This week was one in which I will never forget.  So often, historical moments of great significance are the result of tragedy.  My generation hasn’t had many “What were you doing when…” moments aside from 9/11 and maybe Princess Diana’s death.  The events on Tuesday will be something I remember forever.  Regardless of political beliefs, it was monumental to me for two reasons: 1) our first (half) black president was inaugurated and 2) I’ve never witnessed such an outpouring of support for a human being as well as for my country.

I think the most interesting aspect of the election was seeing just how different attitudes were regarding race amoung different age groups.  Even though we are all tought about slavery and the extreme acts of racism and predjudice that took place in the past, I don’t feel like race was really that much of an issue at all with my generation.  Sure, I’m sure there is a less-educated segment of the population who feels differently, but I think that most the the apprehension to vote for Obama based on race was left to older individuals.  In a way, I think it’s unfortunate that my generation may not fully grasp the significance of having a black president.  On the other hand, I think it is absolutely amazing that the race thing is almost an afterthought compared to previous generations. We’ve become so much more integrated in the past 40 years, and it’s really inspiring just to see just how far we’ve come.

As much as I respect Obama and think he’s a very intelligent man and excellent politician, I also believe it is pretty much inevitable that shady practices at some point will come to light during his presidency.  Think about it — no president has left office with a higher approval rating than when they took office since the birth of the internet age.  Would the World have ever heard of Monica Lewinsky if it hadn’t been for the internet?  Would we all know the truth about the corrupt practices of the Bush administration if it weren’t for the web?  I’ll be very curious to see if, in a time when the public has more access to information than ever before, our new president can consistantly live up to the praise he has received thus far.  Don’t get me wrong, overall, I think he will be a great president.  I just think that anyone aside from Jesus Christ himself would have a hard time not being ridiculed and thrown under the bus on a regular basis.  Either way, I’m really excited for what the next four years have in store.  I honestly can’t imagine it getting worse than it’s been (but I’ll knock on wood just in case).

P.S.  My friend Erin has a pretty amazing recap of what it was like to be there to watch the inaugeration first hand.  Just awesome stuff.