Thank You!

Our shared eight year long nightmare is almost over. Over the last eight years our opposition to the illegitimate regime in control of our country brought us together. We endured a stolen election, an unnecessary war, the dismantling of environmental protections, the loss of respect in the world do to our human rights abuses (torture), and the whittling away of our civil liberties. We watched as the poor were left helpless during Katrina, and our economy was driven into a ditch.

I could go on and on, but its time to look to the future, its time for hope again. While we must not let those who violated our trust to get away with their crimes, we must look forward.

Barack Obama has the potential to be a great President. At the 2004, Democratic Convention in Boston, Obama delivered one of the greatest speeches I have ever heard. My cab driver after leaving the Fleet Center was filled with joy. He listened to the speech on the radio and told me that Obama would be President someday.

I too was floored by the speech, I knew the potential was there and I agreed he would be President someday...

Last January, I went to Iowa thinking that John Edwards or Hillary Clinton would be the next President. I thought this was a warm-up, but it was too soon for Obama, and I still wondered if the country was ready to elect an African American.

I went to an Edwards Rally, A Clinton Rally, and an Obama rally. I walked out of the Obama rally knowing that something special was going on.

When Obama takes the oath of office later today, tears of joy will stream down my face. We will not only be rid of the worst President we ever had, our country will be moving closer to Martin Luther King's dream of a colorblind society. We are not there yet, but we sure have come a long way.

Thank you for sticking with us over these dreadful years, lets stay united and help Obama lead us out of the darkness.

-SMG

Pilgrimage to DC
Sari Gelzer
Monday 19 January 2009

The pilgrimage to DC is reaching its apex as Americans from across the country fill the city in the last day before the inauguration. The throngs of people clad in Obama t-shirts, hats, and pins are populating the streets. They have not come to simply be tourists, but they are here for a higher purpose, thus Pilgrimage seems a fitting term. I spoke to one woman on the metro ride to The Capitol this morning and she described the current mood by saying, "People are ready to heal, to restore our country's image." Another woman I spoke with on the street about the significance of the inauguration told me that this inauguration was about "American Unity".

"American Unity" was strongly illustrated once I entered the Hart Senate Office Building for my inauguration tickets. I was one of about 250,000 people who were lucky enough to be picked at random to receive them from my Senator. The lines to get into the Senate Office Buildings, which number three, wrapped around into about an one hour wait to enter. It was my first day in DC from California and my toes were frozen. Once inside, I strode past Senator's offices from Iowa, Wisconsin, and West Virginia on my way to Senator Diane Feinstein's office. It is symbolic to see throngs of residents from our entire United States lined up and enthusiastic to receive their tickets to welcome in the new president.

The sheer energy that American citizens are putting forward in their efforts to attend the inauguration reveal that something indeed is changing as we welcome in our new president, Barack Obama.

Standing on the National Mall, directly between the Washington Memorial and the White House, crowds are gathering and excitement is palpable. A passerby described it as "a family gathering." It's 20 degrees, but no one's cold. In three hours, a new president of the United States will be sworn in.
-mr

Barack on the Rocks?

Check out the list of Inauguration Day events sweeping the city of Chicago today, and it will become apparent that many of us aren't quite aware that the inauguration isn't taking place in our city. From the $175-per-ticket gala at McCormick Place downtown to the "Economic Stimulus Pizza Party" at Ranalli's on Clark (where visitors will win $25 gift certificates for the best Obama-themed pizza), Chicagoans are determined to give the DC blitz a run for its money.

Most impressive are the number of "inauguration packages" offered by Chicago hotels, which let Obamaphiles spend the week soaking up the new president's aura in his hometown. If you're willing to spend $$$ absorbing the Obama in the air, the Fairmont Chicago hotel offers a luxurious presidential suite adorned with Obama memorabilia. A chauffeur will drive you around to all of Obama's favorite haunts (where, this week, you'll endure long lines to pick up a "Barack on the Rocks" or "Barack Blue Martini"). The 2-night package costs $8,244.

