Yesterday, as I stared at the US Airways jet sitting on a barge directly across the Hudson from my home…I started to think about the incredible story of the plane splash…and how it will be indelibly tied to that other big story going on this week. You know, the one down in Washington. 

There is so much optimism in the country right now. The nation seems energized, as Barack Obama prepares to become the 44th president of the United States. And, the incredible story of Flight 1549 seems to have boosted that energy to a whole new level.

If, tragically, the plane splash had ended with mass casualties, it would have been a national tragedy. It would have cast a pall over the country, just days before the inaugural. Flags would have been at half staff. The glitz and glamour of the ceremonies in DC would have likely been toned down. The new president would have taken the oath with a heavy heart.

But, amazingly…all walked away from the splash with barely a scratch. It’s being called the “Miracle on the Hudson”…and no one is arguing with that superlative. It truly is miraculous that every one survived. People “oo” and “ah” when they see video of the plane hitting the water. The pilot is a hero - in fact, he and his family will be at the inauguration. The amazing story of Flight 1549 has buoyed the nation’s collective sense of optimism and hope even higher.

Yes, it seems that despite the troubles facing our country right now, the nation is on a “high.”

Tomorrow…my thoughts on the inauguration of Barack Obama as 44th president of the United States.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 19th, 2009 at 12:57 pm and is filed under Commentary, News, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.