CONGRATULATIONS, President Obama!

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.

Today is a day that most never thought they'd live to see -- the day when a Black Man would be sworn in as the President of the United States of America.

As I watched and listened to President Barack Obama's Inaugural Speech, I was touched by the frankness and sincerity of his words and his tone; I was moved by his reaching out to the rest of the world in the spirit of reconciliation; and I must admit...I got a little misty over the sight of Black Men and Women shedding tears of joy, tears of hope, tears of vindication, tears of relief, over what the world may well consider a victory and a turning point for the United States of America.

Honestly, this was the most beautiful inauguration ceremony I have witnessed in my lifetime, and it certainly inspired an equally beautiful spirit in those present and many watching across the country and around the world.

Barack Obama is clearly a "new" President, with a new Vision -- a much needed vision -- for America.

However, I can't help but wonder...

Will those around President Obama who have worked so hard to create the current political climate, who are yet fully intent on formulating unjust foreign policies and prosecuting unjust wars, who have fought "tooth and nail" to suck the blood of the poor, so they could remain rich...will they help President Obama realize his expressed ideals, when doing so means giving up their own?

I wonder, indeed.

For sure, our new President will need more than the support of the American people to realize his vision. He will need the Guidance, Help and Protection of the God who speaks from the Bible on which he took his oath of Office. Very fitting, then, that he should end his oath of office with the words "So Help Me God".

Indeed, Mr. President, if you go with God, then God will go with you...and so will we.

May God Bless, Guide, Protect and Strengthen you, Mr. President!

RM