For anyone who does not think that a representative democracy such as ours is not the right type, needed only to watch Thursday's events to assure them.

It is not uncommon for the evening news to be filled with news of other countries where people watch their leaders come and go in hellish gunfire

and flowing rivers of blood. Here in the U.S. we celebrate the retention of a president or the arrival of a new one with pomp and circumstance.

Do not think that the inauguration of an American president is not watched closely around the world.

For those witnessing the history of the moment know that the person being sworn in is our top citizen.

They know the most powerful country in the world has now created the most powerful man in the world.

The inauguration is the culmination of the democratic process.

It is our time to witness history. And where else in the world can the people who don't like the man being sworn in or his policies stand alongside his supporters and chant in protest? That's the great thing about living in our democracy.

Free speech.

It is such an important part of who we are that Thursday's inauguration was the first time in the nation's history that the Parks Service actually reserved space on the parade route for protesters.

This spot was quite visible by President Bush as he passed by.

Our nation remains divided on both sides of the political coin, but here in our democracy, the majority wins.

It is a clear sign to the minority that they must work harder in the next four years.

So there were no gunmen yesterday changing our political future or a military coup and American remain the beacon of freedom for a cruel and harsh world.

Democracy is alive and well and on Thursday the United States partied with a president on his second Inauguration Day.

May the beacon always remain strong and bright.