LIVE FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.: Inauguration Update #1 (by Josh McGrath)
By Corey Thompson, filed in Guest Features, Josh McGrath, Live From Inauguration 2009 on Jan.17, 2009
***(Editor’s Note: Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.” Although he is currently a student at Wingate University, Josh will be reporting for ‘The Quill’ from Washington, DC over the next few days, site of Tuesday’s Presidential Inauguration. As always, we appreciate Josh’s commitment and service to “The Thirsty Quill.”)***
“Inauguration Update #1″
By: Josh McGrath, Columnist
I am strongly opposed to Obama, his new appointees, and his entire up-and-coming administration. I hate how many believe that Obama is Martin Luther King’s dream. I hate how some in the African-American community view Obama as some sort of “savior.” But I would hate it even more if Barack Obama, one of the most liberal men to ever be elected as the Chief Executive, actually fails as President of the United States.
I spent much of my free time last year debating with friends, relatives, and even complete strangers about nothing but the election. For a social and fiscal conservative such as myself, I participated in many great debates. Some of these debates became so heated that my opponent and I were just shy of using fists to help prove our points. Because of the passion I showed in trying everything in my power to prevent Obama from being nominated, it is incredibly difficult for many of my friends and family to understand why I would venture to our nation’s capital to see the man whose policies I strongly oppose. Yet, I’m excited to go to D.C., where this weekend a can of sardines would offer more room. In other words, there are upwards of 3-5 million people expected to be standing next to me, all trying to see Obama being sworn in.
Over the last couple of weeks, it has been hard for me to explain my desire to mosey on up to D.C. this weekend, but I think I’ve finally figured it out. I want to go because while I may hate nearly everything Obama wants to accomplish while in office, I don’t want him to fail. If he fails, our nation fails. If our nation fails, we fail. Unfortunately, in order for our nation to see a continued success for generations to come, we need to support our President no matter who he is. Additionally, in a time when Democrats are in control, we Republicans (and Conservatives) need to learn to work with our rivals across the aisle.
In my mind, although I will not get to talk to him, nor will he even see me, I am still going out of respect for the 44th President of the United States. Going to D.C. is my way of showing my support, not for Obama as a policy maker, but rather to support my country, “the land of the free,” “home of the brave,” and as the place where “the dream” is being realized each and every day.
***(Editor’s Note: Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.” Although he is currently a student at Wingate University, Josh will be reporting for ‘The Quill’ from Washington, DC over the next few days, site of Tuesday’s Presidential Inauguration. As always, we appreciate Josh’s commitment and service to “The Thirsty Quill.”)***
President-Elect Barack Obama
January 17th, 2009 on 12:55 pm
Wow, I can really feel the warm and fuzzies all the way here in SC. Josh, I like many Americans would love to be there, to show my support for the 44th President.
While one can certainly debate how the next few years will go, we all can agree on our desire to prosper and not regress any further. On behalf of us “Quillers” who don’t have to hold back our dry heaves when mentioning President Obama’s name, for those who are genuinely inspired by his rise to the highest rank from a most unorthodox trail, please try and enjoy you. You may find that the pride you are surrounded by may become contagious and you may even feel pride yourself at some point.
To hate people drawing parallels between Obama’s victory and MLK’s paving the way to civil rights is frustrating to me. Once again we can argue about President Obamas policy decisions, his stance on cultural issues, but one point is irrefutable to me: Without Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his dedication to the good people of this country, and his conviction to his Christian faith, there simply would be no President Barrack Hussein Obama.
So please, take my advise here. Take a deep breath, clear your mind of the differences we all have, and stand in awe of the historical event that you are witnessing. I am sure you will have a wonderful experience. Be Safe.
Andy McGee
January 17th, 2009 on 1:03 pm
Excellent post Josh!
I appreciate you doing this for us, and I am impressed by your support for Obama’s (and America’s) success together. I think we’re all beginning to lean that way…albeit with the “dry heaves” Andy mentioned above for us “Conservatives.”
Enjoy yourself.