InSpiritry

I do solemnly swear

that I will faithfully execute the office

of President of the United States of America…

It happened! It really happened! Barak Obama has been sworn in as the first African American President of the United States!

The moment we have long awaited finally arrived today at noon, and what a moment it was! After a beautiful Washington DC dawn welcomed thousands of flag-waving Americans gathered on the mall and while cheering parade watchers waited with their faces full of smiles and tears, it happened. As we all watched, a young man’s leadership moved us into a new era– not only beyond racial divisions, but also beyond global aggression, beyond financial thievery, beyond partisan politics and beyond business as usual. As Barak Obama took the oath of office, promising to uphold this country, we also took an oath to bravely follow him into our future.

Like the orator he is, he spoke words we have needed to hear. As a word lover and progressive, I delighted in the power of his speech. But, even with all he said, it was not his words, but our words that struck me most. (more…)

Cash for trash!

Paul Krugman discussing the financial bailout, New York Times, Sept. 22.

Ahh, memories of 2008…

First came the slump in the housing market and growing mortgage defaults, then we found out about those infamous credit default swaps which were followed by the collapse of financial institutions and insurance companies (and the stock market along with them), then the call for a bailout of auto manufacturers and later other smaller companies and most recently the Bernie Madoff investment debacle. The economic house of cards that American finance built over the past two decades is in a heap on the floor, and we, Americans, are asking ourselves disturbing questions: (more…)