President Obama

I smile every time I hear it. I had a business appointment today at a local V.F.W. Post, and while I was waiting I watched the all-white, working-class patrons glued to a flat-screen T.V., while they nursed their respective drinks. I just assumed they were watching the Celtics, or something. When I paid closer attention, I saw they were watching a rerun of President and Michelle Obama dancing at one of the inaugural balls.

I'm sorry, but having lived in Boston close to three decade, awkward doesn't even begin to describe what I was feeling. I was expecting some off-hand comments about the expense of the inauguration, or the over-saturation of Mr. Yes-We-Can. What I overheard forced me to check my gut reaction at the door, and to really appreciate all that lead to a President Obama. I heard one man say to the other, I don't like the dress, it makes her look big. I heard the other man respond, with a look of disappointment, yeah.