BS: Happy Inauguration Day!

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 05:49 PM

Isn't Chris Wallace of Fox News wonderful?

"Well, again, we're wondering here whether or not Barack Obama in fact is the president of the United States," Chris Wallace told Fox News viewers, well over an hour after Obama had taken the oath of office today.

Fox News replayed the swearing-in moment when President Obama and Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. each bobbled the words to the constitutional oath. "They had a kind of garbled oath," Wallace said.

"It's just conceivable that this will end up going to the courts," Wallace speculated.

A bit of wishful thinking on behalf of (presumably conservative) Fox viewers?

Perhaps. But Wallace quickly added: "As Brit Hume rightly pointed out, if it goes to the Supreme Court, certainly Chief Justice Roberts will say that he took the oath."

Faux Noose

By the way, my effort to correct a disappeared phrase also disappeared. I want to repeat it because I was so impressed with the man.

Back at 2:33 I said: "I loved 90-year-old Lowery's benediction."

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: GUEST,DannyC
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 05:40 PM

We had a bit of a **ahem** mishap here. Ten minutes before the ceremony the electricity in our area went plumb OUT ----   BONK!!!   (Bev's claiming that some juiced-up, walking-antique of a segregantionist pulled the plug down at the central switch.)

No matter - we went out into the iced-up van and listened to the proceedings on the radio. It had come full-circle - fitting in a way - as Barack's words had coaxed me onto the icy streets of last winter... now we'll see where history brings us.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Bobert
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 05:18 PM

Well, it was very special because it allowed all of us who worked in the campaign to get together again as about 50 of us assmebled at "Uncle Buck's Resturant" for the swearing in...

If there was any negative it's that there were other folks in the resturant who I thought were disrepectfull and rude while talking loudly during even the prayers but, hey, just proof that we do indeed have some folks who just don't get it...

No matter...

It's been a long time, brothers and sisters, since this ol' 60s commie/radical/hippie felt this good about this country...

Yes, we can!!!

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: GUEST,DannyC
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 04:54 PM

Did anyone see the wonderful folk musician Josh Dukes play his part in today's pageant?

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 04:19 PM

"Beside President Obama's speech, I was most impressed with the benediction that was given by civil rights' leader Rev. Joseph Lowery."


YES! Thank you for putting it on here, Azizi. Wasn't he just wonderful! And that bit at the end, absolutely perfect. President Obama was laughing too. Brilliant benediction.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Genie
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 04:06 PM

I'm tearing up just now. Barack and Michelle Obama just got out of the limo and are walking along Pennsylvania Avenue grinning and waving to the wildly cheering crowds.   This is indeed a joyous occasion!

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Peter T.
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 04:00 PM

Actually, it wasn't that good a speech, I thought.   It was sort of a paint-by-numbers kind of thing. (He can give great speeches. His speech on race last year was one of the great speeches of all time).

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Monique
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 03:38 PM

France 2 covered the Inauguration from 4.30 to 6.30 and it was really moving. Now I wish I could listen to him without the dubbing in French... this is what I heard/saw...

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Azizi
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 03:21 PM

Beside President Obama's speech, I was most impressed with the benediction that was given by civil rights' leader Rev. Joseph Lowery.

Here's a transcript of that inaugural benediction, courtesy of the Federal News Service:


God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way, thou who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand -- true to thee, O God, and true to our native land.

We truly give thanks for the glorious experience we've shared this day. We pray now, O Lord, for your blessing upon thy servant, Barack Obama, the 44th president of these United States, his family and his administration. He has come to this high office at a low moment in the national and, indeed, the global fiscal climate. But because we know you got the whole world in your hand, we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations. Our faith does not shrink, though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.

For we know that, Lord, you're able and you're willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor or the least of these and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.

We thank you for the empowering of thy servant, our 44th president, to inspire our nation to believe that, yes, we can work together to achieve a more perfect union. And while we have sown the seeds of greed -- the wind of greed and corruption, and even as we reap the whirlwind of social and economic disruption, we seek forgiveness and we come in a spirit of unity and solidarity to commit our support to our president by our willingness to make sacrifices, to respect your creation, to turn to each other and not on each other.

And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance.

And as we leave this mountaintop, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek your will.

Bless President Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little, angelic Sasha and Malia.

We go now to walk together, children, pledging that we won't get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave us alone, with your hands of power and your heart of love.

Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid; when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around -- (laughter) -- when yellow will be mellow -- (laughter) -- when the red man can get ahead, man -- (laughter) -- and when white will embrace what is right.

Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.

AUDIENCE: Amen!

REV. LOWERY: Say amen --

AUDIENCE: Amen!

REV. LOWERY: -- and amen.

AUDIENCE: Amen! (Cheers, applause.)

