Do you remember those words? They are from Obama’s inaugural address on January 20, 2009?, before his presidency was sidelined by petty grievances, false promises and worn-out dogmas. Do you remember where you were on that day? I was in bed eating Ben and Jerry’s “Phish Food” ice cream with one of my best friends from Arizona. My parents were in Washington D.C. for the big party. I don’t think most people in my position would be masochistic enough to watch the entire inauguration on TV, but this wasn’t the time for Tivo.

I remember thinking, “I sure as hell hope he means what he says.” Looking back, it seems like I had a reason to be cynical…

I am a person of great faith and idealism and have been in too many situations, too many times to become an eternal pessimist regarding politics. That being said, the government and the current environment in Washington is testing my patience, and it is safe to say that the majority of Americans are way past having their patience tested. In the end, my faith may have to rely on members of my own generation. It seems we will inherit a mess with no other option but fixing it ourselves.