After a campaign cycle that began more than two years ago, the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States will finally occur tomorrow at 12 noon when Barack Obama is administered the oath of office by Chief Justice John Roberts.
On the whole, Americans have demonstrated how very proud we are of the momentous election of the nation’s first African-American President. One of our past contributors, Robin, was kind enough to capture her thoughts and send them along in this link.
Obviously, not all of us voted for President Obama, but tomorrow is a day when we can stand together as Americans and witness history being made while extending our best wishes for the incoming administration.So what do you plan to do on Inauguration Day? Will you be watching the proceedings live either at home or work? Will you tape or DVR the event for posterity? Will your children’s school be interrupting classes to show the Inauguration? Please share your thoughts with us throughout the day.
Submitted by Anya
38 comments:
I don't know if my son will be watching it at school, but if he does I hope he keeps his opinions to himself. He's in first grade and for some reason, he does not like "Rocko Bama." He constantly tells me that Obama is not his president and he is not happy he won the election.
He was very upset when John McCain lost the mock election at his school. I've tried to find out what exactly his problem is with Rocko Bama, only to get answers like "John McCain makes toys for us" and "John McCain lives in Hollywood" as his reasons for choosing McCain over Obama. I don't even know where he got these ideas (Obama won by a landslide in his school with 73% of the vote, so there can't be that many 1st graders talking trash about Obama), and what he will say in public when Obama gets brought up. I've tried talking with him about how its impolite not to say these things, and how they are not true, and nothing is getting through to him. I just hope he comes to his senses soon...
As I sit here this morning (actually its the middle of the night but who's counting) I think about what my parents said to me on the phone the night of the election...they told me they never thought they would live see the day that a black man was elected president.
I remember hearing them both get choked up at the fact that after going through the desegregation of schools and seeing MLK speak,talking about what happened to them after his death, the death of JFK, etc. that as a nation they didn't think we were ready. To hear how surprised and happy they were and how they felt as though their grandkids could truly accomplish anything was a very happy moment for me.
To listen to my mother and father say and really mean it that my children too can become president is something I think neither of my parents thought they would ever be able to say.
Barack has had to carry the weight of an entire nationality on his back these past 2 years whether he has wanted to or not and I can truly say that he has done a fine job.
I agree that while he might not be everyone's first choice, he is a good choice and today as a nation we can stand proud, tall, and united in the fact that he will become our 44th president.
Watch inauguration ceremony adn party live in HD on CNN web-site:
watch on CNN
I'm still yet to be convinced by Obama - the U.S has such huge problems that have only trended to getting worse over the past two decades until this ultimate economic breakdown and loss of civil rights.
The growth of power of the CFR is my concern and Obama seems to be very closely tied to it with so many CFR members getting top spots in government.
Anyway I'll still be watching the Inauguration events here:
http://www.webtvhub.com/watch-obama-inauguration-acceptance-speech/
I'll be watching the inauguration and saying a prayer for him, his wife, and his daughters.
"What a country."
BTW, great open letter Robin!
Yesterday, I taught my students about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as I do each year. This year it had a special meaning. As I was reading some of his quotes, I got a lump in my throat. Look how far our country has gone in just a few decades. I truly feel privileged to be witness to this historic event.
Today, I will be discussing the role of the president and we will watch our next president be sworn in. I hope to be able to get through it without tearing up. You may not agree with his policies, or be excited that he is going to be president, but what a day for our nation - another hurdle overcome for African Americans. What excites me the most is that Barack Obama shows children in poverty, and children of all races that anyone can do this. You can be anything. Obama started with nothing. He was a poor man with a father in Africa, raised by his white mother and grandparents. He worked his way up to this position, all alone. I am proud to tell my students that they can do anything, and now have another example to show them.
My only worry for today is that our lunch time coincides with his swearing in. I hope we don't miss it!
Sarah (or anyone else?)
CFR? Council on Foreign Relations?
One of my client has demanded a meeting today so I can't watch it at home. I am DVRing it and hope to catch some of it during a break while I am onsite.
I'm sure the high school would be watching it live. Unfortunately, it's finals week with half days and school over with by 10:30. My youngest has swim practice until 1:00. I doubt his coach will let them out early for anything.
I'm so excited - I know people who are having Obama parties today!
