I write this as the Nation
celebrates a tradition that started with George Washington in 1776. This time, I am in the comfort of my home
where the two previous presidential inaugurations I braved the snow, the long
lines at the Metro Stations and the sheer anticipation of seeing the President
walk down the stairs of the Capitol to be sworn in-a sign that our democracy
has and continues to work.
I remember the pride
of seeing my Governor enter the ceremony with the rest of his colleagues and
the glimpse of my congresswoman making her way down the steps to her seat. I watched today as a college contemporary led
the new Congress into the ceremony as the Majority Whip. I swelled with pride
knowing my Congresswoman was again part of this time honored ceremony repeated
every four years since 1973-it was her fifth inauguration event.
It is a ceremony that
reminds us that we are part of the American family. It is a ceremony that reminds us we have a
responsibility to share such pride in our President, even though we here in
America's Western most territory don't even vote for him or don't agree with
his polices and politics. It is a
ceremony that brings us closer to Washington DC, though we are five time zones
away. Most of our island was asleep as
the latest transition of power is completed.
The presidential inauguration is a time to reaffirm our commitment
to our roles as part of the American society.
Whether standing on the lawn of the National Mall or sitting in front of
the TV in Southern Guam, this glimpse into the transition of government should
remind of us of how special it is to be American.
"Faith in America's Future" was the theme of the
57th inauguration. Many local policy
makers are taking up the challenge laid out by President Barack Obama in his
inaugural address. Most Senators have remarked that they should reach across party
lines and do what is best for the people of Guam in the creation of public
policy. While their respective terms are
just underway, it remains to be seen if this will be a true and lasting change
to Guam politics. And even if this
attitude is embraced, will new jobs be created, will our kids gain more from
their educational experience and will our island streets be safer? When the first Legislative session of the
32nd Guam Legislature begins in the coming weeks lets all hope the posturing
results in positive public policy that benefits us all.
The Administration is also going to be expected to embrace
this new political normal in Guam.
Governor Eddie Calvo will be presenting his third State of the Island
Address very soon. His first term agenda
still has yet to be completed. Tax
refunds, merit bonuses and the delivery of critical public services have driven
his decision making since being sworn in January 2011. The people will be listening to his speech
with much interest and with his plan to move the island forward over the course
of the new year-and with the buy in and legislative assistance of the Guam
Legislature. Don't forget the Judiciary
with all this as they too will be looking at the other two branches to ensure
that they can achieve their aggressive goals this year and retain the checks
and balances of the three branches.
Celebrating democracy is such a fantastic thing. I am using this blog post to celebrate one of
the most important part of our democracy-the United States Constitution and
specifically the first amendment . I am
proud to be an American and proud to be part of this great melting pot-Paradise
Guam.