The biggest event so far this year (and perhaps it’ll prove to be for the whole year, the whole next decade, who knows?) is the Inauguration of Barak Obama as the 44th President of the USA.
It’s an historic event in so many ways, for so many reasons—-hard to list and put your finger on, exactly. But, the main feeling is of excitement to be part of such a momentous event; of a sense of anticipation and hope, that finally there could be some change, that here’s a person who can (and wants to) do things differently.
He’s inherited a monumental mess in USA and around the world but, finally, we again have a leader with a powerful intellect, who has chosen to surround himself with many other strong, highly intelligent people, all of whom are promising more transparency and accountability in all government dealings—-and heaven knows, we need that, as the lack thereof was one of the main reasons the economic and financial crisis could develop and grow so deeply as it has. Add to this that the guy has charisma, is charming, has a lovely family whom he adores, and is driven to help his country in an organized, methodical way.
Many ordinary Americans are rooting for him—as are many folks all around the world—so let’s keep our collective fingers crossed.
I wish him luck, because I wish the USA luck (and by extension, the rest of the world), so…Rush Limbaugh be damned for wishing ill on Obama so early in the presidency. Limbaugh’s not even giving Obama a chance. Shame on you, I say!
Rod and I watched the Oath of Office and the Inaugural speech in Washington DC, live at a friend. We found it all inspiring, sobering, heart-warming, emotional—as did the million-plus people actually there on the Mall, and the many more millions around the world. We are also actually African-Americans (truly!) and today we are very proud to be American.
Later in the evening we went to another friend to watch snippets of reviews of the day’s proceedings and analyses of it all. We also witnessed the marathon attendance of President Obama (doesn’t that have a great ring to it?!) and Michelle Obama at all 10 Inauguration Balls, which was quite a feat. All were star-studded, as well as a venue for ordinary folk, and all another opportunity for Obama to mingle with “the people” and show his wonderful knack for connecting.
Here’s to a better future.
I’ve just been reading a very long-winded blog about Obama’s Blackberry, which was wondering what his email address might be.
Now, the Queen is said to use a computer and is believed to be pretty internet-savvy, but I don’t recall anyone speculating about which sites she visits, or her email address.
(Liz@buckhouse.gov.uk DOESN’T work!
)
Isn’t it amazing what people get interested in!? THE Blackberry has become a hot issue here.