I cannot vote for president (and I really really wish I could), although his choices, as well as those of congress, affect me in a very direct way (I live in a US territory). And I am very proud that people who could vote went out in droves and made their voices heard. That is what democracy is about after all.
As I watch the inauguration with hope, I wish him the clarity of mind to make good decisions and pray that his family is safe from those who still choose to hate them because of the color of their skin.
I am fully aware of the historic nature of the events that will transpire today and it will definitely go into that mental bank of memorable instances that I will always remember as a "where where you when......" moment.
Thankfully I have a lot of work to do today so I can avoid the TV. Im not an Obama supporter and it kind of makes me crazy to see him treated as some sort of messiah.
Good luck to him because he is on an awfully high pedestal.
I'm kind of sad today, I can't deny that I wanted to see John McCain in office. I have long wanted to see a black man in office so today is bitter sweet for me bc I have a hard time with this partcular man.
Anyway regardless of whether I agree with him or not the Presidency is a position that should be respected- something I've been trying to teach my little daughter for months.
For some reason even before she heard us discussing the candidates she decided she liked John McCain- she wants to marry him. The fact that he is old enough to be MY grandfather and he's married already is irrelevant to her lol.
Que our children have something in common! She was devastated when McCain lost the mock election- and on the real day I had to break the news very gently and warn her not to be too outspoken at school bc a lot of people are very happy that Mr. Obama has won.
She doesnt know there has never been a black president- she doesnt know "Race" exists. She has friends with "peach" sin and friends with "brown" skin, she doesnt know that hate based on color exists. For a while longer I want to keep it that way.
Anyway today's a new day :)
I am proud of the fact that our country finally elected an African American president.
Regardless of where his policies are agreed/disagreed with, I think we as a nation should revel in the historical nature of this inauguration.
I can't watch it first hand because I'll be working but I'll DVR it and I'm sure it will be on youtube within 10 minutes of it ended, LOL!
I'm proud of the fact that my son's generation actually needs to be TOLD that our country electing and African-American to the presidency is something special. Happily, I think that fact would have gone over the heads of a lot of children because of the lack of significance race might play in their lives today.
And as proud as I am of my country today for taking this historical step into the future, I didn't vote for Obama to make history (although I think he will in many ways). I voted for the man I thought was best suited for the job.
Next milestone.....can we get a woman in the House?
I was going to watch all of this with my little one. However, her grandmother asked for one more night, so I won't pick her up until this evening. My little one is very excited as she thinks she played a big part in this by voting on Nickolodeon. I asked my mother to watch it with her and had to tell her not to jade the moment as she is very unhappy about election. I am enjoying all the good energy and hope floating around. It's a historic moment and I hope it leads to better things for all.
Oh que, I feel for you. Kids get the strangest notions. Don't you love that?, and of course, everyone takes it immediately to “it must be the parents”.
Watching it now. I think this is the coolest thing ever...!!!
(sorry, I can't even manage a more thoughtful comment)
I'm not an American Citizen so I couldn't vote but I wanted to see Obama's speech and missed it. I can tell people if they ask what I was doing when Obama was sworn in that I was watching the Mickey Mouse Club House with the little ones this morning :) I'll have to catch it later sometime today.
Thanks, Robin, for your letter.
SoccerMomof3 - your thoughts really resonated with me. Very well said.
Que and Samantha, you guys are cracking me up! I think it's actually a great sign that your little ones are so passionate about their choices. If only we could get adults to care as much. Although one of the things I have to give Obama credit for is getting folks involved who have not bothered to participate before.
JerseyGirl - I actually agree. I think we need to be careful how high Obama is elevated before he has fully assumed all the duties of office. I don't he has fully earned it yet, but I also don't think it is necessarily fair *to him* to place him on a "pedestal" (to use your words).
Watched this morning. amyf, I agree: very cool.
Yes, what is CFR? Why is that sinister?
I saw most of the inauguration and thought it was very cool. It took me a while to warm up to Obama (I was a Clinton supporter), but I do think he's a sincere, thoughtful and intelligent man and I believe a change in direction is sorely needed in this country. So this is a great day.
P.S. Shallow moment - did not like Michelle's dress. Sasha and Malia are beautiful children, though - they always look exquisite.
