peaceful transfer of power

In my Central Park residence in the Philippines (Davao City) and glued on television @ CNN, I watched the inaugural ceremony of the transfer of power peacefully from President George W. Bush to now US President Barack Obama up to the time that the former President took the helicopter that ferried him and former First Lady Lara Bush to Andrew Airport for their trip home til past 1:00 am of Wednesday (Philippine time) .

Out there in Washington, DC and also through the other networks BBC, ANC, GMA, I saw how the people in America received the new President with throngs of them who came for the inauguration. Chanting and high in spirit waving banners amidst the cold weather, I viewed them as one with hope and willing to share in the tough job ahead. With the President were First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia Anne and Natasha "Sasha".

The President in his inaugural speech urged them that they begin the work of Remaking America !

He started his speech by thanking President Bush for his generosity and cooperation. He continued on saying that he is humbled by his task and grateful for that.

As he went on, he said they have to remain faithful to the ideals of their forefathers.

He underscored the indicators of crisis citing among others the collective failures to make choices .... and when these indicators are present, crisis will be next.

"But we chose hope over failure".

"Greatness is never a gift, it must be earned".

"In America, all are equal, all are free and all are given the chance to pursue their own happiness".

"We extend opportunity to every willing heart."

"America is a friend of each nation".

The President also said that people will judge them "on what you build and not on what you destroy".

He said the world has changed and they must change with it.

"All this we can do, all this we will do," he said.

When I saw the jampacked National Mall, it reminded me of the Philippine People Power and whatever aspirations that brought people to this historic activity I hoe it will remain vibrant and that will not only be in America but in the Philippines as well and in any place around the globe so that there will be opportunities for everyone especially to those who haven't had any chance yet of grabbing one.