On the budget end, at the InterContinental Chicago, couples can pay $209 a night (minimum) for an Obama getaway:

In addition to luxury accommodations for two, you and your “VP” will get a front row seat to learn about our nation’s history with two tickets to the fun and educational Freedom Museum. Sate your presidential appetite with a full American breakfast buffet for two, and enjoy complimentary valet parking for your motorcade and free access to the fitness club and the hotel’s historic indoor swimming pool. That’s change you can believe in.

Not sure what any of that really has to do with Obama - though, I guess, anything to stimulate the economy ...

-ms

It feels like a moment of dreams we have waited for all our lives come true: the possibility of a loving peace coming through our commitment to help each other with thanks, love and hugs d

The Mall is packed even a mile and a half west of the Capital Building. Standing in the shadow of the Washington Monument, the crowd suddenly has come to life as Michelle and Barack Obama appeared on the jumbotron. What has been a long, cold wait, finally is paying off. Icy grumblings and jockeying for position have become smiles and cheers.

At 6 AM, I exited Union Station to find crowds of people scrambling in the dark for their spot in history. I had to get to my ticket entrance and police officers directed us in a maze around blocked streets and through highway tunnels. Upon arriving at our ticket entrance at 7 AM, we waited ... and waited some more. People began to worry we wouldn't get in in time. After three hours, we made it in! Below is a photo from inside the blue-ticketed area.

-sg

Still Desperately Legitimizing Bush The main-stream television broadcast the entire choreography of the of the event appears designed to imbue a sense of legitimacy. It's great that Obama is welcomed into the "presidential family", but if he takes a careful look at at some of the other family members he may want to be a bit more cautious. Status quo? Hell no.

BARACK IS IN!!! Our 44th Tue, 01/20/2009 - 17:07 — Maya Schenwar BARACK IS IN!!! Our 44th president was just sworn in. The eight long years have passed; there is new life in the White House! -ms

Obama's Moment Arrives
Barton Gellman, The Washington Post: "'The opportunity is there for Obama to recast the very nature of the presidency,' said Sean Wilentz, a presidential historian at Princeton. 'Not since Reagan have we had as capable a persuader as Obama, and not since FDR has a president come in with quite the configuration of foreign and domestic crises that open up such a possibility for the reconstruction of the executive.'" http://www.truthout.org/012009A

Finally! A President who knows how many states there are!

We wish his administration well and hope it will do good for the nation and the world. Yet, we cannot help making a small observation about the inaugural: Juggling vs. Focus: The inaugural speech , as the campaign, was a consummate act of juggling: a little scripture , a little call to arms, a few obeissances to goods and services (Jesus likes a humble man, but even a humble man needs goods and services), John Williams' fractured Copeland, yes a consummate act of juggling. But it seems we need focus now, so hopefully we won't see too much more juggling. Praise the lord and pass the Advil!

On behalf of all of us here in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada: For changing both the piper and the his dark tune. Thanks America

We in the U.S. need so desperately to revive our moral compass and break down the walls of fear, greed, brutality, arrogance and deception that has characterized our governmental behavior for so many years. Today, President Obama, in his inaugural speech,explored problems far beyond our own national problems of race and finance. He addressed all of the countries of the globe, and expressed a set of values: hope, generosity, shared burdens,inclusion, and justice. These are the things we all need to practice and manifest if the world is to create peace. I am so grateful to hear this message spoken from the wise and compassionate heart and mind of our elected leader. I cannot help but feel hope, for the first time in years.

Hope and a lot of prayers have brought us to this day. It's a day of celebration for all who elected Barack Obama. As the dark clouds that lingered for eight long and untolerable years disappear, it's a new beginning for all.

Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we're free at last!

I am working in the Amazon jungle of peru and I watched the inauguration in spanish here. I left the US because I was sick, literally, of the lifestyle and the ignorance and intolerance that stole my country form me. I wanted to do something positive for other people in my life. Today, for the first time in nearly two decades I believe my beloved country has the capacity to redeem itself in the world. I am hopeful that this man is a genuine leader with vision and integrity, and that is all that is needed for the rest of my fellow citizens to realize that they are not the the only worthy people on this planet. We are all in this together and I believe President Obama can show Americans the way to a new world that is inclusive and intelligent and prosperous for everyone. What a remarkable opportunity we all have now!!!