Que: In response to your first post (that's all I've read so far) my son who is now 24 was that way about the first George Bush. He was in pre-school and had a George Bush bumper sticker on his lunchbox and on election day, was outside yelling "Dump the Duke" in front of our house as people went in to vote. We lived across the street from the school/polling place. We visited Washington before the inaguration and he asked the Security Guard in the Senate where the "bushman sat" and asked if he could sit in his seat. Funny how kids get opinions so little. That was also the year he was our little Alex P. Keating wearing a shirt and tie to pre-school everyday.
I have been watching streaming video all day. It has been great.
Haven't read one thing about Jon and Kate.
I just can't believe that there is finally an African American president! I think its way past time, and its really weird to think we are living something that will for ever be in history books. Its a world changing day today.
What a great day! You could feel the positive energy in the air all day long. Michelle Obama looked stunning, and the President's speech was great.
I'm thrilled today with our new leader. And I'm a Republican who use to be active in the party here in CA.
Colin Powell is right; Obama is a transitional figure who will hopefully unite a fractured world.
And to Sarah who cited "concerns" with the CFR (Council on Foreign Relations); no need to worry. Many presidents select advisers affiliated with the non-partisan, centrist council, including Bush 41 and Reagan. CFR is a well-respected research center and think tank.
My eight year old was also a huge McCain supporter probably because her dad was (and is). She's a daddy's girl :)
She has been warming up to President Obama lately. She thought it was totally cool last night that his kids and wife were rocking out to Hannah Montana.
I missed the live inaguration due to work, but caught up later. What a special day. And after Dr. Martin Luther KIng Jr. Day, how fitting. I was so excited to be part of this election, and I hope my daughter will one day tell her kids about it.
I live in downtown Washington, DC and have worked at a major newspaper for 34 years (which I will leave unnamed, but let you guess) which is only a couple of blocks from The White House. I volunteered to work today, because none of my co-workers could have easily gotten into DC and I can walk to work... (Okay. If I hadn't volunteered I would have been appointed... If one person worked, everyone else could take the day off and I'm the only person on my team who lives in town.)
We've lived in DC since 1972 and have participated in all inauguration festivities since Carter in 1977. (We've done the Inaugural Ball thing... Once is enough; twice was too much. We did go to some parties this weekend and DH went to a couple this afternoon, but that was about the extent of our celebration.) Besides, it's easier to see everything on TV and not nearly as cold!
I have never, ever, ever seen or felt the electricity and excitement that has been in the air in DC for the past few weeks. No matter what your political leanings, ( FWIW, my DH and I cancel each other's vote), the air in DC has been ripe for change and today was the day!
My house is about 2 miles from The White House. About one mile south of us, all streets were blocked to vehicles except for buses and taxi cabs. My husband dropped me off at the roadblock and I walked the rest of the way. The air was cold and crisp and the sky bright. 16th Street, which ends at Lafayette Park across the street from The White House, was closed as I noted above. Street vendors had set up their wares and food on both sides of 16th Street, just like a street fair!
Our office was pretty empty. (I work on the obit desk three days a week, so I was the only one who was actually working... Death does not take a holiday!) We all had our computers set on CNN and MSNBC and we watched and listened all day...The excitement never waned. When Obama took his oath and gave his speech, you could have heard a pin drop. Most of the folks left early, but I had a page to get out and didn't leave until 8 p.m. tonight. By that time, the streets were packed with limousines and taxicabs, as everyone as beginning to head to their balls and parties.
There are a lot of young people in my office and it was thrilling to see how excited they were about Obama taking office. To me, it was like a generational change. Clinton and Bush were my generation. Obama is the next.
It will be interesting to see what change happens and how long it takes, but I feel confident that change WILL happen. That's the beauty of having an election every four years! I hope that these next four years are happy and healthy ones for all of us...
Bridget said...She has been warming up to President Obama lately. She thought it was totally cool last night that his kids and wife were rocking out to Hannah Montana.
LOL! It is going to really interesting seeing the young Obama girls grow up in the public eye. They are both beautiful girls and appear to be very poised for their age.
I do have to make the analogy to the Gosselin children. Obama made the choice to run for President that necessitated his daughters entering public life. Their lives will never be the same and while I think most of their experiences will be very positive, there can be no doubt that it will not be the "typical, normal" childhood (whatever that is) that many seem determined that the Gosselin children have.
The Gosselin and Obama children may travel a little different road than most children, but both sets of parents seem determined to raise their children with plenty of love, discipline and exposure to a variety of experiences. I think both sets of children are lucky to have the parents they do.