END.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/01/rev_lowery_inauguration_benedi.html

By Lynn Sweeton January 20, 2009 1:04 PM
Transcript courtesy Federal News Service

-snip-

In case you didn't recognise it, Rev. Lowery's beginning paragraph is the third verse of "Lift Every Voice And Sing". That song was written by James Weldon Johnson, and put to music by his brother John. "Lift Every Voice And Sing" is generally considered by African Americans to be our "national anthemn". At one time, African Americans would stand when we sung this song and when we heard that song sung. However that practice largely ended by the 1980s.

Also, Rev. Lowery recited a modified version of this African American song about America's Jim Crow system that was sung sixty years ago by Blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bill_Broonzy:

If you is white, you's alright,
if you's brown, stick around,
but if you's black, hmm, hmm, brother,
get back, get back, get back.

-snip-

Thank goodness, we have seen the dawning of a brand new day!

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 02:33 PM

Brian Williams just now said that they believe that the count of the crowd will begin at 2.1 million people.

And all silent throughout the speech. Wow.

By the way, I liked Rick Warren's invocation. And I loved
There is work and to spare, ahead. And so to work.

Today I am a happy camper.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 02:14 PM

a hugely moving ceremony, the speech was immense and the man-well what a man!!!we sat here with tears in our eyes, a true moment in history.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:54 PM

Amos.... your cting of Ms. Thomas, "But she said she was inspired more by his character than by his complexion, ..." is truly moving.
To me, that is what it has been all about. Been a long time coming.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:51 PM

so, as Jackie Gleason used to say:

"and AWAYYY we go!".

I could write 20 paragraphs, but I will just say that I stood UP, in my rec rooom, with my wife, and held each other as the Anthem was played. I do note that I even had almost half a box of Kleenex left.

It is, indeed, a new beginning.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Nickhere
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:45 PM

Incidentally Obama also showed that the Bushisms we associated with the ancien regime are not entirely a thing of the past when he said he was the 44th person to take the oath, actually he is the 43rd, as Grover Cleveland counts as the 25th and 27th, making Obama the 43rd.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Nickhere
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:42 PM

This could be in the musical thread too, but it's a touching story about Pete Seeger managing to sing the original version of This Land is Your Land at the inauguration concert. I think I'm going to be adding these verses in future!

Pete Seeger sings original version of This Land

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Alice
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:39 PM

I was left with the same feeling I had from his acceptance speech when he was nominated. It is in the power of each of us in the world to be the best person we can be in our circumstances, to take care of our bodies the best we can, to be productive with our talents, whatever they are, and that is what he inspires in his speeches. THAT is true inspiration. (He keeps inspiring me to stop eating sugar and to exercise more and work harder at my job! LOL)

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Amos
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:25 PM

""Today, we're hoping to see history," Anad Thomas, a 32-year-old nurse from Westchester County, N.Y., said as she rode down 16th Street on a crowded bus just before 7 a.m. Her personal survival kit included peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and plenty of tissues, along with a camera.

Ms. Thomas acknowledged that, as a black person, she was thrilled that Mr. Obama was to become president. But she said she was inspired more by his character than by his complexion, by his demonstration that "you don't have to be nasty to make it."

Milton Nathaniel Barnes, the Liberian ambassador to the United Nations, called the event "absolutely historic."

"The world changes today, as far as I am concerned," Mr. Barnes said.

And Peter Ogego, the Kenyan ambassador to the United States, where Mr. Obama's father was born, said the inauguration was "a triumph for the ideals of democracy, and it's hope for us in Africa."

And hope, too, for the neighborhoods in the District of Columbia's Anacostia section, parts of which have endured punishing poverty and crime over the years. Watching the crowds on television, Wayne Dyson said the gathering reminded him of the multitude he had witnessed as a child in 1963, when Dr. King spoke.

"This is a moment that was foreseen long ago," said Mr. Dyson, a chef by training. "We knew this day would come. It means a lot to people around here.""...NYT

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:25 PM

I said it on another thread but will reiterate - I am so grateful that, at this time in history, I am living in the USA.

Congratulations to President Obama.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: curmudgeon
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:23 PM

"Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer..."

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Amos
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:18 PM

This a deeply important, far-reaching moment, a hinge-point in American history and perhaps in human history on this planet. The sense shared across America is one of a watershed event, a return from the cold.

I will do what I can to help.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:16 PM

Pre-cisely Don.

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Don Firth
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:14 PM

Just watched the Inauguration on television. What can I say but--

CLICKY!!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: GUEST,Bee
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:03 PM

Warm congratulations, neighbours.

An aside: even Obama's strongest detractors are affected... I quote from a popular conservative religious forum:

"I try to avoid looking him in the eyes - even through television. I get a strange calming feeling when I look in his eyes. Very weird, very alarming to my inner gut."

Several posters agreed that they felt this 'effect' through the television. Yikes!

