to tell it like it is. I actually look forward to seeing what comes next. The contrast was amusing between the two preachers, the walking-heart-attack homophobe (I have to choke on that, regardless of the good works he has apparently done) and the old-time barely-walking black preacher who's seen it all. And thank you, Mr. President, for including us non-believers in your grand sweep of American religious diversity.