Today marks an unprecedented moment in United States history. November 4th, 2008 provided a genuine feeling of accomplishment when Barack Obama won the election and January 20th, 2009 welcomed a genuine feeling of hope when we watched the first African-American president be sworn in. At 12:05pm eastern-standard time over two million people witnessed the remarkable transition of power in our nations capital, as Barack Obama became the 44th President Of The United States Of America. We have finally waved good riddance to the Bush administration and welcomed a new breed of politics. Hopefully we’re embarking on a politics of competence, accountability and a restored hope in a government “by the people, for the people”. Under George Bush we lost our way as a nation. Today we get to celebrate democracy and welcome a new direction for the world.Obama gave his speech to millions of people in the physical and millions more accompanying them at home. The speech was both sobering and uplifting. President Obama talked to the nation and gave them a glimpse into the change ahead. “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America,” Obama stated. Once again letting us know the road ahead will be tough, but we still have yet to achieve our greatest potential. When addressing the relevance of his accomplishment, he stated: "This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.” He addressed the people of the world when he said; "To all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more." When referring to the economy Obama said; “it’s a consequence of greed and irresponsibility”. He talked of doing business “in the light of day” implying that Washington was handling public matters privately and he would hold his administration accountable. Moments of the speech were chilling. Obama seemed to deliver a much more serious assessment of our current state. He acknowledged that we must stand together in favor of freedom and that our policy towards domestic and foreign problems will be addressed. To the critics abroad and terrorist that seek to harm our people he had the strongest of words; "Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred, old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life ... and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you." After the speech Obama had lunch with Congress before he led the charge down Pennsylvania Avenue toward his newly acquired white house. Obama traveled with his wife Michelle down the parade line briefly walking and occasionally getting in the car to stay warm. People cheered as excellence transpired in front of our eyes. The President and First Lady smiled and waved at adoring spectators. The two arrived in their new home just before dark to watch the parade with friends and family. Barack Obamas accomplishment is living proof that the American dream exists. We should all be grateful to live in a time when slavery doesn’t exist and people are looking past race insecurities. This world has many obstacles and nothing is ever given to us. To quote the man of the hour Barack Obama from his speech earlier this morning; “greatness is never given, it must be earned”. We all must do our part to better humanity and collectively we can truly change this world. Nelson Mandela: “Mister President, you have brought a new voice of hope that these problems can be addressed and that we can in fact change the world and make of it a better place."We wish you all a safe and blessed 2009.