Obama's inauguration

[Bulldog]

I watched some parts of the inauguration at school. In English class, Math, lunch, and Spanish.
Did anyone see Obama kind of mess up as he was saying the oath?

Don't put it all on Obama; the Chief Justice also messed up.

[Homo Aestheticus]

Let's get the facts straight on that:

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/i-do-solemnly-swear/?hp

[Dr. Dread]

royalty and divine blessing.

Funny stuff. 

[Dungeon Master]

Great stuff!

For the first time ever, a US president has acknowledged that climate change is a worrying threat (about 15 years too late, but better late than never), and also that unbelievers are a part of US society. George Bush senior stated once that atheists were not to be regarded as citizens or patriots.

Hopefully, Obama can tackle some of the world's and the US's problems, and restore the US's reputation on the international stage, after its dunking by W.

cheers
Rob

[karlhenning]

Great stuff!

For the first time ever, a US president has acknowledged that climate change is a worrying threat (about 15 years too late, but better late than never), and also that unbelievers are a part of US society. George Bush senior stated once that atheists were not to be regarded as citizens or patriots.

Hopefully, Obama can tackle some of the world's and the US's problems, and restore the US's reputation on the international stage, after its dunking by W.

Hoy, Rob!

It's certainly a landmark to have climate change and acknowledgement of our 'citizens of non-faith' (as it were) spoken by the President at his inauguration.

[Sarastro]

Hopefully, Obama can

Yes, we can. ©

[Daverz]

Wow, the GBP is down to a $1.40 and the Euro is under $1.30.  Go Barack! 

[Gurn Blanston]

Holy cow! What a day: first black president, then Rob comes to visit! Were there 2 full moons this month  

As for the oath slipup, it certainly appeared to me as though the Chief Justice said it wrong and Obama started to repeat it that way and then stopped when he realized it wasn't right. It was fairly quick though, so I may be wrong.

80

----------------
Listening to:
Robert Levin/John Eliot Gardiner - Bia 486 Op 80 Fantasia in c (HIP) ('Choral Fantasy' for Piano, Chorus & Orchestra) 1st mvmt - Adagio - attacca

[Bogey]

One of my favorite parts: the use of the Lincoln Bible for the oath.

[imperfection]

Great stuff!

For the first time ever, a US president has acknowledged that climate change is a worrying threat (about 15 years too late, but better late than never), and also that unbelievers are a part of US society. George Bush senior stated once that atheists were not to be regarded as citizens or patriots.

Hopefully, Obama can tackle some of the world's and the US's problems, and restore the US's reputation on the international stage, after its dunking by W.

cheers
Rob

WTF? There's an official "admin" on GMG? 

[aquablob]

WTF? There's an official "admin" on GMG? 

Yes — and Rob be his name!

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

As for the oath slipup, it certainly appeared to me as though the Chief Justice said it wrong and Obama started to repeat it that way and then stopped when he realized it wasn't right. It was fairly quick though, so I may be wrong.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/20/justice-roberts-flubs-oba_n_159429.html

[Florestan]

Panem et circenses! The King Is Dead, Long Live The King!  

No, really, such a display of pomp and circumstance was strongly reminiscent of the coronation ritual for a mediaeval monarch.

Besides, in these times of dire economical crisis --- or ain't it? --- a $107,000,000-ceremony isn't particularly a sign of restraint.

[Herman]

Panem et circenses! The King Is Dead, Long Live The King!  

No, really, such a display of pomp and circumstance was strongly reminiscent of the coronation ritual for a mediaeval monarch.

The critical difference being Obama was elected in a democratic process.

And a day of ceremony and splendor does invigorate the nation.

[Florestan]

The critical difference being Obama was elected in a democratic process.

No doubt.

[Guido]

Panem et circenses! The King Is Dead, Long Live The King!  

No, really, such a display of pomp and circumstance was strongly reminiscent of the coronation ritual for a mediaeval monarch.

Besides, in these times of dire economical crisis --- or ain't it? --- a $107,000,000-ceremony isn't particularly a sign of restraint.

What the hell?! How could it have cost that much?

[bhodges]

Well today's the day.
And my school's marching band got picked to play in Washington, D.C.! We are very honored    0:)

Congratulations! 

Great stuff!

For the first time ever, a US president has acknowledged that climate change is a worrying threat (about 15 years too late, but better late than never), and also that unbelievers are a part of US society. George Bush senior stated once that atheists were not to be regarded as citizens or patriots.

Hopefully, Obama can tackle some of the world's and the US's problems, and restore the US's reputation on the international stage, after its dunking by W.

cheers
Rob

And hi Rob!  Nice to see your (virtual) face around here, especially during such an auspicious last few days. 

I am in Washington, and saw the Inauguration on the Mall, along with the other 2 million or so people.  It was all very inspiring, to say the least.  It feels like we have the *real* United States back again, and I couldn't be happier. 

--Bruce

[DavidRoss]

Let us hope that Obama's personal graciousness and eloquence can inspire us to remain united rather than to sink back into the viciously destructive partisan rancor that has undermined our nation of late.  A telling phrase from his address that still resonates for me was "...what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose." 

I have faith that conservatives and Republicans will place our national interest first and unite with all of us in common purpose rather than imitate the horrid example of their political opposition during the past eight years.  History will be much kinder to GW than most imagine, and not so kind to the Democratic Party and its leadership...whom I expect may prove more troublesome to Obama than the Republicans as he seeks to implement the values he so eloquently expressed.  But for now, at least, it's wonderful to see America united again for the first time in many years.  Let us hope that an Obama Presidency will be as successful in healing more recent wounds as his election seems to have been in healing more ancient ones.

[bhodges]

Let us hope that Obama's personal graciousness and eloquence can inspire us to remain united rather than to sink back into the viciously destructive partisan rancor that has undermined our nation of late.  A telling phrase from his address that still resonates for me was "...what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose." 

I have faith that conservatives and Republicans will place our national interest first and unite with all of us in common purpose rather than imitate the horrid example of their political opposition during the past eight years.  History will be much kinder to GW than most imagine, and not so kind to the Democratic Party and its leadership...whom I expect may prove more troublesome to Obama than the Republicans as he seeks to implement the values he so eloquently expressed.  But for now, at least, it's wonderful to see America united again for the first time in many years.  Let us hope that an Obama Presidency will be as successful in healing more recent wounds as his election seems to have been in healing more ancient ones.

Beautiful.

--Bruce

[vandermolen]

I was pleased to hear the English Folksong Suite by Vaughan Williams being played by the band before the ceremony.