RE:We Can Do Better

I for one think the feeling of transformation in NYC is somewhat palpable. Yes, I still work for an evil mega-conglomerate. Yes, I am watching people be laid off and escorted out of my building on a nearly daily basis. Yes, it is still fracking cold outside. But I'm noticing the usual jadedness I encounter when greeting my fellow New Yorkers, whether they be co-workers, friends or strangers, has dissipated at least temporarily.

I find that despite the fact that my normal day-to-day isn't transparently sunnier than it was two days ago, I feel better about myself, and about my country. I feel better about my President, who spoke in the most direct, matter-of-fact, and inspirational way I could have asked him to yesterday. Who sent a message to me personally, to my fellow countrymen and the rest of the world, that we do still have principles, and they aren't that different from what they were over 200 years ago, even if some of us (ahem) have seemed to forget that in recent history. And we can do better.

Which is kind of how I've been feeling in my personal life lately. I can do better. We can all do better. And we just need to have a little more optimism, roll up our sleeves and work a little harder, and be a lot more accountable. And we have to believe we can do it. For the first time in a long time, I believe that we can all do better, and I have faith that we will.

That's not to say that I don't doubt somewhat that all of the things Obama has promised can truly be achieved in the current environment, but I believe this man is the best possible person we could hope for right now, and he will do more than most people could. We just have to be patient, remain supportive, and do our part.

If you have been hiding under a rock and somehow have still not watched/ read/ listened to the Inaugural Address, please do so, and be hopeful, motivated and inspired.