The British have their grand coronations and all their unrivaled royal pomp and ceremony. But the United States of America has the classiest, most dignified, civilized and celebratory exchange of power in history.
I didn't vote for Barack Obama, but I am able to relish the day and all it signifies. Inauguration Day only comes once every four years. On the occasions when the White House changes occupants, the rest of the world can only stand back, watch, and wonder at the fine discipline and respectful structure of our system.
The man who has been the country's leader for the past four years very simply steps aside and honors the transfer of authority to the new president, who was elected by the American people according to the process outlined in our Constitution. This peaceful transformation and renewal of our nation has been occuring, uninterrupted, since George Washington took the first presidential Oath of Office. It always presents our best opportunity to show the world what "government by the people" really means.
Change. It was the buzzword of President Barack Obama's campaign, and today was a splendid example that the U.S.A. does it best.
