What a stirring and inspiring inaugural speech Barack Obama gave today. I was moved to tears listening to him commit to accountability, honesty and fair play. His determination to revive old American values sent shivers down my spine - I even caught myself thinking about moving to America. It would be so good to be a part of that shake-up and guided by that leadership.

And when I read some writer's critiques of his speech in an article by Susan Salter Reynolds, I was particularly struck by this comment from author Ron Carlson, who was 'watching the President's syntax': ' "What courage," he said, "to use a complex sentence talking to a million people! By expecting the best of us, he just might get it." '

Hear, hear! I echo this comment heartily. Here's to the end of the dumbing-down era; here's to leaders who really lead, who are prepared to stand up and be counted; here's to America's renewal by drawing on inner strengths and values. And here's to the rest of the world stepping up to join them as we co-create our world.