what our children see

I have spent the morning following the media circus of the inauguration today. It annoys me how sensationalized the news has become over the years- almost like they are trying to become the next hot reality tv show. Anyway, FINALLY we got to the heart of the purpose of all this craziness, the actual oath of office and speech by President Obama. I have not been a big fan of his and have been waiting to be impressed since he first stepped onto the political scene. Today, in his speech I finally saw someone worth respecting and though incredibly idealistic (how in the world does he expect to make that many changes in 4 years, let alone an entire lifetime???), someone worth believing. I only pray that he carries through with his goals and holds the government to the ideals he so strongly laid out today.

What affected me most during his speech was the potential his presidency has to effect the lives of my children and children all over the world. Last night we sat down with the boys and talked about Martin Luther King Jr. We read his "I have a dream" speech and explained what Dr. King was trying to accomplish. Samuel could hardly believe the unfairness with which black people in America were treated. His expression was shock when we related the speech to Barak Obama and told him that Obama would be the first black president of our country. I love that he could not believe it! I want my kids to grow up understanding that everyone should be treated with respect and given the same opportunities. That Samuel never felt differently makes me very happy. (I have to think that this is a credit to our Philadelphia ward that is so racially diverse with amazing people who are appreciated for who they are not what they look like.)

I look forward to a society where the color of our skin really makes no difference, not just in the eyes of our children.