Springfield to Washington, A Path Well Traveled

I’m not easily moved by such things, but I felt a certain sense of pride and hope last night when I watched Air Force One fly over my house, turn east and to head back to Washington DC. On that plane was our new president. A president who was working here in Springfield as a state senator only a few years ago. And now he was winging his way to Washington to face problems that tower over issues he may have faced here. It was almost symbolic; Obama coming to town to honor Springfield’s favorite son, himself a president elected at a time of crisis, and flying off in the majestic bird to go help craft a future that without superb leadership will be grim. I wonder if leaving Springfield last night, Obama didn’t finally get the sense that this was really it, it’s all up to him now.