Hope and Change Part II

We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths –- that all of us are created equal –- is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth.
                                                                                                 ~Barack Obama

• Seneca Falls, NY, 1848: Declaration of Sentiments advocating equal rights for women.
• Selma, AL, 1965: Selma to Montgomery marches advocating equal rights for African-Americans.
• Stonewall, New York, NY, 1969: riots marking the beginning of the cohesive movement advocating equal rights for LGBT individuals.

Yes, he did not put 38 million people back to work building bridges and roads. Yes, he failed to close Guantanamo. Yes,he sends unmanned drones to kill indiscriminately. Yes, he caters to big business almost as much as his opponents. He's far too conservative for me. He is a pragmatist when I want him to be a crusader. But damn. Just SAYING these things as President at his inaugural deserves a huge amount of respect.

No one is free while others are oppressed.