A Multicultural Era for a Multicultural Nation

I've taken a few days to contemplate my feelings of exoneration about our new president.  His inauguration speech was one of the most inspiring things I've heard in a long time (and in eight years from that office).  There are so many wonderful points to elaborate on from his rhetoric and for the lack of time, I'm going to focus on this one: 

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

Although the truth behind that statement cannot be denied, it somehow has for quite some time.  Too often this nation is referred to as a "Christian Nation" that was founded on "Christian principles" with "Christian values" and so forth.  The feeling of exclusion from these statements is palpable.  And from them intolerance is allowed is often used as a right. 

The President's statements echo a marked change from this position.  His acknowledgment of other creeds as allies in his own country (and the larger world) sends a welcoming message to those that have been pushed to the sidelines in the past. As a person that flinches at the thought of a "Christian Nation", I feel that Obama has already done what he is known for - bringing everyone into the fold.