As I write this entry, President Barack Obama is giving his inaugural address. The pictures coming from Washington all morning have been amazing, and moving. This new president has built a spirit of cooperation, hope and purpose that I pray he does not squander. I welcome your thoughts on todays events, and on the promise of Obamas presidency.

While I watch this, students in Monroe and throughout the country are watching the inauguration together. It is one of the few times I believe watching a television in school is a better lesson than any book or discussion could provide. Wednesdays edition of the Times will feature a story and photo from one of those Monroe school district classrooms. Wednesdays edition also will, if all plans come to fruition, include the thoughts of a Monroe student is witnessing history in person, in the nations capital.

Also, you might find interesting, on Obamas first official day in office, a Web site that I have linked below. Its from the folks at PolitiFact.com, the people who brought you the Truth-o-Meter that became popular during the presidential campaign. This new feature will keep track of the progress made on each of Obamas 510 campaign promises. Thats a lot of promises. The way I figure it, thats one hell have to satisfy for every 2.86 days in office. So far, hes kept two promises, broken or compromised none, one has stalled, 12 are in the works, and theres been no action taken on 495.

I guess hed better get to work, huh?!