View from Europe: Obama's Inauguration - A Day for Hope (The Independent) »
Posted By gamahuche 10 months ago in NewsLet us savour history today. Tomorrow for Barack Obama the hard part begins - the small matters of largely reinventing his country, trying to bring a semblance of order to an ever more turbulent world, and staving off economic Armageddon.
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gamahuche
"I would rather be a square peg than fit in a pigeon hole" -
an essay which won me the "Lamb Essay Prize" at the Religious ...
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gamahuche10 months ago
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This is a day that will bring the people of the world together like no other in the history of the planet.
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Not only because the hope of Obama's success is almost universally shared but because his election comes at a time of such world-wide stress and crisis that, should he fail, the world would be brought to its knees.
In my memory there has never been an election of such crucial significance and one that the whole world depends on - and also that literally almost the whole world will be watching today.
Anyone who fails to give support to the new President is consciously tempting the direst of fates - the potential complete breakdown of the world order and other dire events - impossible to predict in their precise detail but almost certain to be catastrophic.
Its perhaps too much to hope that ALL the naysayers will put their prejudices to one side and share in this day with total enthusiasm, but it is encouraging that Obama meets this day with the support of 79% of the US public - after triumphing in a hard-fought, frequently rancorous campaign with only a little over 50% of the popular vote. That means that 60% of those who voted against him are willing to accept the new reality and to patriotically support their President, regardless of the fact that he was not their choice.
The rest seem to all be here on propeller, having a disproportionate effect on the nature of the discussions here.
It is my heartfelt hope that, on this day at least, they will join with the rest of the world in appreciation of an unforgettable day and a day of hope for mankind. Not doing so would be their sad loss.-
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CRYMTYPHON10 months ago
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Thanks for the invite to share the inaugural, Gamahuche!
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However, it does not look like I can get there.
We* piled into the hummer and told the navigation system to lead us to Prague.
The directions seemed easy; go west on highway 66, take a right to Alaska, cross the Bering straight on an ice flow and then straight, straight across Siberia, through central europe and you can't miss it: Czechoslavakia!
Well you might not know it, but apparently there is no Czechoslavakia.
We passed right thru in the night. All the signs said Czeck Republic and I thought that was some kind of a bank.
The hummer gave out in the Chunnel and we left it there.
We are hitching our way home in a freight container.
The other containers all have chinese immigrants; many of them are enthused about the inaugural, and about 50 of us are watching on the captain's cell phone which we borrowed don't tell.
Point being: some things are good no matter where they happen, and are shared by all, no matter where they are.
Cheers!
*I assumed you would be ok if I brought the whole family and the dog and some neighbors -
libsRfunnyComment removed: Hard Banned115 Replies
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hyperbola10 months ago
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Well Gama, this is a UK newspaper after all - this means they mostly regurgitate "topics" defined by the american media. Other parts of Europe have much more differentiated opinions about what Obama means.
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This part of your screed is not acceptable:
""Anyone who fails to give support to the new President is consciously tempting the direst of fates - the potential complete breakdown of the world order and other dire events - impossible to predict in their precise detail but almost certain to be catastrophic.""
Obama deserves no more support than he earns. Given that he has appointed many prior war criminals to his government, he seems to have decided to continue the military imperialism that has bankrupted our country and trashed our constitution. That deserves zero support. -
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memestryker10 months ago
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Gama,
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I certainly hope Obama has success in leading the government in solving at least some of the problems we face. And I'm glad that science is probably coming back in some form.
The speech was a bit "goddy" for me, and I didn't hear much that really moved me except the phrase about personal responsibility and that about reaching out to people of the world. I hope those actually grow legs and we really do see change that is more than just rearranging the political furniture.
Glad you found the day unforgettable and inspiring.
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Natureboy10 months ago
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Methinks that those who believe the presidency will be either miracle or disaster will be disappointed.
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Expect to see the ship of state continue on its current course for the most part.
Those who seek profound change must themselves become the agents of such change. Looking for profound change from those who sit at the helm of the status quo is foolish and doomed to failure.-
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Endoscopy10 months ago
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WOW. You think that a president has the ability to overturn the congressional laws signed by presidents.. You live in a fantasy land. One thing he said in his speech sounded good until you live with reality. That he would make government work. trying new things and stopping things that do not work. I have heard several presidents say and try to do that. It is extremely difficult to kill any government program. They keep being well fed and fattened even though they do more harm than good. They are extremely hard to kill.
