The presidential inauguration, which occurs every four years, is America's finest moment.
More so than in any other official event, the presidential inauguration joyously marks the time that we celebrate our democracy and our American spirit. As we flock to Washington, D.C., and watch on television, we can feel a special, glowing pride.
It really doesn't matter whether you are for or against President Barack Obama — or any of his predecessors. It certainly makes no difference, either, if you supported or opposed the president's domestic, economic, and foreign policies during the long and bitter presidential election campaign last year.
What does stand out, however, is the unavoidable conclusion that we are all in this together, as Americans, and that we need one another to keep a strong union. What could possibly be more important?
That famous journey to take the Oath of Office is a president's coronation, American style. The Founding Fathers shrewdly decided not to repeat the structure of government that they had experienced in England. Our democracy is only as powerful as our nation's ability to listen to one another and agree to move forward, in the end.
Of course, it is totally acceptable for anyone to oppose the president on the crucial issues of the day. In fact, we should demand of ourselves this kind of behavior.
This ceremony may lack the drama of a government changing its stripes before our eyes. President Obama is experiencing his second inauguration, after he defeated Mitt Romney in November. But we can still honor our country's ideals. I hope everyone feels a special satisfaction in watching the proceedings, even if you despise the president's goals. We should put aside our ideologies and revel in what we all stand for.
Tomorrow, we can get back to criticizing the presidential policies again. For now, let's simply enjoy the greatness and majesty of the moment, America's finest moment.
Jon Friedman writes the Media Web column for MarketWatch.com. Click here to read his latest column. He is also the author of "Forget About Today: Bob Dylan's Genius for (Re)invention, Shunning the Naysayers and Creating a Personal Revolution. Click here to order a copy. Read more reports from Jon Friedman — Click Here Now.
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