Barack Obama - 44th President of the United States
Barack Obama was sworn in this morning as the 44th President of the United States of America and the first African American president in our young history. To call it an historic event would be an understatement. The complexion of our nation has changed forever and, in that respect, it’s a good thing. Most would argue it’s been long overdue.
In his inaugural address, he emphasized that we - all of us - must become part of the solution to America’s problems and that we’ll need to “sacrifice”. That’s the part that I wish he’d fleshed out. I’m a believer in descriptive sentences; generalizations leave me wondering. So I have some trepidation about exactly what sacrifices he means. Is he telling us to grin and bear higher taxes to support bigger government? The question looms like a gorilla in the proverbial room.
But for the moment, I’m trying to remain positive, even (dare I say it?) “hopeful” that he will guide the Congress and our nation back to prosperity. And I think everyone is on board with that. Time will tell. I think he’s a good man; it’s some of those who surround him that worry me.
I’ve linked to a transcript of the speech so you can dissect it as you wish. The cost of this inauguration - some are calling it a coronation - dwarfs by several times any in our history. That seems odd, if not inappropriate, considering these shaky financial times. But that’s fodder for another post and another day. Like I said, today I’m positive.
Doug
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The "oaff" of office? Way to go!
Wake up America! Bush was not the worst president we have had and who is to say that in 4 years we won't be saying the same of Obama. The truth is we did all this to ourselves. Its time we stop trying to keep up with the Joneses and start caring more about what we can do for our country and fellow Americans. Time will tell whether Obama can live up to his hype. I only pray that we can all work together to make our country one of self sufficient citizens who don't depend on the government to take care of them.
Was it just me, or did the crowd seemed underwhelmed by warren's bizarre prayer?
It sounded rambling and disjointed, not uplifting or inspiring. It was something he read without looking up at anyone, so there was no eye contact, no creation of a bond with the audience.
In contrast, Reverend Lowry's benediction brought the house down, with a resounding AMEN! from the crowd.
I was generally unmoved by the whole thing. (I'm far more excited about Bush's departure, than Obama's arrival.) But the idea that Rev. Lowry marched with Dr. King and was beaten for asking for equal rights, and now stood to deliver his prayer for Obama was pretty moving.
He looked and sounded presidential which is a nice change.
:)
I liked this passage: "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America.” - President Barack Obama
Today is not the day to rain on the parade.
CELEBRATE!
Tomorrow will come soon enough.
I don't have the hope some people have that he'll perform miracles, but at this point, I'll settle for competence.
Saw this on The Onion:
http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/bush_dies_peacefully_in_his
I guess Obama really HAS been studying Lincoln's speeches. He's learned that by pasting some eloquent sounding adjectives together, the masses will servilely swoon.
Remember, Lincoln threw Congressmen in jail, suspended Habeas Corpus, and became the Father of Globalization with his famous "United We Stand" (aka "Leave and We'll Kill You").
Many will soon pray to Obama, but I still pray God help us all.
Many have questions and red flag warnings, but not today. Not now. Let people feel good for a little while. It's been a long time coming. Right now, this Canadian feels like he's an American too. That is no easy feat after Bush.
I forgot to add. To all my American friends, and all the readers of this blog, Congrats!
May Obama truly bring the change he talks about. For the entire world's sake. These are terrible times. You all deserve a few hours of happiness to say the least.
Congratulations President Obama and congratulations America!
It just it me: What will Saturday Night Live do now for content with Bush gone?
So has anyone asked, What does Joe the Plumber think?
It was disappointing and uninspiring. If you were honest with yourself, you would agree!
Someone once said that politics is the art of taking something from some to give to others. The hard work that's long overdue is coming to general agreement about what we want, and are we willing to pay for it. Too many people want government service with absolutely no cost to themselves. This has to stop. I don't think Obama gets that.
I agree. Government exists to provide the "big" things that people can't provide for themselves. National Defense; Law Enforcement; transportation infrastructure; public works infrastructure, etc. Over my lifetime, government at all levels has injected itself into subjects that are not the purview of government.
Until we eliminate all of the laws, executive orders, bureaucratic rules, etc., and rationally revamp them, we're doomed to a continue down the same track we've been running on - wasting time, money, and talents.
But I don't see Obama leaning in that direction. Instead, I believe he will grow government and follow the siren call of creating loyal voters by maing them more dependent on government for things they should handle themselves.
US stocks tumbled and the Dow declined by the most ever on this Inauguration Day as Barack Obama took charge of the White House. The Dow fell more than 4 per cent to close below 8,000 points, the worst performance in inaugural history, according to Bloomberg News.
Obama promised "bold and swift" action to help pull the US out of recession. He better hurry.
Obama was very clear in his statement that government is the solution to "our" problems. That is in sharp contrast to Ronald Reagan's inaugural address where he said that government is not the solution to our problems; government IS THE CAUSE of our problems. But by making us believe that government can "take care of us", they are moving us closer and closer to socialism.
Ask Americans who immigrated from a socialist country how they liked it. If they are honest, they will say they hated it, that what they would love to see is our way of life, our everything EXCEPT give them free medical care. Sure. That is always the straw that breaks the camel's back.
I am glad that some of you recognize socialism, what it is and how it weaves its way into societies. Obama sounded like a classic socialist in the years leading up to his selection as the Democratic candidate. Then he presented himself as a centrist, but still talked the socialist line of how government needs to solve the problems (it created) for us. I know he is still surrounded by people who follow the socialist way of thinking, at least the tenants that more government programs are the answer to our problems and that redistributing wealth from those who have earned it to those who have not (but "need" it). I will be happily surprised if, by the end of his second term, we are not knee deep in taxation and closer to becoming a (disguised) socialist republic.
I am glad we have something positive to look forward to if nothing more than vague promises. Bush was a disappointment, allowing Congress a book of blank checks and spending all his time watching his war. While Obama may introduce a new wave of programs that cost more taxpayer dollars, at least it will be a fresh approach.
I have my fingers crossed though. I am not one to believe that non-specific terms like "hope" and "change" are steps in the right direction, and I'm not stupid enough to think that ANYTHING is an improvement.
What is with all the secrecy around Obama's re-swearing in? I thought he pledged a more transparent government and more access. Apparently he didn't want the press to document the second swearing in ceremony so he banned them. Now they have filed a formal protest. He isn't getting off to a very good start. And don't get me started on the appointment of Reich!