The Inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama

By the time I woke up Tuesday morning, I had already missed the inauguration of President Obama, but it was just in time for his inaugural speech. You'd assume an UCLA student would be competent enough to convert EST to PST. Everyone has been emphasizing how profound this historical moment is. I went to Anthropology class today...

Prof: Yesterday was a field day for all anthropologists. As anthropologists, it is our job to record and observe the events of this historic day. What do you guys think of it?
*silence*
Prof: Did any of you watch it?
*silence*
Prof: WHAT WERE YOU GUYS DOING?!

Her eyes and hair were a little nuts when she said that. Truth is, I'm sure each of the 300 students in that room knew how important that day was, we just didn't want to respond to her because she's so annoying. I don't like how she is so blatantly bias in her political views while also lecturing about cultural diversity.

I must admit, at the poll, I was a little bit hesitant to punch in beside Barack Obama's name. I was scared to put my faith in him. I was so worried that he would disappoint us. But I placed my bets on him anyway, like many other Americans, because there was total lack of faith for the other party.

I still don't think I completely understand how important this day is. I was not there when the United States faced the possibility of breaking into two. I was not there when there were laws that separated people based on color. I was not alive there when Martin Luther King Jr. gave his speech at the National Mall. What I understand is what I read in the pages of history books and the remnants of our country's past injustices.

I can not relate to the people with tears in their eyes when Obama took the oath of office. I did not cry, but I was certainly overwhelmed. It's true that I can not emotionally relate to how millions of people felt yesterday afternoon, those who never thought they'd see the inauguration of America's first black president. But as an American, I beginning to understand a little. For me, Obama embodied how wonderful this country is. The notion of America, being the land of opportunity for all, and being able to accomplish anything.... This inauguration is a source of inspiration for many, myself including.

I really hope this election marks the beginning of a good chapter in American history, especially after the last decade. What America needs now is a great president that will be recorded in history with the great's of our past, with Kennedy, Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt. I pray, that the accomplishments of Obama's presidency will outshine or at least on par with him being America first's African-Amercan president.