Perhaps as a testament to how much racial prejudice has subsided in this country, I had to remind myself that it was a black man taking the oath as president yesterday.

Like many Americans, I looked at Barack Obama and saw a smart, charismatic leader. I saw his wife and daughters and admired their beauty and confidence.  That their skin color is different than mine seemed to barely register in the pomp and precision of the day.

This isn’t to detract from the satisfaction black Americans must feel to see one of their own sons finally installed as leader of the free world.  Rather, it’s to underscore the subtle change that has taken place  in the last generation. (more…)