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Beau789010 months ago
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Congress? Sure, it'll be largely the same. But those unnoticed federal agencies that are exclusively under the control of the executive branch (FDA, FEC, FCC, all those acronyms) will almost immediately revert to doing their important work after being emasculated and eviscerated from within by the Bush administration.
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libsRfunnyComment removed: Hard Banned38 Replies
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splitrch10 months ago
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quackpot10 months ago
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The ship of state is a large one that is slow to move. But, the captain does have power to move it gradually one way or the other. A change of direction is certainly needed, and the change will certainly be a gradual one. It remains to be seen which unseen obstacles lie in the path of the new direction.
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CRYMTYPHON10 months ago
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Quackpot I phoned my 4th grade english teacher and asked if "It remains to be seen which unseen obstacles" was a proper phrase or too paradoxical.
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She emailed me back and told me to get a life and leave her alone so I guess it is a good sentence. -
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Spadecaller10 months ago
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Thanks g!
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The inauguration of President Barack Obama is a great moment for our nation. How his presidency will affect positive change remains to be seen; however, it is a sad day for those who are unable to share in this wonderful event that is a testament to the fact that opportunity for a poor white or black child to find success in this country can not be denied anymore.
Without the efforts of the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King,Jr. this day would not have been possible. Though I can only feel pity for those who choose to exclude themselves from this great event, I feel privileged to be alive to see this moment in history take place.
“At least Americans will be able to remember the gig when the disillusion kicks in.”
This comment was emailed to me in response to a video that I recently posted. That comment is not just the sentiment of one foreign critic; understandably, there are many skeptics who believe he will fail in his attempts to change the course of partisan politics in Washington, that he will not end the war, that he will not help make education and health care a right for all Americans, that he will not help rekindle the opportunity for the impoverished and the middle class to live with dignity and to raise their children with the hopes of a more promising future.
What can I say to the poor soul who finds it easier to mock Americans who are feeling hope and enthusiasm for a new President and for a new agenda – one that can make a meaningful difference?
”Will the disillusionment kick in?” Sure it will. We all flounder along the way. Nonetheless, someday our children or their children will make it to the mountaintop. And, we shall live in good conscience knowing that we pushed that boulder up the hill. With our last breath of air, some of us will leave this earth knowing that we dedicated our lives to making a difference.
I am only one American, and I know progress will be dependent upon the support of many people. I am not a naive starry-eyed armchair liberal. I don’t just talk and vote once a year. Like millions of people, young and old, I contact our legislators in Washington. I write about the issues. I participate in activities to promote the involvement of others. I try to inspire and encourage others to step up and be counted too. And I do that in fellowship with others – not for a pat on the back, but because I believe with all my heart in the inalienable rights that all human beings deserve to share.
It only seems easier and safer for some to stand on the side lines and throw stones. However, the joy of being in partnership with human beings around the earth who want to make a difference and who are trying to make a difference is an undeniably powerful experience. WE do have something profound to celebrate today.
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Poulenc10 months ago
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But, Nature, change has already occurred: a renewed sense of the possible.
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Nuts and bolts are another matter, of course. What is important now, at the moment, is that, in the depths of a terrible winter, we can all reasonably look toward the light.-
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memestryker10 months ago
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Obama has such a mixed record, that I'm very hopeful about some things (science) and not very hopeful about others (self-defense). I don't feel so much a renewed sense of the possible as relief that the religious right isn't completely in control, although the "g" word was used in the speech a bit too frequently for my comfort.