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Kampervan
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:02 PM

Well - President Obama - what a speech! What a man.

He said what the world wanted to hear; I just hope that he gets to implement his policies and that the inertia of the establishment doesn't drag him to a standstill.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 01:00 PM

I've just waved goodbye to George Bush...

"President Bush is on his way"............


And God Blessed America, one more time.



"The President of The United States, Barack H. Obama"

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real.........b ut know this America, they will be met!"


Barack: "So Help Me, God"

God: "I'm right here, Barack, let's go for it!"

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Charmion
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:57 PM

That was some speech.

I work in the Public Affairs office of a military headquarters in Ottawa, Canada. We had the TV tuned to the live coverage, and staff officers from all over the floor came to watch.

That was, indeed, some speech.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:52 PM

Thank goodness!! Oh, Happy Day!!! I got to watch it with my five year old grandson, Morgan, who sort of understood, enough to ask me if we "nurture children", too, one of the speakers mentioned. Can't remember which one, sorry. He stood with me, with his hand over his heart, while I sang our national anthem with the choir at the end. I am so grateFULL for this day, for our children's children, our children, our peoples and country and for peoples and their countries all over the world who long for peace and who recognise a World leader who can lead.

Wow-O-Wow!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: CarolC
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:49 PM

Woo Hoo!!!


President Obama


( ...just wanted to say that)

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:44 PM

Free at last!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: InOBU
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:38 PM

I'm a happy boy today!

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:36 PM

"We are ready to lead once more."

...........'nuff said...............Why do I feel so much better?(LOL)

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:34 PM

I think at last you have a MAN in the White House, who cares more about people than profit.

Can we have one of our own soon, PLEASE?

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:13 PM

He holds the hopes of many in his hands. Good luck to him and allthose who will help him.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Alice
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 12:06 PM

Woo Hoo!! It's Done!

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Alice
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 11:27 AM

Aretha Franklin walking in... what a hat! Big grey bow!
She will sing My Country Tis of Thee right after the swearing in.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Amos
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 11:23 AM

Good feed here Watching the Prezzes Past being seated at the moment.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Alice
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 11:22 AM

http://www.cnn.com/live/

You can watch it live at that link.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Mr Happy
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 11:13 AM

Says here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/obama_inauguration/7838095.stm the presidential couple will be having a load of balls at the end of the day

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 11:00 AM

My company is offering us the use of the conference rooms to watch the Inauguration. Neat!

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: bobad
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:56 AM

Happy ObamaNation!

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Alice
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:54 AM

Watching the motorcade on CNN as they move toward the stage where the swearing in will take place. This is an exciting historic event to witness. It is amazing, too, that people from all over the world are watching this from tv or the internet and sharing the experience. Woo Hoo!

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: GUEST,richd
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:50 AM

Good wishes to you all. I'm off to an Inauguration Day party in Nant-y-Glo. It's so good to be able to write that. Have a good one.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Wesley S
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:42 AM

We're actually having a bit of a party here at the office. We have a spare computer tuned into CNN to watch the events. Plus we have my homemade hot sauce and chips, homemade pumpkin dip, cookies, a meat and cheese platter, nuts, brownies. A real orgy of junk food. I wish you could be here.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:26 AM

And for those in the UK, BBC1 is covering the Inauguration from 4pm to 6pm today.

Nearly time to tune in!

I'm gonna cry, I just know I am...

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:23 AM

Yes, Happy Obama Day to you all...and over here in England, the sun is shining brightly...just as it is upon very many people today.

God Has Blessed America.

Look after him.

And help him!

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:21 AM

*HAPPY DANCE*
*HAPPY DANCE*
*HAPPY DANCE*

WOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle, one VERY HAPPY Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: GUEST,Jts
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:19 AM

Its snowing here for the first time in twelve years. Its beautiful outside, cozy inside as we watch history. I am glad I took the day off.

Happy America!!

My God Bless us all, however you perceive him.

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:18 AM

A great day.

A GREAT day!!!

Glad to be able to be home and watch and listen from our warm and cozy 'campaign headquarters', and also with you all!

I have to miss the parade this afternoon (if the snow will let me get to work!), but it looks like it'll be a doozy! Hopefully someone will record it : )

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:08 AM

Yes, indeed, it is a GREAT DAY!!

Subject: RE: BS: Happy Inauguration Day!
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 10:06 AM

I too visited Washington DC in 2005 and took photos standing infront of the Lincoln memorial. I can't imagine the crowds there in what to me was a peaceful and beautiful place. Seeing it all on the tv over here in the uk seems so surreal.

I hope that Obama can deliver half of what he has promised. He seems a very genuine and highly intelligent man. It can only be a good thing. Like John said...a great day for all. I hope that everyone enjoys the celebrations and your son has a wonderful experience Carol.