What a Day!

Today we celebrate the birthdays of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert E. Lee. These two are acknowledged GREAT Americans that everyone writes amazing things about. There were several editorials in today's Democrat-Gazette pointing out why both of these Southern men deserve to be remembered on this holiday and why it is fitting that they both be included in the honor. I certainly think that all should read more about these two, especially if they think they are in some position to be critical of either of them. Harding gave the students, faculty and staff a holiday for the first time. I am still in shock. Not to belittle either of these great men, but today was also my Dad's birthday. He was always, and will always remain one of the greatest men I have ever known. It is somehow fitting that his birthday should also be today.

I have also been fascinated about the build-up to the inauguration of Obama tomorrow. Twelve years ago today, many of us us were in D.C. celebrating the second inauguration of Clinton, but we never dreamed that on January 20, 2009, this wonderful country would swear-in a "black" president. I would use the term "African-American" but in this context, he can only be described as "American." We have come such a long way. I am going to the home of some dear friends to see the actual "swearing in." There will be a number of Harding faculty there, a number that can truly say that they were a part of this great event. Of course, we will now need to see what happens. The United States is in great need of leadership and we now must see where we will be led and how well we will respond as a nation.