By State Representative Jay Neal (R) HD 1
The alarm sounded this morning stirring me from a deep sleep. Reaching for the snooze button I felt a sense of urgency about the day. It was as if today was a day that I had been anticipating, yet I could not place the reason for this feeling that surrounded me. As a matter of fact, I could not even remember the month. Have you ever experienced this uncertainty upon the ringing of the alarm?
As I began collecting my thoughts, I first remembered that it was January and the Legislative Session was in progress. I searched for my sense of urgency in the current Legislation Session and realized that was not what I was looking for. I was finally able to recall the date, Tuesday, January 20, 2009 and the significance of the day.
Today we inaugurate the 44th President of these United States. It is a very historic time for our country. President Obama has broken through a barrier that many thought was still years, if not decades, away. This is truly is a milestone for the black community and for the United States. Yesterday my wife and I attended the Martin Luther King Jr Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church. I will never forget the feeling in the air; it was electric. This is, indeed, an exciting time for our nation.
I am reminded of one of my first efforts to really impact the community as a whole. After serving as a Pastor for more than 17 years and being able to reach into the community through ministry, I joined a local group and took a leadership role along with Vince Stalling and several others in putting together “Undivided” in LaFayette. It was our objective to break down walls (racial, denominational, and socio-economic) within our community. It was that effort that ultimately led George Clopton, who was part of the “team,” to encourage me to run for State Representative. Our country has made great strides through the decades and, though there is still some work to be done, the events of this day serve as evidence.
There is indeed a great deal of excitement across the nation as we welcome our new President, Barack Obama. As we follow the events of the day, record crowds descend on Washington to witness this historic event. President Obama has proven to be an exceptional orator and a charismatic leader who has drawn incredible crowds since early in his campaign.
The lengthy Campaign seemed to drag on with no end in sight. There was stumping, debating, exchanging of ideas and dreams for two years. Numerous candidates from several parties pitched their vision for a better America. While their ideas may differ, I am convinced their love for our Country was the root of their efforts. When the dust cleared, Barack Obama emerged as the clear winner. While I personally campaigned for Sen. McCain, Barack Obama is now my President.
President Bush led our country for the past eight years and was faithful to his principles. He governed based on what he believed to be best for our country rather than what the polls showed to be popular. While I certainly do not agree with President Bush in many areas, I will be forever grateful to him for the way he protected this country from further attacks.
The smooth and peaceful transition of power reflects the greatness of our country. As President Bush quietly returns to Texas, we take the next step in our more than two century long journey. The United States continues to shine brightly as an example for the world to see.
While there is much to celebrate, there is also a sense of nervousness. This nation faces some tremendous challenges over the next several months and, I believe, years. The economy presents more questions than answers. We find ourselves in unchartered waters. President Obama and I have many fundamental differences of opinion concerning the role of Government. Those differences create a reason for some concern in the direction he will lead this country. The nomination of Supreme Court Justices could prove to be the most substantial actions of President Obama in shaping the future of America.
In spite of those concerns, my responsibility as an American is to support our President as he leads the greatest country in the world. Join me in praying for him and his leadership team. Let us pray for his wisdom, guidance, courage, strength, patience, moderation, and protection. Let us resist the urge to look for our differences and find places to criticize. Instead, for the sake of our Country, let us look for ways to embrace our President and focus on our common goals. President Obama, I wish you a successful Presidency. May God Bless you, and May God Bless the United States of America.
State Representative Jay Neal
House District 1
Parts of Catoosa and Walker Counties