
Everyone in Washington this week can tell you of the electricity in the air.
It's hard to ignore. From the celebrities at the various events around town to the swell of people flooding the nation's capital, it's not hard to point out that the level of anticipation is great.
Most, however, can't tell you why the level is so high.
If you ask most throughout the country, they will tell you that the excitement is due to the message of hope. Although that may be true to an extent, what is more relevant is the reality of ownership.
President Barack Obama symbolizes a resurgence of Americans feeling a sense of ownership in the political process. After a decade of political mistrust, threats of terrorism, and economic instability, the ray of hope that Mr. Obama brings to Washington is the renewed connection between an American leader and the people that he represents. ...
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With this sense of ownership, the increase in energy can be geared toward the huge amount of work that Americans have ahead to better our urban areas, our economy, and schools. Obama has warned of America being at risk of losing its "competitive edge" without a redirection of priorities and results.
It's my hope that the Obama Phenomenon will lead to us competing to bring about the best in ourselves.
Hopefully, taking ownership will translate into us taking action.
Hopefully, taking pride will translate into taking stock in others.
Hopefully, taking a moment to acknowledge history will translate into us taking this chance to make history.
More: Festive 40-Day Fast for Our Future
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Lenny McAllister is a Republican political commentator and guest co-host for Fox News - Charlotte's morning show "Fox News Rising," where his commentary can be heard every Monday. His website is lennymcallister.com

Comments: (12)
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By: Ms. Unique on 1/20/2009 3:18PM
What a "Beautiful Celebration" President Barak Obama the President of the United States Of America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am proud to be an African-American!!!!! That speech President Obama gave moved me and made me cry. He spoke of the past and the future of what and touched on the war, segregation, education, economy, race, peace, unity, and made this a speech that we all won't forget!!!!! First Lady Obama looked so Eloquent and the children looked so beautiful!!!! President Obama looked "Dapper" himself!!!!!
Aretha threw down!!!!! Aretha took it HOME!!!!
Seeing the Electricity on TV of the crowds brought more and more people from every race, gender, age, religion together as ONE!!!!!! UNITY, PEACE,and EVERYONE DOING THERE PART will make this country go FOWARD and make this country a BETTER PLACE FOR ALL AMERICANS!!!
The whole day has been emotional for me and I'm sure to Americans as well! HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE!!!!!!
I wish my grandmother, family, and friends, that have passed would have seen this day? God will use Obama to help get this country back in the right direction and WE THE PEOPLE will be backing him and helping to make this CHANGE HAPPEN and become a REALITY!!!!!!!!!! We got a long way to go but, we will get there!
"GOD BLESSS AMERICA"
"PRESIDENT OBAMA 2009"
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By: Nobama on 1/21/2009 4:52PM
Who is that fugly old woman acting like she hasn't got any sense?? Some people just shouldn't be allowed in public.
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By: Angela Shivers on 1/22/2009 10:51AM
Mr. President
if you ever read this just want to say even though i was not in Washington i was there, and this has been the third best thing that has happen in my life time, my father who passed 15 months ago always beleive that this day would come i just hate that he had to leave his family who has been and continue to struggle all because, you have given me hope and a new strenght to continue fighting on the battle field.
a mother at the age of 15, married, now divorce with 5 children that was born in to a very unhealty life 11
grandkids whom i lived for and tring my best with the help of to set an example to not only let my grandkids know but my own childrens know that they don"t have to settle. Thank You God Thank You Mr. President.
Angela Shivers
Orlando,Florida
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By: shukquan on 1/22/2009 11:25AM
The fever is lit by the fires of ignorance. The hope is false. The man is false. What's next is chaos and continued excursions into failed Butt-face Bush policy. Impeach him NOW!!! shukquanshuk
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By: shukquan on 1/22/2009 11:44AM
The inauguration was an idiot fest. All of the nonsense was implemented to perfection. However, the essential and relevant part had to be done over because it was not deemed important enough to be done right in the first place. WHAT's NEXT is four more year's of that level of incompetence in prioritization. shukquanshuk
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By: nas23esco on 1/22/2009 11:56AM
Did anyone see the photosynth on iReport? They made a colllaege of photos of the swearing-in from a bunch of different photogs. It was very cool
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/44.president/inauguration/map/
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By: aronda191 on 1/22/2009 1:50PM
Now we can say that the voice of the people is alive and well in the U.S.A. Many may not like him, but now we can say the black man and women can feel a sense of being a visiable part of this country.
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By: I would rather that I get told the real .... on 1/22/2009 6:33PM
I still can not believe that I lived to witness it. Thank you Lord
_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/
Now my people....LET ME TURN YOUR ATTENTION to what is also here Celebrating OBAMA
The Obama Men's Watch===>>> TAKE A LOOK NOW
http://tpp-blings.homestead.com/OBAMAwatch.html
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By: koolmas on 1/22/2009 5:37PM
Angela Shivers, I don't understand where people like you come from. I can not understand why people like you can not except that YOUR PRESIDENT IS BARAK OBAMA...He is giving people hope and letting us "African American" actually feel like we can really can be whatever we want to be something you obviously will NEVER UNDERSTAND. Although, people say that Black American's never really felt deep in their heart of hearts....until now! This what our hope in him is about something you will never understand. So take your nasty, funky, attitude and leave the country... go...because we don't want you here nor do we need people like you here...please the door is open and there is absolutely nothing keeping you here...I am sure some European country will take you.... SO if you choose to stay then accept your President...I mean really he just got into Office...I hated that Bush stole the presidency but I accepted him just the same and in the end
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By: DONNA SALES on 1/23/2009 4:08AM
I love you Mr.Presideent,you have a beautiful family,i know you will do this country good i believe in my heart that you are a honest man.
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