Free-Market Boon

Here comes the inauguration of the forty-fourth president of the United States of America. A modern saviour from all the ills of a modern society that has over-extended itself financially, and over-stepped the boundaries of international diplomacy.

Much is expected of this charismatic figure who looms so large in promise now in America. He appears not to be the least bit phased by the hopes that have been invested by so many in his potential to lead his country out of its desert of misery.

And more power to him. And may success be his. And may the United States of America realize itself once again as a light unto other nations.

And may democracy re-bloom and re-assert itself in fair distribution of wherewithal to all within its bosom. That is the essence of a just and fair society, one that Barak Obama has pledged himself to struggle to attain on behalf of his country.

A country struggling mightily to raise itself from the depths of a deep financial depression. All the signs of accomplishment are there; the country is ready to rise again, like the fabled Phoenix, and it most certainly will.

It has the will and it has the wherewithal, and its greatest natural resource, its enterprising and determined population will prevail in a great collective effort.

Meanwhile...free enterprise flourishes in the District of Columbia, more so than elsewhere within the Union. Hawkers are out in full force, selling memorabilia on the occasion of this momentous occasion. Momentous indeed, given the history of the country.

A milestone like none other before it. There is much self-congratulation, much hope and expectations are high.

The tantalizing vision of a nation of communities coming together in a common purpose, to celebrate its history and heritage, its successes in so many disparate areas of endeavour, not the least of which can be summarized in the number of Nobel prizes won by American genius.

However, in the short term there is the inauguration, and the accompanying celebrations.

And the free market exploding with vendors of all manner of goods dedicated to the occasion, with the visage of the new leader of the free world smiling and promising that they can, indeed.

Mind, there has arisen a bit of infantilization, where comic books celebrating the installation of a civil rights leader's dream has materialized only to be threatened by evil malefactors with Spider Man rising to the rescue.

Speaking to the child in all of us, influencing the adult that's cheering on the advent of another age.