January 20th, 2009 is a day that will be recorded as a historical milestone, an evolution of a society and government once stagnated by racism, corruption and greed, a day that made official the steps our country took towards change in the name of hope and new responsibilites.
January 20th, 2009 will be a day our youth will someday proudly tell their children and grandchildren where they were as they watched the 44th President, President Barack Obama sworn in to office.
This day represents hope, change, new beginnings and responsibilities, the Age of Aquarius- it means different things to different people of all races and religions, and of all nations, not just the United States of America.
Merlian News congratulates President Barack Obama once more, and is proud to shout:
YES WE CAN! YES WE DID! YES WE WILL!
"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it...."
"...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 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath..."
President Barack Obama
