Well, today is going to be historic, Barack Obama’s inauguration changes things on so many levels.  He has a huge task ahead of him and will need all of his fortitude and courage to face it, though to be fair, that’s going to be required of everyone in the months to come.

Some would say it’s historic because he’s America’s first African-American president, but I take the view that this runs a lot deeper than that.  According to my understanding of the media coverage, this was an election where a whole new demographic of American voter made their voices heard.

Also, we stand at the beginning of a far reaching process of change.  I’ve stated before my firm belief that continuing as we are is no longer a long term option.

So what to do?  Well, I start re-reading the Tao Te Ching a few days ago, and I think Chapter 3 has some good advice for us, not just for our leaders.

Do not glorify the achievers
So the people will not squabble
Do not treasure goods that are hard to obtain
So the people will not become thieves
Do not show the desired things
So their hearts will not be confused

Thus the governance of the sage:
Empties their hearts
Fills their bellies
Weakens their ambitions
Strengthens their bones

Let the people have no cunning and no greed
So those who scheme will not dare to meddle

Act without contrivance
And nothing will be beyond control

Source: www.truetao.org