Dave Caolo

Check out this description of a local re-imagining of “A Christmas Carol”

“This is truly a holiday ghost story, featuring terrifying images and dark emotions … There’s no countinghouse, no top hats, no parties, no feasting, no Tiny Tim. Four top-notch actors, in black turtlenecks and black pants, are on a black stage with a table, a chair, and a few candles and flashlights.”

There’s no way in hell I’d go see this artsy-fartsy molestation of the definitive Christmas story.

President elect Barack Obama and Vice President elect Joe Biden’s official website, Change.gov, has been launched. I’ve visited Whitehouse.gov several times over the years. It’s pretty much a news portal. Not Change.gov.

There’s a blog. Imagine — an official Presidential blog. I only hope that it stays in place and is used to its fullest potential over the next four years.

There are clear definitions for our country’s immediate problems: the economy, the war in Iraq, healthcare, security and The USA’s role in the world. Each offers initial steps towards a resolution and gives readers an opportunity to share their own ideas. Another page asks, “Where should we start together?”

When I consider that, and President Elect Obama’s agenda for technology, I feel awed. As a public servant, the President ought to provide his people with a forum. Still, this blows me away.

Change indeed.

When President Bill Clinton was inaugurated on January 20, 1993, Maya Angelou read the poem On The Pulse Of Morning, which she wrote for the occasion. It’s just as appropriate today. The last two stanzas:

The horizon leans forward

Offering you space

To place new steps of change

Here, on the pulse of this fine day

You may have the courage

To look up and out and upon me,

The Rock, The River, The Tree, your country.

No less to Midas than the mendicant.

No less to you now than the mastadon then.

~

Here on the pulse of this new day

You may have the grace to look up and out

And into your sister’s eyes

And into your brother’s face,

Your country,

And say simply

Very simply

With hope –

Good morning.

I’m proud of you, America.