Obligatory inauguration post

It seems almost obligatory to do a post today in honor of the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as our 44th President.

While the post may be obligatory, the sentiments are not. As someone who opposes his policies, I can still celebrate Obama's election and the peaceful transition of power.

As a sailor, I was raised on the Corinthian spirit of sportsmanship. It's not well-defined in writing, but basically calls for competitors to follow the rules of the game, be respectful of your opponent and their equipment, and be a good loser. I endeavor to extend those teachings to activities off the water as well.

It is in such a spirit that I congratulate my new President Obama. And yes, despite the fact that I did not vote for him, he is still 'my' president.

I want him to be a good president. As individuals, we may disagree on the definition of 'good,' but that's what America is all about.

I don't want him to have to face the challenge of an attack on our country or people. I don't want him to have to make the heart-wrenching decision to commit our volunteer military to the risks they've agreed to assume. I don't want him to be forced to make 'damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't' decisions. But I know the likelihood of these wants being met are slim.

I know I will disagree with him on numerous issues - I already do. But my disagreements will be with the policies and proposals - not with the man. I will give him the same benefit I've given President George W. Bush: that he will make decisions based upon all the information he has available (some of which the public may never know) and that he believes he's doing the right thing for the nation as a whole - not because a decision is politically expedient.

I expect I will attack some of his proposals, which are fair game in any free society. But I will respect the office of the President of the United States and will not denigrate the person our nation has selected to sit in that oval room.

I wish my president the best - though that does not mean I wish him success on implementing all of his plans.

I will pray for him and his advisers - and ask that God grant them wisdom as they lead our country.

Congratulations President Obama.

Carbon footprint for the inauguration

The Institute for Liberty has taken a look at the plans for the swearing-in of Barack Obama and calculated the carbon footprint for the inauguration.

Their estimate is 575 million pounds of CO2, an amount that would take the average U.S. household 57,598 years to produce.

Among their findings:

* Celebrities, politicians, and bigwigs using 600 private jets will produce 25,320,000 pounds of CO2
* Personal vehicles could account for 262,483,200 pounds of CO2
* In the parade, horses alone will produce more than 400 pounds of CO2

The Institute for Liberty emphasizes that they are not criticizing the 'travel or commerce involved.' They're just making the point that "some people want to tax and regulate carbon emissions, and they happen to be the same people pumping out carbon dioxide like it’s going out of style."

You can check out the full report for more details.