Today on Facebook someone asked, during a discussion about Obama’s inauguration: 

"I am asking this in the the most sincere way — I hear all of these supporters who say they are hopeful or so happy – but I am not sure why lol! What exactly is it that people are looking forward to or think that he is going to do?! Are there specific things or just general feelings?"

This is my reply:

"I feel hopeful because I think we should all strive to be what, in my opinion, this man embodies: people who value intelligence, continuing education and respectful debate, people aware and respectful of a bigger world than the small one we interact within each day, who follow the urge to serve a greater good that goes beyond our own personal dreams and wishes. That’s why I am hopeful. May we all strive to be better, whatever our goals in life."

The other day a friend said she cried on Election Day when Obama won, but her tears were from disappointment and anger.

So tell me: Are you hopeful or worried, and why? I welcome your thoughts!

From Ze Frank:

 

"From 52 to 48 with love

i would love to see a group project where obama supporters reached out to the mccain folk in a gesture of reconciliation…

 

something with the intimacy of the http://www.sorryeverybody.com/ project – but without the partisan divisiveness. simple messages. the feeling of being left out or ignored, or the target of payback is what made the last eight years so hard.
 

perhaps it is naive. the differences are real, i know. but we have to repair the damage done from this election cycle somehow…"

Here’s what folks have come up with so far. And here’s my contribution: