Obama initiates a 'new era of responsibility'; that means hope is going to come at a price for all

President Barack Obama offered hope today in his inaugural address, but a tough way to it, one that will displease all of us somewhat -- particularly people in his own political party.

Meanwhile, the financial markets responded negatively, falling 200 points on the Dow by the time Obama finished his speech. Meanwhile, oil jumped by $2 a barrel.

Obama, like Lincoln, touched the difficulty of the times, not promising a lot nor holding himself as a savior. We must save ourselves.

His address was perfect for the times, sobering but somehow encouraging this nation and the world forward, hopefully one day soon.

But it was not a great speech. It was a true one to his ideals. For now, that is enough.