They Walked

President Obama's inauguration was a day to remember. One of the things I found most significant was the fact that the new President and First Lady got out of the car and walked several blocks along the parade route. I'll tell you why I think it was so important.

Ever since 9/11, the Bush Administration has had America living in fear. This fear has proven very profitable for them as people who live in fear will allow things they would normally object to in order to feel safe. Using the constant fear of another attack, they were able to convince Senators, and the American public that the war in Iraq was justified. Fear allowed them the power to change laws to further their financial agenda. And fear allowed them to take away basic rights of privacy and liberty that this country was founded on.

Had President Obama stayed in the car, it would have sent a continued message of fear. It would have justified all the people who worry that this president is an assassination risk. But by stepping out of the car and walking freely down the street with his beautiful wife, waving to the crowd, it displayed a very positive message. President Obama does not live in fear. He trusts that his staff and the secret service are doing their job to keep him and the American people safe. And, I'll have to admit, since it was his first day on the job - it also shows some faith in the Bush administration as well.

I think we will find President Obama will be able to promote his agenda by giving us facts not fears. He has already taken steps to restore some of the civil liberties taken by the previous administration. These returned rights will not compromise our safety but rather secure it. The government will continue to exercise needed investigations - but with due process. That is the way our founding fathers intended and President Obama knows this is important to our country.

They walked tall and proud that day - and now we as Americans can all do the same.