Quiltart:
That sounds amazing- you've had a day you will always remember, it must've been very exciting :)
Quiltart, thanks for sharing your first hand experiences. :-)
I think those of us watching on t.v. got some sense of the excitement and electricity in the air, but there is nothing like being in the vicinity of the actual happenings.
The Gosselin and Obama children may travel a little different road than most children, but both sets of parents seem determined to raise their children with plenty of love, discipline and exposure to a variety of experiences. I think both sets of children are lucky to have the parents they do.
Anya, I totally agree with you. The Obsma girls have embarked on a wonderful adventure. I think it is so wonderful to have children in The White House. They have won everyone's hearts already!
I asked my prof if I could leave Spanish early to watch it; it was so surreal! I thought the swearing-in went to quickly; after so much anticipation I wanted it to be longer! As a native Chicagoan and Black woman, this was one of the most significant moments in my life so far. Everyone is familiar with our nation's history, and while PRESIDENT(!!!) Obama was speaking, all I could think about was my 80-year-old grandfather and 72-year-old grandmother, both from the Deep South, and how much this means to them.
bigsis88 said...As a native Chicagoan and Black woman, this was one of the most significant moments in my life so far. Everyone is familiar with our nation's history, and while PRESIDENT(!!!) Obama was speaking, all I could think about was my 80-year-old grandfather and 72-year-old grandmother, both from the Deep South, and how much this means to them.
Congrats to all the Chicago natives!
And your point about your grandparents really hit home with me. As I watched the sea of faces in the crowd and the camera would pan to older African-Americans, it was a joy to see the pride and emotion on their faces. It really stood out for me. And I know I cannot fully comprehend what they were feeling, but I did feel honest solidarity with them. And mind you, this is me - a Clinton supporter to the very end of her campaign! :-)
Quiltart,
Thanks for the post. There is nothing like first hand information to make you feel more a part of what is going on.
Bigsis88.
Exciting times indeed. Chicago must have also been an exciting place to be today.
JusRobin,
Thanks for sharing a link to your post with us. Enjoyed reading it.
Nina Bell,
I'm sure it was, but I wasn't there because I go to school out of state! =( Still exciting though, and in 4 years, I plan to be at the inauguration! Yes, I'm already planning for Obama 2012! =)
Samantha, we should get our kids together so they can have their own "Sorry John McCain lost" party - then maybe they can get over it! I was talking to my son about how Obama had a lunch to honor John McCain, to thank him for a good race, and how John McCain was a good loser and told Obama he is willing to help him out when ever he wants. I think the good sportsman angle might have worked.
She has friends with "peach" sin and friends with "brown" skin, I agree that with kids this young it has nothing to do with skin color or race, but I find it funny how much young kids LOVE the peach color! My son's teacher said during parent/teacher meeting that peach was the one crayon all the kids needed.
Mrsref - I really wish I knew where these ideas come from - LOL.
The Gosselin and Obama children may travel a little different road than most children, but both sets of parents seem determined to raise their children with plenty of love, discipline and exposure to a variety of experiences. I think both sets of children are lucky to have the parents they do.
Anya, not to ruin the good vibe here but Obama and his wife got were they are by hard work; Jon and Kate are where they are because they are medical miracles. After 4 or 8 years, the Obama girls will pretty much have the same life, I don't know if the same can be said about the Gosselins.
funny story... my husband is very into politics (obsessed really :) he's a diehard republican. so right before the election, my six year old decides he likes obama. he always decides to like the opposite of the rest of us, it's just his nature. he made a homemade obama sign and put it in his bedroom window. i thought themr was going to have a stroke. they actually argued about it. i was in the other room trying to keep my laughter quiet!
on a serious note, although i'm not a supporter of his, i'm so proud to be part of the generation that elected a minority president. it's an amazing time to be alive!
themrs said...
funny story... my husband is very into politics (obsessed really :) he's a diehard republican. so right before the election, my six year old decides he likes obama. he always decides to like the opposite of the rest of us, it's just his nature. he made a homemade obama sign and put it in his bedroom window. i thought themr was going to have a stroke. they actually argued about it.
I am dying of laughter over here. He is six!?!
Wow, can't wait until he is a teenager. You got a strong-willed little boy, no doubt.
I love the mental image of your husband and six-year-old arguing politics!
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