January 20th, 1981 is a day I remember with distinct clarity. Reagan's inauguration was on every channel (well, there were only 3) and every newsradio station (also 3). My Mom was taking us on errands in North Tacoma, including a long visit to the thrift store where my grandmother volunteered, where I watched the oath of office. Everywhere we went, the inauguration was the focus of interest, and I was enthralled. In storefronts, flags and solemn pomp played on every bulbous cathode tube. Capitol crowds shivered cheerfully and newscasters voices were tinged with the magnitude of the moment.
I had been too young to form an impression of Nixon, Ford or Carter as political figures, much less as personalities. Likewise with Reagan; it wasn't until his second term that I really started thinking about politics and policies. On the day of this inauguration, it did seem like there was a sense of a new era beginning. The hostages had been freed (day 444), and I recall being puzzled over how that managed to take place on inauguration day. Today, it still seems a little weird*; I've yet to read an in-depth history of those negotiations.
So it was a day of great patriotism and hope, and I certainly felt a part of that. Today feels a little like that. Once again, I have unabashed enthusiasm for our President; this time not out of naïvité, but of genuine knowledge of Obama's history, principles, and character. It may fade away through policies I disagree with, though hopefully not through scandal.
* If not vaguely traitorous to be negotiating with our enemies while Carter was still the commander-in-chief. But you can't argue with the end result.
