Second Reactions

My first instinct was to immediately set down my reaction to yesterday's inauguration. I just caught the swearing in--err, whatever we call it when the Chief Justice incorrectly administers the oath--before darting out to a sales call. Driving across town I contemplated the moment, the man, and the message. I determined to put down fresh thoughts before I was unduly influenced by the endless nattering commentary sure to flow on through the subsequent days.

In the event I did not follow that course, which offers me a great opportunity to instead offer my second reaction. In the intervening hours I have had the opportunity to talk superficially and in depth with several people, to read commentary, listen to talk radio, and even overhear others' conversations. My reaction is one of frustration. A large majority of the country seems drunk on the wine of wishful thinking, while the remainder already ooze the early warnings of a bitter backlash.

Therefore, my second reaction to yesterday's events is that President Obama is the best evidence of the illusion of President Obama. His high-octane rhetorical march into the hearts and minds of Americans has left the country exactly where it has always been: partisan, pollyanish, and prone to swings in political fortunes. The country will periodically get swept up in group-think political movements that will inevitably fizzle out. Eternal struggles for ideological supremacy will continue, and our collective will to ignore these realities will keep us repeating the process.

For all of this, I would like to think there are others who watched the event with a certain awe. As a confirmation of the exceptionalism Americans have often attributed to our republic. As an inspiration in our ability to overcome even the bitterest of social burdens and cultural strains. As a triumph of optimism in the face of tumult.

The inauguration is at root a simple theatrical performance of pomp and circumstance. Yet, it is an important and unique one which should unite Americans in the wonder of our grand experiment. For just one day, we should be able to feel uplifted by patriotism rather than torn by politicalization. We should be able to distinguish between admiration for a moment and adulation for a man. We should acknowledge history rather than indulging hysteria. And we should understand that while there is always a place for skepticism, there need not be a resort to cynicism.

For those who are willing and eager to be swept up in an emotional wave of feel-good hope, get a grip. For those unwilling to grant any quarter for a transcendant national moment, get a clue.