Today? History. And Tomorrow?

History is a funny thing.

We rarely know when it will occur but later we often reflect on where we were when it did. JFK's assassination in 1963 was a recent touchstone for this phenomenon, probably because it was a historical "media" event--tragedy unfolding before our eyes with wall-to-wall coverage. And everyone remembers where they were on September 11, 2001. Yet, in both instances, no one except a tiny handful of people knew what was going to happen.

Today is different. President Obama's election guaranteed we would live history today. His inauguration is the last in a series of firsts for America, and, importantly, firsts for Black Americans. Inaugurations are always important affairs, filled with pomp and circumstance as much as smiles and celebration. We all applaud the mantric "peaceful transfer of power". But there was a momentousness to today that overshadowed other recent inaugurations. Some shouted support, some wept, some did both simultaneously. Some cheered in stationary places along the parade route, some traveled along the route to keep pace with the Obamas. Yes, some of the baser revelers even had the temerity to boo and catcall the Bushes and Cheneys. But tears on the faces of Black Americans reflected heartfelt joy and a proud moment in our nation's history and race relations. We've come a long way from slavery, the Three-Fifths Compromise, Plessy v. Ferguson and Jim Crow.

At the same time, there was a Forest Gump quality to today's events. In the movie, Gump linked numerous unrelated historical events with his appearance or participation. Yet he was basically the Everyman--essentially anonymous. Now, it seems witnessing history is insufficient. We have to be in it. We want ourselves to a be part of history, even if we are just unidentifiable faces in media reports and You Tube videos. Unlike Gump, who never sought out his incidental fame, we'll spend lots of money, take time off, travel, use our technologies, and make other significant efforts to inject ourselves into the story.

This tells me three things.

First, we misunderstand how our political system works. Celebration and enjoyment are in order today. But people actually seem to derive personal worth from supporting or celebrating a successful electoral candidate. Obama today reinforced this conflation of national history and personal dignity by stating that his inauguration was all about "You" and "your part in remaking America". Frankly, no it isn't. If you believe he is correct, I have lots of Obama commemorative coins to sell you...at double the original price. Understand that your vote will still count and you should still support your chosen candidates. However, even before the last inaugural balloon has popped, the system will begin grinding forward again, fueled by money, special interests, partisanship, gamesmanship and cronyism.

Second, we misunderstand our role in America. Our role includes raising our families, working hard at our jobs and growing our businesses, pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps, helping fellow Americans in need, taking responsibility for our actions, and respecting the rights, liberty and freedom God provides and our military protects. After the partying ends, the revelers should go home and work to realize these things. They should not hold out their hands asking for their share of bailout money. They should not expect Obama or anyone else to govern as if it is "all about You". They should not rely on The Government to solve their problems but, rather, should be asking The Government to get out of the way so they can seek their own solutions.

Third, we inflate the impact our political leaders have on our lives. No politician, regardless of party, can impact your life so positively or negatively unless you given them that power. Often we look at the specks in the eyes of our rivals while ignoring the boards in our own eyes. Resist that temptation and begin looking at things on all sides with a critical eye. That will add needed perspective.

Today was an historic day. I'll remember where I was when Obama was inaugurated. I was at work, trying to help clients, earn a living and provide for my family in tough times. Tomorrow, like today, I'll again be back at work. I'll continue to have a wonderful family to come home to, and friends to share fun times. There will continue to be opportunities to serve my neighbors, my neighborhood and community. And I'll not be relying on The Government or Obama or anyone else for assistance, a hand out, or my self worth. I'll be wanting them to get out of the way.

Hopefully, every other American will too.