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lvrofwolves10 months ago
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I'm not one that thinks Obama is some kind of miracle worker, but he has given, and WE have given ourselves renewed hope and with that, many will find or regain the strength to fight for what is right, help in healing our country,many feel empowered. It is the people themselves that have made this possible, the people voted for Obama. I give credit to Obama for making a strong stand, and credit to the people for making it happen.Obama alone is not making a meaningful difference, Obama AND we the people are. What could be better then that? :-)
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for all the sad sacks who will exclude themselves in the healing because of racism, or they put party 1st, above America, what can I say but you are the reason for division, for the lack of great success when we are divided, for dragging America down. what is important is Americans are heading in the right direction, we expect the president to keep going in the right direction, it's up to the people to make sure he does that. This feels invigorating and I really think we will do it, but it's going to be slow, the more who jump on board and do their part, the better it will be. Everything can't be laid on Obamas shoulders, he's a man, like us all, we all have to help to succeed.-
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jovial10 months ago
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The only ones that continually touted obama to be some kind of "Messiah" or "the chosen one" is the radical right. So the impression is there that people think that way, because the right framed it that way. They repeated it over and over again, until it stuck. Here's their strategy. First, they ratchet up the expectations of Obama to the highest point they can get it to. Then they watch closely for any failed attempts to get to those lofty ambitions. They immediately call attention to the slightest deviation or stumble, and then press the subject. Yesterday I was off, and as I sat down to watch the inaugaration on TV, I decided to scan the channels to see what all the major news channels were airing. CNN, MSNBC, and all except one channel weren't showing the inaugaration. Can you guess the channel? If you said FOX you were right! Well guess what Fox News was covering while crowds stood in front of the Lincoln monument in Washington? They were airing the Biden, shsssst story. You know the one that was about Biden's wife saying that Biden had a choise to be the Secretary of State. They saw this as a potential wedge issue to cause dissension in the ranks of the Obama cabinet. So they aired that instead. Funny, isn't it?
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CRYMTYPHON10 months ago
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We elected a president; not a God.
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I don't want him appointing disciples; just appointing honest men to the justice department.
I don't want him to heal lepers; just give decent health care a push.
I don't want loaves and fishes;
give me a sound fiscal policy so I can buy my own darn loaves.
I don't want him walking on water, - ok yes I do cause that would be cool but really not needed. Let's keep it simple. -
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bubba210 months ago
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This morning, one of our local right-wing radio talk show hosts was making fun of all the people that support Obama and are feeling optimistic that change can occur.
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He said, "oh, change is coming, I can 'feel' it; I'm going to win the lottery because Obama is President so I better buy a lottery ticket." Then he went on to imply that the people who are excited about Obama and his inauguration are "worshiping" him, even using the term "messiah" with Obama's name (and repeating over-and-over "Barack HUSSEIN Obama"). That is, of course, pure baloney.
The neocons are so pi$$ed that Obama was elected, they will say anything to try to denigrate him and demean his supporters.
The neocons want to minimize as much as they can the HISTORICAL significance of this event - THAT is why so many people are excited and supportive, NOT because they 'worship' him.
How anyone can be so unashamedly hateful and overtly racist is beyond my comprehension. -
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flyonthewallzz10 months ago
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HannibalBarca10 months ago
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Weird,,,I see two replies to bubba's comment but can only see one ????
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Anyway,bubba's last sentence.."How anyone can be so unashamedly hateful and overtly racist is beyond my comprehension.".....brainwashed, or braindead is my guess. -
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jakesguile10 months ago
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fiftynine10 months ago
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Thats easy to answer bubba2..they are compassionate conservatives that put the best interest of this country's first .(sarcasm).This was all brought on by the geious that went to Washington as the edumacation president that promised to be a uniter,not a divider...lol
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I love those right wingers that still can't get over Obamas middle name,as if he personally choose it..what a bunch of idiots. -
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tanglang10 months ago
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Bubba,
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Racism is an ugly monster that has existed in the world for quite some time. Unfortunately it will take an even longer time for it to die off. We needed a black CIC and a female CIC 50 years ago. Havinbg said that, you have to admit that anyone who votes for someone just because of their race is just as racist as the person who votes against someone for the same reason.
Whats just as bad as racism is the fact that everyone in the nation feels the need to place themself into one category or another. And everybody hates every other category. Its just hatred of people for the sake of hating them. How are we to move forward as a society when this hatred exists? There are people on here who instead of just being happy that their candidate won, are being nothing more than sore winners. Immediately wanting to silence the voice of millions of Americans by wanting the new president to shut down the nations highest rated news network. They are no better than the ones who are immediately trashing President Obama without giving him a chance. With this going on how can we hope to get out of the mess we are in? The only way we are to survive is to come together as Americans and drop the petty bullsht. I myself am going to talk to some R's on here about changing their attitudes and will be asking them to root for the home team.
(Also, isnt it about time to give that avatar a rest? ; )
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lvrofwolves10 months ago
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I swear I haven't heard one person call or think Obama is the messiah or some savior except for neocons telling others that that's what we think. Sounds like they're the ones who have unrealistic expectations of what Obama is capable of doing, which is cleaning up the horrid mess their beloved ex president and his cronies have made all before Obama even took office...wow! they do think he is a messiah! no wonder they are disappointed. I still can't understand why some still aren't disappointed in their beloved EX, mysteries of the world!
