I like inauguration day.  I especially like it when power changes hands.  Whether I agree with the incoming President or not there's something really amazing about watching not only an orderly transition but the transfer of power between bitter enemies.  There's something very special about those in power being wise enough to realize their system of government is more important than their personal objectives.

This inauguration is especially monumental for me because George W. Bush will always hold a special place for me.  For better or worse he was the victor in the first two elections I was eligible to participate in.  So even though I've never been a fan I can't help but feel a little protective at the same time.

I mean, I've disliked the man's policies for longer than all of you.  Back when everyone was cheering him for solving the communication problems between the CIA and the FBI by creating a whole new bureaucracy and placing it smack dab in the middle of them I was sitting at home asking "WTF?" 

But I've never disliked the man himself and I think any rational person has to admit he's been accused of things he simply did not do.  First, he did not lie.  I've looked and looked for even a shred of evidence that proves he lied and have come up empty every time.  Everyone believed Iraq had WMD including his immediate predecessor who had access to the exact same intelligence he did.  Also he did not take money from Halliburton or anyone else in exchange for favors.  There's never been any proof of that and quite frankly he wouldn't have needed to.  Halliburton wasn't going to be donating to the John Kerry campaign no matter what so there was no reason for President Bush to risk his legacy like that. 

The truth is George W. Bush is really guilty of two things.  Wanting to please everyone and being colossally arrogant.  Both those traits will probably cost him his legacy but neither make him an evil villain. 

As for Barack Obama, I really don't know.  The problem I have with President-Elect Obama is to this day he hasn't really expressed much of an opinion on anything.  He's for quality education and affordable health care for all but...I mean...who isn't?  Whenever he's pushed for a real stance on something he seems to dodge the issue with platitudes.

So I really have no idea where or how he's going to act as President.

But I wish him luck which is something he'll surely need.  The main problem with having your supporters essentially deify you is that there's no way you can live up to their expectations.  So even if he succeeds he fails in their eyes which is not a position I envy.  Particularly for someone heading into a financial crisis coupled with at least two wars.  So I hope he enjoys today's celebration because I suspect it will be the last easy day he gets for a while. 

The truth is, Republican or Democrat, we all have to hope President Obama does well in his new position.  Because things getting any worse than they already are is not something anyone wants.