A letter to the president

Dear President Obama,

I couldn't care less about the pomp, pagentry, celebrities or VIPs dressed in expensive attire that are the byproducts of every presidential inauguration.

Sure, I enjoyed Maine native James Franco's "One Today" poem, but the rest of the hoopla was just a distraction from what is really important. I know parades and presidential balls go hand in hand with the celebration as Washington D.C. becomes an all-night block party, but for this American citizen, the swearing in of a president, and most importantly, the commander in chief's speech, are all that concerns me.

An inauguration is a key moment in American politics that often defines a nation's agenda for the next four years.

But the highlight of the inauguration for this family, who is fortunate to view this political event from a warm home on cold Maine winter day,  was listening to a speech that made me put down my morning coffee.

Not many things make me put down morning coffee, Mr. President, but it is rare when a politician writes a coherent and inspiring speech that makes me sit up and take notice.

Many speeches are snoozers or say nothing, which congress has mastered over the past four years. But your speech and delivery was just what the nation needed at this juncture in the country's history.

The speech's unifying theme and references to the preamble of the United States Constitution were encouraging to many of Americans who have been knocked around in an economy that is still running on empty.

You put the "we" in your speech, Mr. President, and it really is all about us, because you work for us, not for a lobbyists or party strategists. Party loyalty and polarization have held this nation back for four years. George Washington would be asking King George for a job with the Redcoats if he witnessed today's  lawmakers' moronic behavior and endless finger-pointing.

Mr. President, this was a wonderful, rousing speech on Martin Luther King Day. It was well constructed and I think your sincere words gave all Americans hope that we will remain a strong and peaceful nation.

Your words were indeed uplifting, but it will be your actions and accomplishments over the next four years that will give credence to your inauguration speech.

The best to you, sir.