Heed the call! George is gone, good ridance. President Obama has blown the trumpet, this time it is not taps, but revelee. World wake up, stand up, it is time to pull together, everyone doing what he can, each making a contribution whether it is replacing the light bulbs, or riding a bike to work, it is time for the most intensive world team work ever. We have a new coach and leader, finally. Let's get to work. God bless us everyone "Tiny Tim"

Living in the middle of right-wing high-income mansion infested NJ, had to stay home with pneumonia. Made red white and blue streamers and big YES WE CAN sign to hang from the porch and remind all the Lexus drivers that pass my old house that times, they are a changing!

As a 90 year old white woman, I say: It's a wonderful day. I have not felt so much hope since my youth and the New Deal. We have to keep working to go forward, to protect this victory and help it to flower for all

The last eight years has turned me into something of a cynic. It's not that I ever lost hope in human potential, just that I was feeling more and more that this potential would never be realized - at least not in my time. But at this very moment I can feel my cynicism shedding like an old skin. I'm not ready to go full-on pollyanna just yet, but this election and the events witnessed today are most certainly a milestone for us all. So many Americans are running on good faith right now that it's bound to have a long-term positive effect. Oh yes, and goodbye to the GWB crime-ring. At the very least, dignity will be restored to the White House, and that's saying quite a lot.

Let the real work begin... We shouldn't forget that despite the previous eight catastrophic years, 47% of voters choose for 'more of the same'. The unthinking forces of fear, greed, envy, and reaction are alive and well in these stolen states. Obama seems to have good intentions, but he can do little for this tired empire and it's many victims if we the people don't wake up and lead. Still, this is a great day. Hope springs eternal. Fortuna's wheel has at last turned in a better direction.

I've lived to see us liberated!

The lesser of two EVILS . As a Conservative , NOT a Neo Con , I must say that I am quite pleased that Obama was elected rather than McInsane . But the problem is that we only have a choice of 2 parties , tweedle dee and tweedle dum . When we get disgusted with the Republicans [ NEO CONS ] we throw them out and replace them with the Democrats . And vice verse . Both parties are quite content with the arrangement . They take turns sharing power . They play musical chairs . We need at least 4 parties in order to have a REAL choice . Hopefully Obama is a true patriot who will work for the benefit of the country as a whole not only for his race or his party . We have troops in over 130 countries , WHY ? It is time that we start minding our own business and station troops on our borders to keep out illegals and potential TERRORISTS . Blacks have been getting special privledges and equal rights since the 1960's . Affirmative action , food stamps , subsidized housing , welfare etc. , etc . for many DECADES . Enough is enough ! When will it end ? Hopefully he will DEMAND that his people get their act together , get an education , learn a trade and become self sufficient . If the orientals can do it , why can't they ? Wake up and smell the roses

The world needs no help understanding the importance of this day. We've stood helpless over the last 8 years, watched you vote that fool into office, and watched you vote him in a second time in spite of his demonstrable incompetence. We've stood by and believed that there was a better America, an America that would stand up and preach tolerance, understanding and love for one's fellow man rather than hatred and division. We are immensely pleased and proud that this America has re-emerged, phoenix-like, from the ashes of a darker chapter. May you all rejoice in this happiest of days, we rejoice with you!

To paraphrase President Gerald Ford, "America's long nightmare is over." Let us hope and pray that the situation that President Obama inherits is not so severe that it cannot be repaired.

I tried to think of a single reason why I should be glad George Bush, with his reverse Midas touch turning everything into dung, was ever appointed President. Then it dawned on me. If he had not been such a clueless incompetent of such monumental proportions, Jefferson’s stirring words in the Declaration of Independence would still be just an empty promise, the thoroughly discredited Republican policies that got us into this mess would still be destroying and deceiving us and Barack Obama would not be President today. Thank you Mr. Bush for being so bad.

America.......The World....... You will not be disappointed. This One, these ones, will bring the peoples of this planet together ... with our agreement and support! "Imagine all the people living in harmony."

