On January 20th, 2009 the swearing in and inauagural of President Barack Obama was deeply meaningful to me, along with millions of others. Not only did we get rid of W, but we affirmed some values this country has, holding them up like a bright shining beacon.
For me, the part where I lost it was when Aretha came out to sing. First - she was wearing THAT HAT, which made me howl with delight. Anybody who knows southern gospel traditions knows that you show up to church with your very best.
then, when Ms. Franklin looked out to the place, at the exact opposite end of the mall, where Marian Anderson sang "My Country 'tis of Thee" in 1939, I just about lost it. I loved the subtle homage to civil rights, and as a person who believes in the struggle, I could never have been prouder.
And now - while there will be challenges for us going forward, I woke up with joy as to the election results. Oh, I wish we had blown out the House and achieved a filibuster-proof majority, but you can't have everything.
and I do have a suggestion for a singer for the next inauguration.....
it's simple.
Kermit the Frog singing "It's Not Easy Being Green"
Okay - so - the election is over - soliciting your ideas as to who you would like to see at the inauguration -