Inauguration Day

Today is a beautiful day, wait- so was yesterday. To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the Civil Rights Movement on Monday and then the inauguration of Barack Obama the first African-American President of the United States today is truly amazing. We've come a long way baby. I feel very proud to be an American.
What I appreciated most about Obama's speech today was the way he called all Americans to action. That we all have a responsibility to our country to all work toward change. I heard this This I Believe essay on NPR on Sunday and it has stuck with me.

Thirty Things I Believe
by Tarak McLain age 7
 
As heard on NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, January 18, 2009.

I believe life is good.
I believe God is in everything.
I believe we’re all equal.
I believe we can help people.
I believe everyone is weird in their own way.
I believe hate is a cause for love.
I believe that when I meditate I feel peaceful.
I believe we should be generous.
I believe brothers and sisters should be kind to each other.
I believe kids should respect their parents.
I believe I should not whine.
I believe people should wake up early.
I believe people should go outside more.
I believe in nature.
I believe people should use less trees.
I believe we should help the Arctic and rainforest animals.
I believe people shouldn’t throw litter on the ground.
I believe people should not smoke.
I believe God is in good and bad.
I believe in magic.
I believe people should not give up.
I believe love is everywhere.
I believe that God helps us to have a good time.
I believe we live best in a community.
I believe we can protect people in danger.
I believe we should help the poor.
I believe its OK to die but not to kill.
I believe war should not have started.
I believe war should stop.
I believe we can make peace.