I had no idea what I would feel, but I felt and continue to feel a definite lifting of my spirits by the fact that we have an elected President again. It is historic that we have elected the first African American President and also that we have actually elected this President, after living with the travesty and lawlessness that were visited upon our country and Constitution by 5 members of the Supreme Court in 2000. I am thrilled and deeply heartened by Obama's election. I celebrated this morning by sending a contribution directly to the Oklahoma Democratic Party and to Democracy for America in honor and support of Howard Dean's 50-state strategy, which I hope will soon be reinstated by the current DNC chair.

As a young white middle class woman living through the days of Selma, the murders of John and Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Vietnam and all the confusion and despair of our time - I had always dreamed that one day, a black man, a man of integrity and intelligence would become President of this nation and today it happened. The idea that this would happen just in time to stop the destruction of our nation by a long time group of thugs in Washington must be a sign that God is, after all, in history and making history and that indeed is wonderful after these past many years in which so many of us lost hope. Perhaps we can now liberate ourselves and liberate our own historical moment. I believe that Obama is the change agent in our current historical crisis.

The most stirring thing about President Obama's speech was his call for service. Unlike Obama, I won't use the military (the so-called "services") as a model, but I find the idea of service extremely inspiring. It should be service to the world, however, not just the US. After all, we are citizens of the world, Mr. President Barack Hussein Obama.

Today I cried again for my country. This time however it was with pride and joy for the change finally upon us. There has been 8 years of shame in the actions of the US government, destroying or working toward destroying everything I treasured about the country I fought for and was wounded for. and having the flag used as an idealogical weapon, I feel pride again with misty eyes at the National Anthem. Finally! Excelsior!

To the gentleman who wrote about "The Lesser of Two Evils" .... You have missed the entire message behind President Obama's speech. President Obama stated, most eloquently ... "We the people". He did not segregate or marginalize any race, religion, or even political stance. He spoke of empowerment, of recognition, of rolling up sleeves and getting to work ... TOGETHER. How dare you say ... "his people", or even "the orientals". You have placed on public display your own narrow and ugly prejudices. Your thoughts are precisely those that disgrace your nation. Shame on you for voicing such drivel and vitriol on this momentous, historic and uplifting day.

I already embody Kennedy's "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" by being a career federal employee. So I celebrate today with the promise that Barak Obama will turn the tide from the last 8 demoralising years. Years in which we have been neutralised and otherwise prohibited from doing the jobs for which we were hired - jobs we the people and tax payers expect to be done on our behalf and in our interest; not that of a special, select few for their profit and gain.

This was a mass exorcism. I feel it, I believe it. Now it's up to us to remember and hold on to it.

Many, Many Tears of Joy.

"It's not about me. It's about you." To me Obama's mantra means we 'the people' have to be clear, organized, vocal and willing to take action, including direct action to see the new project through. We have not been 'saved' by Obama's ascent to power. We have given ourselves a limited window, through which it's possible the transformation needed to save our society and the living planet can be realized. The corporations, a coterie of bluedog and corporate Democrats, a captive media and Obama's apparently centrist tendencies do not by themselves portend a favorable outcome, despite our immense relief at seeing Bush and his cabal exit the back door of the Capitol. It will be up to American and world citizens to build a countervailing force for life that beginning today can affect the fundamental changes we so desperately needed yesterday.

This is the greatest day in the 230+ years of this country. Other folks might argue that 911, or Pearl Harbor or the end of WWII should be listed at the top, however, I believe that a positive social evolution outweighs such military events in actual value to this nation. You see, we have mouthed the central tenets of democracy for two centuries, reluctantly adapting the meaning to include women and minorities over time. With the ascendance of Barak Obama to the office of president, we have finally fulfilled the promise America was founded upon. Our celebration for President Obama should include a toast to ourselves, for we have earned it, at last.

No doubt that this election is an inspiration to us all. Still, let us not forget that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. The parade will pass, the chairs will be folded up and it will be time to get to work rebuilding this nation. It is the work, the rebuilding that will liberate us.

The Creation, I cannot begin to describe my feelings, all I know is I wanted to get home from work and dance around our woodstove with my three babies and wife and sing "Yes we Did, Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" until the sun comes up.

