Riding The Rails
(photo AP)
Embarking a whistle stop tour reminiscent of those taken by presidents past, most notably idol Abraham Lincoln, Pres.-elect Barack Obama and his family rolled through three states today that played critical roles in the birth of our nation: PA, DE and MD. The trip, which concluded at Washington's Union Station, marked the start of a three-day inaugural celebration that is expected to draw up to 4M visitors to the capital city.
During speeches in Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore that drew tens of thousands, Obama called for a new declaration of independence, one that requires citizens to abandon "ideoplogy and small thinking, prejudice and bigotry" to help restore this country to greatness.
Obama urged Americans not to forget that they are the "heirs of that first band of patriots," those ordinary people who helped craft -- against all odds and obstacles -- the principles that still guide our government. Revolution, he said, "remains an ongoing struggle."
Obama's words marked a cry not just for unity but for shared sacrifice. For an understanding that for progress to be made, the country as a whole must band together to make tough choices and transitions. Beyond the pomp and circumstance of the moment, the comparisons to Lincoln, this appears to be the very core of Obama's message. Obama has, of course, advocated a change in how government does business, but he is equally urgent in his plea to Americans to get active again in the communities, to make responsible decisions about their consumption, and to brace themselves for the difficult journey that lies ahead.
For those who might've missed it, snippets of this historic trip:
Philadelphia
Wilmington
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
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