Learning from our new president

On the eve of the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, I can't help but be amazed by his conduct already -- and he hasn't even taken the oath of office, yet. President-elect Obama has practically been on the job for the past nearly three months. That is partially because of our incredibly unusual circumstances. After all, the lame duck is the most unpopular president in history and the country is facing the most daunting challenges any president-elect has faced in more than 75 years. As much as George Bush has tried to burnish his image over the past month, well, it's a bit like trying to polish a you know what. I will say that President Bush has extended the welcome mat to the Obamas, but I suspect this is part of the rehab strategy.

President-elect Obama has been very careful not only to not criticize the outgoing leadership, but has gone out of his way to meet with what otherwise might be considered his enemies. This "bury the hatchet" mentality is almost unprecedented and reaches a level of civility in presidential politics not seen in decades. Obama held a black tie dinner tonight honoring John McCain. He has regularly consulted McCain about his cabinet appointees and is planning to push several of McCain's pet causes through Congress. Bush barely spoke to his two opponents, even months after the election. In 2000, he and McCain were at loggerheads for two years.

We as a country and as individuals must move beyond the pettiness of hating, belittling and punishing our enemies and detractors. The "them vs. us" mentality as the standard operating procedure has got to change. And our leaders have got to stop modeling this as desirable behavior. Barack Obama is teaching us all a valuable lesson in how to conduct ourselves as decent, respectful individuals. Don't let anger fester. Be the bigger person and extend a hand. I expect President Obama to be incredibly transparent and stick to this approach even when it hurts. That's the kind of presidency he plans to pursue. That's the change he has promised.

The first important lesson we may learn from our new president? Modeling for all of us how to act like grownups.