Inauguration Day 2009 For the Recent Occupant, misformed by the past, overtaxed by the present, condemned by the future, I have summoned pity. But it answereth not. For his Team of No Rivals, certain of motive, fixated on goal, mischievous in methods, I have summoned anger. But it answereth not. For the financial titans, nimble with numbers, agile with assets, clandestine and clannish, I have summoned outrage. But it answereth not. For the industrial Cyclops, engineers of thunder, generators of lightning, enablers of shock and awe, I have summoned disgust. But it answereth not. For the blinded self-righteous, long of preaching, short of knowledge, bereft of wisdom, I have summoned forgiveness. But it answereth not. For the resident cynic, renter of the heart, mortgagee of mind, inventor of dark and disparate patterns, I have summoned responsibility. But it answereth not. Ideals in the dust and no one to trust, I summon hope. . .

There's this feeling - I can't put my finger on it...it's seems familiar yet I am not able to find the words to express it. I have this urge to straighten my back & neck as if to stand taller and carry myself with more confidence without shame or remorse. Is it...can it be that I am feeling pride in being an American?

And now we must put our shoulders to the wheel. We must not let President Obama down. We must continue to focus, organize with each other, speak out, insist on truth and decency. He cannot accomplish this without us, and we pledged to help him by electing him. This is truly a great day for all of us, because we can now begin to build the society we really want. Out of the ashes, we can arise anew. The key to doing this is integrity and compassion. It is essential we subscribe to these everyday in all our dealings. Exertion also, so as to not let slip our momentum. So practice gentle awareness, kindness, be genuine, and join hands with each other. We will persist.

I was very disappointed that there was no recognition of original custodians of "America," the native americans. Obama has to be careful in his efforts to reach out to the religious right and republicans, he is edging on loosing many of the people that actually voted for him, which we know is the majority.

Everything considered I feel more depressed and disappointed than ever. The rude, disrespectful, and shabby treatment of openly-gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson by Obama and his morally bankrupt inaugural committee completely ruined the event! It was Obama's first "Heck of a job, Brownie!" moment. When Bishop Robinson began to pray the sound system was turned off and only a handful of people near the podium could hear him. The bigoted inaugural committee asked HBO to wait to start broadcasting the event live until after Bishop Robinson spoke. After the selection of the bigoted pseudo-Christian Reverend Rick Warren, the treatment of Gene Robinson was yet another slap in the face of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Americans! A historic ocasion? Yes, but not in a good way. All things considered a very bad way to start things off. Any future volunteering I do will certainly NOT be for the Democratic Party or Barry (the Bigot) Obama!

A gorgeous day filled with every feeling: joy and hope, of course, but also sadness, regret, caution, even loneliness. By 7:20 a.m., my local theater, which was offering a free public screening of the events, had filled up and was turning people away. I took BART to the Ashby Stage in Berkeley, and got in before it had to close its doors, too. We cheered and laughed and booed and hissed, mesmerized by the moment, by the hope, by the crises, by the future. At least there is a sense now that we are facing it together. And that we are, in fact, facing it.

When I looked up the places in Paris (french places mind you...) where they were retransmitting the inauguration ceremony I found that almost all of them were full! Actually there were too many people who wanted to watch this in a café with other people and not enough room for everybody : it reminded me of the feeling in 1998 when France won the World Cup (soccer). I guess this was pretty much the same over most of Europe. I guess that says something about Obama's global impact.

What a beautiful moment, what a beautiful speech! I loved Aretha singing, in her grey buttterfly hat and in strong voice like of 30 years ago; the eloquent invocation by the evangelist preacher (which I had feared, but which hit all the right notes); the wonderful and inspiring prayer at the end by Rev. Joseph Lowery. I just re-listened to the prayer by the gay bishop, but think he missed the target with his words, as did the poet. Lowery caught it just right, Obama's spirit and the transformation that he is all about.

Family gathered, truths spoken, tasks revealed, history fulfilled! We roll up our sleeves, bend our heads in thanks, lift them in joy, and seek service on the path of freedom, with responsibility... thanks to us all and our Mr President Obama!

