As anyone who has read any of my posts can deduce, I am a bit of a cynic. Not over the top, but I expect that the world operates in a downword spiral. If it’s bad today, it will probably get worse tomorrow.

This doesn’t mean I am completely hopeless. I’m not. I actually think of myself as an optimist. I just don’t think most people view the world the same way I do.

I was thrilled, then to watch the Inauguration today. Not because of the speeches or the music or the prayers. It was the look on the faces of the people in the crowd that got me.

I was raised just outside DC and there is no lack of cynicism or self interest in that part of the world. I went to school with senators kids and had lawyers and politicians as family friends and neighbors. Practical people all, not given to sentiment or hope.

To see all those people on the mall actually sensing change, to me, was foriegn. Foriegn, but beautiful. Maybe I will have to be a bit less cynical myself.