While Barack Obama was technically inaugurated for his second term yesterday, Sunday, January 20, to fulfill the requirements of the Constitution, the public celebration of that is today, Monday, January 21. It is a tradition that if the 20th falls on a Sunday, the public swearing-in takes place on the following day.
I was struck by some of the events that are included in the day's activities. There is, of course, the actual swearing-in ceremony, complete with Beyonce singing the national anthem. Two different Bibles will be used, one that was used by Lincoln, and another that was owned by Martin Luther King, Jr. And everyone is familiar with the glitz and glamour of the Inaugural Balls (only two this year, less than usual apparently.) But the day began with prayers at St. John's--the so-called Church of the Presidents. And later in the morning the President and Congressional leaders were scheduled to share coffee.
That's what really caught my attention. Not the swearing-in or the balls or even the prayer service (all good and appropriate things to do)--no what caught my eye was the governmental coffee klatsch. I don't know if it is part of the standard traditions, but I think it's a great idea. I mean, how many problems are solved in diners and truck stops all across the country by folks sitting down together and sharing a cup of joe? Maybe, instead of all the committee and cabinet meetings and public debates, the members of Congress and the President should get together every morning for coffee. Maybe they should let caffeine do it's good work and give them the necessary boost of courage and energy to really work on resolving their differences.
The Preamble of the Constituion calls for a "more perfect union"--not a perfect one, a more perfect one. One striving to live up to the dream of so many great men and women, including Dr. King, that this be a nation of liberty and justice for all. Republicans and Democrats and independents alike need to learn you can't have everything you want--but you can strive for the best. Which ultimately means being willing to compromise, being willing to work together.
A cup of coffee and some good conversation. Everyday. It's not too much to ask, is it?
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