Favorite Lines from Inauguration

Like most of the country, I was inspired yesterday. I was encouraged our country could rise above centuries of discrimination and elect a president not based on the color of his skin. I was enthused by how many people went to D.C. to witness this historic event. And I was moved when thinking slaves had built the Capitol and the White House, and were sold on the lawn of the Mall -- the same place where almost 2 million people stood yesterday.

History was made and I am happy I was a part.

When listening to President Obama's (what I smile I just got from typing that) inaugural address there were many things that motivated me. Below are some of my favorite lines of his speech.

• "Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met."
• "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics."
• "We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."
• "America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more."
• "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."
• "Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

What are some of your favorite lines?

P.S. While I was heartened by the United States' presidential choice, we, as a country, still have a long way to go for equal rights. Even now there are many races crushed by prejudice, religions that are not tolerated, and stations/classes that are discriminated against. Women are still paid 76% less than men, diverse ethnicities are still targeted by law enforcement, and unorthodox religions are still feared. We need to stop looking that other way. We need to face our intolerance (for some people) and indifference (for others). With this election, we took an enormous step forward and I hope we can continue onward for the our country's next generation.