In Minneapolis, the line stretched down the block by 8:10 a.m. when I got to the Riverview Theater. I teetered along the bunker of snow until I saw a friend. Carl was standing with a life-size cardboard cut-out of Obama. I’d met Carl, back in the spring of 2007, when the Minnesota for Obama campaign was still holding meetings in each other’s living rooms. Carl’s living room was one of them. Even Obama’s corrugated presence had lots of charisma. People posed with the cut-out, greeted it. Someone said that the President-Elect looked cold, so Carl put his stocking cap on the cardboard head. A little kid said, “Look Mom, O-mama’s waiting in line too.” Watching the debates at the Riverview was a highlight of the fall campaign. So when I walked through the doors at about 9:30 a.m, I felt a rush of shared experience and of warmth. Inside, it was part solemn, part Rocky Horror Picture Show. Many watched the screen with one eye, while keeping the other peeled for familiar faces. The theatre filled quickly and we settled our focus on the big screen. As Cheney was shown leaving the White House, people hissed softly. Someone shouted “Dr. Strangelove.” Then boos came too. Someone behind me said, “that only gives energy to what you don’t want.” But, I couldn’t help it. I cupped my hands around my mouth and booed, as hard as I could, my hands vibrating like a conch shell. On my right, my Quaker friend, Mary Ann, raised her eyebrow, tolerantly. I told her, "Sorry, but I feel another one coming-on." Then did it again. It was sort of like vomiting, and a whole lot like venting. And, just like a good up-chuck, afterward I felt both humiliated and a whole lot better. The warmest cheers went to Aretha’s hat, Jimmy and Rosalyn, the Obama girls, and Yo-Yo Ma grinning with wind-tussled hair. When George W. Bush was announced, there was silence, more thoughtful than distaining. Then the elementary school children in the front row clapped politely and I was happy for that. I liked it best when Biden was sworn in. The Supreme Court Justice said, "Will you all please rise." There was a pause as we collectively considered whether this also applied to us at the Riverview Theatre in south Minneapolis. Then, we all stood. And, when it was Obama’s turn, we didn’t even have to consider it, we knew we had to stand together, where ever we were.

Merci des encouragements. Comme vous l'avez vu dans les images televisees, nous n'etions pas tout seuls a vouloir un changement. Le Bush est parti de Washington la queue entre les jambes et le petit discours d'Obama est un resume de ses defaites. Il a completement decfonstruit l'ideologie de Bush dans ce discours de 15 minutes !!! Nous avons du pain sur la planche.... mais comme la France, notre "Jeanne d'Arc" est apparue et nous esperons que comme elle, il restaurera les USA a leur valeur propre et enrayera la corruption qui inondait Washington et tout ce que Bush touchait. Bravo Obama. Merci de nous feliciter. Nous avons travailler dur nous-memes a son election.

Rough translation by an online widget:
Thank you for the encouragements. Like you l' saw in the images televisees, us n' were not all alone has to want a change. Bush left Washington the tail between the legs and the small speech d' Obama is a summary of its defeats. It has decfonstruit l' completely; ideology of Bush in this 15 minutes speech!!! We have bread on the board…. but like France, our " Jeanne d' Arc" appeared and we hope that like it, it will restore the USA has their eigenvalue and will stop the corruption which flooded Washington and all that Bush touched. Obama cheer. Thank you to congratulate us. We have to work hard ourselves has its election.

George Packer is one of several pundits who have observed that there were no stirring or memorable phrases in the Inaugural address. Silly me! I have to confess that I caught my breath when he said: a nation cannot prosper if it favors only the prosperous. Perhaps the problem is that the people who have been commenting on the speech are all quite prosperous? As one whose fragile prosperity has declined precipitously during the Bush administration, I have allowed myself to hope that that line indicates an intention of doing something about the scandalous gulf between the super prosperous and everybody else in this country. Whether my hopes prove to be well founded or not, I will not soon forget the promise contained in that short, eloquent phrase.

