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Inaugural Pride

Posted January 20th, 2009 by Robb Smith in Integral Politics

As I watch the inauguration of President Obama I am overwhelemed by the pageantry of the day.  I cannot help but feel pride in my American roots as the entire nation watches, riveted, as we pay homage to the ideas and dreams that the United States has stood for over two and a quarter centuries. The respect we pay is about far more than just a man who is accepting the presidency today, but about the enduring ideals of the human spirit: freedom, justice, love, opportunity, and self-determination. 

I am a Son of the American Revolution, descended from Phineas Underwood, a soldier of the American Revolutionary war.   I have always been proud of my ancestor's contribution to the formation of this country.  Today I feel that pride in a very special way.

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Thank you for your inaugural entries dear friend

Posted January 20th, 2009 by Barbara Q

I too just saw the inauguration and was stirred in the depths. I too have deep roots in the US...one long gone relative comes to mind, General Israel Putnam who led Washington's army. My first relative on these shores, however, was not nearly so impressive; John Putnam. He came here in 1640 and became a bigwig leader in the colonies. His main claim to fame as it were, was that he led the witch hunting efforts in Salem--as I indicated, not so proud on that one. Even so, I honor these ancestors for their long contributions in this country and their help in framing a free nation. My old red-neck, cowboy dad, Harry G. Putnam II, would roll over in his grave to see how our immediate family looks today: what was once an almost all white family of wives, husbands, children, cousins aunts and uncles now incorporates many other races and nationalities, too mention some: Black, Latino, Phillipino, Taiwanese, Native American, and Basque. My father taught hate, but his children did not listen...we were already "beyond his command" so don't criticize what you can't understand, Dad.

 For 25 years I was a warrior on the political front helping to build massive demonstrations in Washington and other major cities to defend civil rights, women's and workers rights. We were not rock throwers or crazies, just militant but reasonable youth who used the laws of America to defend basic rights. Back in the day I would never have supported a Democrat or Republican for public office; in this election I supported Obama. I lived in the "red" state of Kentucky and was nearly lynched for it though, (hehe) for supporting Obama I mean. I only made a lot of calls to swing states, but at least tried to help the grass roots growing around Obama and seeing in this moment a chance for real change.

Today, I felt real pride in being an American, proud of our new president and of all us who are struggling to integrate our world. I joined Integral Life recently and ordered several of Ken Wilber's books and began to practice after a lapse (a Buddhist mediative practice).

Robb, I look forward to the years ahead, even though I am a bit long of tooth. I so appreciate your words of encouragement I read today.

Barbara (Putnam) Quimba