I thought about taking today off but decided not to since I simply can't afford it. I was hoping I'd get to at least hear the inauguration if not watch it but it wasn't to be. Our computers here at work are iffy at the best of times when it comes to streaming content. Today, I imagine I was #2500 out of 3000 people in the building in line to watch this historic event. But that's okay. In just the last 10 minutes, I've gotten jubilant emails from three people expressing their joy in the moment. I've heard numerous people here in the call center talking about it and the mood around here is decidedly upbeat. There was a viewing party in one of the big conference rooms down the hall and I heard a faint cheer just as our new president was sworn in. What a great day for America. Finally, W isn't president anymore. Finally, we can hopefully get some pride back in our country. Finally, the "old boy" political system isn't center stage anymore. I have no illusions that just because Obama is president now, all will be sunshine and roses. Things are still pretty bleak in our country. We're still fighting two wars. The economy is still in the basement. Unemployment is high and people are still having to make some tough financial choices. My partner and I are still second class citizens. But, the pall of shame that has blanketed this country for the last several years is lifting. We are looking forward to having a smart, articulate president that we can look up to instead of the embarrassment we've had for the last eight years. There is hope in the air. Yesterday, a black man had never been president. Heck, yesterday a Catholic had never been vice president. It gives me hope in our country and the belief that one day we'll all be equal.

This will be the last bit of space I will waste on George W. in my blog. He is gone! Finally! He can take his cronies, his lies and deceit, his ignorance and stupidity, his arrogance and isolence and hit the road. Hopefully, since his false Texan persona is no longer necessary, he'll leave my state as well. Go back to Connecticut where he's from. Good riddance to bad rubbish. Don't let the door hit you on the way out. Adios, you slimy bastard. I hope history isn't kind to you. You've earned the title of worst president ever. May you wear it forever.

Okay, I feel better now. I hope the rest of you do as well. It's a new day in US. A day to be proud.