Frame these two pictures. 1.8 million people and by the time of the parade, the FBI, Secret Service, DC Police had no, I repeat, no incidents to report. There were a few health incidents, but no violence of any kind. Frame - peace is possible. Second frame - the graceful, magnificent peaceful transfer of power. Although GW Bush left DC in disgrace, President and Mrs.Obama were not merely respectful, but kind. President Obama delivered indictments of the Bush administration - telling the truth, Sweet, sweet truth. However, as we all must learn the lesson, when dealing directly as human beings, they practiced the golden rule. There is a time for everything. Now, now is the time for building and strength. And most importantly, peace among the people.

I listened to the inspiring words spoken by Mr Obama, and pondered the twisted events that the past 8 yrs laid at our door steps. Payment for these wrongs are with us forever, and yet I doubt that those responsible will ever feel any remorse. And as heartbreaking as this is, I received emails from friends and family using racial slurs about our new president. No, hatred is not dead. It lives on in the party departed.

To me, the music melding classical and folk (Yo Yo Ma et al) echoed the brilliance of Obama's words and breadth of meaning and purpose. The sweetness of intelligence as a art form--as well as words and concepts striking a vital chord with humans globally; is true liberation from the dark-ages brutality we have witnessed too long, too recently. However sweet and liberating the moment, however, eventual "recovery" requires each of us to be awake, alert, and engaged. The inaugural invitation to take a deep, collective breath and recommit to all that Democracy and U.S. citizenship requires of us is a precious gift. I am extremely grateful.

For the first time in my life I feel that I was born on the right planet after all.

News reports show the world responding rapidly to Obama's Presidency, prompted it seems by his action on Guantanamo. Two in particular: Russia committing help in Afghanistan, and Hamas responding about new respect for Muslims. As U.S. stature grows in the world, our own lives will benefit here in the U.S. It will be good to feel good about ourselves and our place in the world again.

AMEN. The whole speach was great except not a rich american. Like the previous poster, I believe that Obama is simply a "fox," as Malcolm X would label him, the Democrats Manchurian candidate. He did not even mention Gaza, did not even let the word slide from his lips, where pint sized children were being bombed to oblivion. He bombed Pakistan a couple of days later, and is not ending our imperialist power but transfering our efforts from one country - iraq - to another - afghanistan. The way to end terrorism is to get out of the middle east, and that includes the billions of tax dollars sliding from OUR paychecks that killed those pint sized Palestinians and support an occupation that would not exist without our money. Celebrate this if you want. I, however, am mourning a new state of imperialism, this time one with a black face.

I can hardly wait! Since President Obama has promised to fix everything from health care to finding me a job, I rush to meet the mailman to look for my check.

This is the second inauguration I attended. The first was John F. Kennedy's. Then I was a hopeful young 9th grader. Now I'm a hopeful 62-year-old graduate student/activist. Now it's up to us to hold his feet to the fire. I think he "gets it," though.

Right on E&co.! Finally... someone with a brain.

90plus days later:my disappointment (shock) began on Jan. 23, 2009 with media coverage of Pres. Obama's administration continuing "W" Bush's drones/missiles onto Pakistan villages. It is said that the policy escalated to more than Bush's. I had cried with joy, also, on Jan. 20, 2009 and also on election night, Nov. 2008. As Pres. Obama continues more of Bush's policies, from fighting the rights of detainees to judicial review in the US Court system, who are in Bagram Prison in Afghanistan, to economics policies only continuing more of the same....I am thoroughly saddened. I shall dissent. DemocracyNow has an interview with Noam Chomsky today and part two will be next week. It's sobering. He said push must come from the bottom, and "depends on people like you, Amy" (Goodman). And, all of us. www.democracynow.org

and now what do you kool-aid drinkers think,,,,, quad the deficit, state run,,,,everything. more debt than Ws entire 8 years in office. Oh well, going back to slavery. yes that's it the less choices you have the more enslaved you become. and the O man is giving you less choices. and wait you will have less money in the coming years which also means less choices,,,,, more and more like slavery to me.

The American fascists are most easily recognized by their deliberate perversion of truth and fact. Once Obama signs the climate treaty and if the Senate were to ratify that treaty, that treaty by virtue of Article 6 of the United States of America Constitution, would effectively trump the United States of America Constitution. Read the second paragraph of Article VI of the United States of America Constitution shown below: "and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land;" Read Lord Christopher Monckton at http://www.theadmonition.com/?p=1711