Milestones...and miles to go

When we speak of our nation’s history, many of us often mark the passage of time in terms of universally shared milestones. Many citizens carry lasting psychological scars from The Great Depression, World War II, political assassinations, Vietnam War, the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 – to mention a few.

But not all milestones of our national life are wrapped in tragedy. In some, we discern hope for a better tomorrow. The election of our first African-American President is seen by many as an opportunity to peer over the horizon at a new America, a country hard at work rebuilding and renewing itself.

In every corner of our land, Americans are hurting. The global economic meltdown is crushing everything in its path – not just savings accounts and retirement funds but dreams of a college education or that first home, sometimes straining marital ties, and even breaking up families through foreclosure. The economic hardship is so severe for some that it has individuals choosing between food for the table and medicine to fight off disease. These are the essentials of which our lives are made. Nothing else matters when these are threatened.

Suddenly the voices that have prospered in political circles for years sowing the evils of oppressive big government are falling on deaf ears. Instead, people are straining to hear the voice of a new leader, someone who will use big government to lift us up – and unite us in the process.

On November 4, 2008, the nation began the process of renewal. Barack Obama said it was time to “turn the page,” and the people agreed.

Americans know their country has lost its way. Our country is not what it used to be. The various and essential systems that support our highways, carry our electricity, and deliver our water, are crumbling. Our educational institutions are turning out illiterates who know more about McDonald’s apple pie than “pi R squared.” Our leaders pander to us by delivering tax cuts we cannot afford. Energy prices dictated by dictators abroad control our economic destiny and no one shouts, “Enough!” – until now.

As 2009 opens its windows, who among us does not feel the excitement that is absolutely palpable. Why else would more than a million people willingly pledge to brave a January winter in Washington to hear a man repeat the same oath of office taken by 43 presidents before him? They could certainly hear it and see it better on television. Could it be they are drawn to an event so important that is the national equivalent of a collective turning of the page for this republic?

Tom Friedman wrote in his NY Times column a few days ago: “John Kennedy led us on a journey to discover the moon. Obama needs to lead us on a journey to rediscover, rebuild and reinvent our own backyard.”

Now that will be a milestone to remember….but we have miles to go before we claim it.