It’s over. Actually, it’s just beginning. The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States is all people said it was. It was about the triumph of character over color of skin. It was about overcoming. It was about our constitutional republic. A majority elected him; now let’s see if he meant what he said and what he means by what he said.

Words have consequences. I loved the talk about cutting government programs that don’t work, more personal responsibility and accountability, tough on terrorists and more. I wonder, however, what he meant by restoring science to its proper place? Politicians have in the past used science to justify political acts, but science is never unified; it is always exploring and challenging.

Many scientists are coming to the view that global warming is a myth. Others think adult stem cells can fulfill the promise of curing ailments once thought to be contained only in embryonic stem cells. The hard left is adamant about these things. Will they compromise? Will President Obama even want to? These questions will be answered soon. Meanwhile, we should pray for him as we are commanded to do.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.