It is a changed America from 4 years ago.
Maybe in some ways it's a more cynical, more deeply politically divided America. At the same time, in many ways it is also a much better America than when President Obama took over the reigns from George Bush. The economy was in shambles, troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Osama Bin Laden still on the loose.
President Barack Obama was chosen for a second term because the people of the US rewarded him for reviving the economy after it had reached rock bottom. For bringing the troops back from Iraq and in being instrumental in removing Osama Bin Laden from the world scene. .
On the social front much has also changed - Americans who could not afford health care can now look forward to a healthier future. Americans also no longer have to think twice about a gay and lesbian marriage, just like they no longer make a huge issue about the race or religion of their president. That is undeniable progress.
What people watched today around the world is an historic, truly American moment — this time, combined with a national holiday that honors Dr.Martin Luther King, which only added to the symbolism of the occasion.
As such, this inauguration should signal Americans to celebrate what it has, where it is today, and what makes that nation truly unique in the world. It hopefully will give politicians the impulls to rededicate itself to working together to confront their economic and social woes without falling back on harsh, partisan political divisions.
The symbolism of this American Presidential inauguration can also serve as a lesson to Europeans, now united in the European Union, and who carry a special place in their hearts for President Obama.
America was after all the country to where many of Europe's forefathers migrated to as it gave them the opportunity to escape tyranny and religious persecution at home.
EU citizens watching this spectacle and reflecting on its historic importance were reminded that the ideals of the European Union in many ways are a mirror of what America stands for. Europe might not be there yet, but it should also not give up on their road to democracy, unity, and equality, which so far has brought the European continent more than 50 years of peace and prosperity.
Congratulations America - friends are allowed to be critical of each other at times, but also applaud each other on special occasions like these - may America always remain a Democratic symbol to the world and committed to what is written on the Statue of Liberty.
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses, yearning to breath free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."
EU-Digest
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