March 4, 1801

This was a "red letter day" in United States history, yet I am sure not to many people even have a clue about the important event that occurred on this particular day.

Some of the other issues of the time were: Tripoli declaring war against the U.S. , the government of the United States moving to the new city of Washington D.C. , and West Point Military Academy being established. I am not talking about any of these rather large events of the day. The event I am talking about is a peaceful transition of power.

March 4, 1801 was the day that Thomas Jefferson was inaugurated as our 3rd President. What makes that inauguration more special than the 3 others (George Washington was elected twice, John Adams once) that occurred prior to that time? It was the first time that an opposition party took control of the federal government. George Washington and John Adams both belonged to the Federalist party and Thomas Jefferson belonged to the Democratic-Republican party.

It was the day which we proved that as a country we can peacefully change from a government with one set of opinions and ideas, to a government with another set of opinions and ideas. What makes it special is, that there was no bloodshed, no coup, no leader had to die, and no riots in the streets. Just an election and a man with his hand on the Bible, is all it took.

I think of this now, with less than a month until Barrack H. Obama takes office and it has me thinking a bit. While I do not agree with very much of what Barrack has to say, I will support him because he is my President. His failure is America's failure, so I have no other choice but to support him. I know there are will be many things Obama does that I don't like, but I also know that in 4 years we will have the opportunity to have yet another transition of governments.... and it will be one of peace....