“As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’ sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.” –President Barack Obama, January 20, 2009

Okay, this is where an actual sob escaped me. A small one. Here was the promise I was hoping for – the return to the rule of law, not malicious caprice. The impending death of the “Patriot Act”. The cessation of spying on fellow countryman and clearing the air of paranoia. We are indeed waking up from the nightmare, America.

Here we go, people — you wanted change, well hang on tight! It’s gonna be a bumpy ride…

Not that you couldn’t find it without me, but if you’re interested, here is the full text of President Obama’s (I do love the sound of that!) inauguration speech.

**A note: I just took on a new advertiser, Rainebrooke Colorful Laptop Bags. I only mention it because of the reasons I took them: This is a woman-owned and run company with a proactive commitment to the environment and leaving a zero carbon footprint. You can read about it here. I don’t get paid for writing about them. I only get paid if someone clicks on that ad in the sidebar and buys a bag. This is part of the new green economy, guys, and I think worthy of our support. No pressure.