In print | Published January 22, 2009

To the Editor:
Tuesday was not a historical day for our nation’s government, despite the excitement over the inauguration ceremony.
We enjoyed a peaceful transition of leadership, in which our nation’s first ever African-American president took power and gave a moving address. Vast crowds in the hundreds of thousands, even millions, came to our nation’s capitol, ostensibly to witness history being made.
For all of President Obama’s eloquence and for all of the pomp and circumstance of the day, those who attended the inauguration did not witness history. History will be made in the formulation and implementation of the President’s policies, in the creation of and debate over bills and executive orders.
Tuesday was a day for symbols, for old rituals that remind us of the continuity of our nation, for the traditions that give us our American identity. But it was not history in the making.
The President’s mark on history will be made over the next four or eight years in the machinery of government.

Our 44th President has made ambitious promises along the campaign trail. In order to realize these promises, he and his allies will work within and without government. History will be made in the halls of the Capitol and the conference rooms of the White House. It will be made in countless government office buildings, and yes, it will be made on K Street.

The attention paid to the inauguration ceremony was laudable, but we must continue to watch the President and the government.

Democracy demands constant attention of its citizens. We have a responsibility to hold our government and all our elected leaders accountable as they make history. Whether by writing letters, peacefully protesting or working on election campaigns, we all can contribute to the functioning of our government.

President Obama declared in his address that “it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.” The success of his administration will rely on our active participation in our American democracy and thus in the making of history.

Eric Loui ’09

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