George Bush gave his farewell speech this evening during prime time TV. It stood bounds above his father's, in that he actually stood in front of the country--or, at least the cameras--and offer what was one of the more sincere speeches of recent years. He sounded genuinely moved, listening to the shakiness of his voice at the beginning of the speech. It was more than nerves, but the sound of true introspection.
For months now, change seemed like an advent, the last four years burning like purple and pink candles the eve before Christmas. Though as news on confirmations and legeslative bills moving quickly through congress, I feel like the fires of change have been stoked over night.
Five days out, and and I can't help but wonder what is going through Obama's mind. Is this what it was like in '33, or in '61? Will time make the speed of change seem like it was just one night when I tell my grandchild how the world changed? I've never heard anyone speak of FDR or JFK's first day with distaste because they were for the Grand 'Ol Party. Indeed, this change is historic. And when history stands clear in sight, it seems that solidarity stands with it.
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