When this blog post is due to be published, an utterly amazing and relatively uncommon thing is taking place in the most powerful nation in the world – the exchange of power not through violence, exile, or death, but with pomp and celebration.

Indeed, the swearing in of one president whilst the outgoing president sits idly by is truly a remarkable thing that speaks to the nature of our democracy. The formality speaks to the fundamental strength of our nation even during times of great political, social, and economic turmoil.

And it is this strength that ultimately makes our system work. You may disagree with President Obama as much as I disagree with President Bush, but we both know that we have a shot in four years to either try and change things or fight to keep the current administration. Our democracy requires this turnover of power to be frequent and lively.

So congratulations to the newly sworn in President Obama, may he be successful and lead our country to new heights.