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Obama says 'yes WE can' I've never heard him say 'yes I can'
for those of you who don't want to be part of the 'we' you will never be part of the solution, nor should you share in the success, but you will.....undeserving tho.-
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DarkWizard10 months ago
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lvrofwolves,
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"I swear I haven't heard one person call or think Obama is the messiah or some savior except for neocons telling others that that's what we think. Sounds like they're the ones who have unrealistic expectations of what Obama is capable of doing..."
Indeed!
The right-wing is afraid that President Obama will be successful in turning our nation around and that they will, in turn, be marginalized for decades to come. Of course, we've heard their whining, gnashing of teeth, and portents of ills to come. But, HOPE is alive and I'll be damned if I'll let them kill the revival of the American spirit for the hatred their pundits spew. And, yes, it is hatred. It is not journalism or news. Just hateful musing from a species that looks like us but scurries when confronted with facts and/or logic. -
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Endoscopy10 months ago
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The Obamasiah. Does that make you happy.
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One nice thing about this inauguration as opposed to Bush's first one is there are no groups out there protesting. That does make a point of which side is the most gracious. When Bush was inaugurated there were a lot of liberal groups that protested. So why are there no angry conservatives out there like the liberals were for Bush? That says something about the people on the left and right. -
libsRfunnyComment removed: Hard Banned16 Replies
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fiftynine10 months ago
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I remember a speech by another man...Bill Wilson(some of you might know him).He gave a talk about a program he co founded and how it helped him and others..it went on for over an hour and in that hour he never said I...Try that some time.Obama exhibits some of those same qualitys.
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memestryker10 months ago
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I was no fan of Bush, and I will cautiously watch Obama, since he's a political animal, too. I think he has an opportunity to do useful things, and while I strongly disagree on a few issues, I generally agree with him on most issues.
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The SNL skits will be interesting to see.
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Eagle_Eye10 months ago
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The evil empire is gone!!!!
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"Pick ourselves up, dust our selves off, and begin the work of remaking America"
Let the change begin!!!!!
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step i take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let ther be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.-
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AnteUp10 months ago
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Endoscopy10 months ago
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The rhetoric that the liberals are spouting is doomed to have significant failures. No man can live up to all that hype. His speech today is an example. It was all polish given with a lot of emotion. Great inaugural speeches have a lasting impact. They lay the groundwork for the president to go forward with. Most things they propose in the first 2-3 years can be found in that speech. This speech was a lot of high sounding phrases and platitudes. Trying to find a plan for the future from it is like walking in quicksand. Nothing to stand on for a foundation for the future.
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flyonthewallzz10 months ago
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12:15 PM
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http://www.whitehouse.gov/-
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Beau789010 months ago
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Here's the full transcript of his inaugural address:
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http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Inauguration/Story?...
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alakazam10 months ago
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9crittersComment removed: Retracted by user12 Replies
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reallypsst10 months ago
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amazed10 months ago
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actually, if you look at the tape, Obama did leave out several words (uphold I think among them -- I have no audio on this computer) even after Roberts recovered and fed him the lines.
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I'm sure that it's of little significance... if it were his intention to do damage to the US (as some of the more radical rightists have claimed) I'm sure he wouldn't care about whether or not he actually took the oath.
Hopefully, all will go well in any case.
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JamesMarcus10 months ago
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I found it incredibly touching that Obama, who seemed almost impossible to rattle during the campaign, kept fumbling his lines during the oath. I think the guy was nervous for a change! But his speech was beautifully controlled and very moving.
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AnteUp10 months ago
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Yeah reallypsst ~
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It WAS Chief Justice Roberts:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/legalities/2009/01/chief-... -
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gamahuche10 months ago
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ConquerorWyrm10 months ago
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as a poet, I paid special attention to the recital that took place and, well, though the words were excellent, the piece overall was very good, I so wish that these poets who do get such a grand opportunity to read to the masses as she did didn't all take their speech lessons from William Shatner. By stressing individual words rather than the fluidity of phrases, she lost a lot in translation...oh geez...a Priceline commercial just came on, speaking of Shatner...
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Newperson10 months ago
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Thanks G great story and let the healing start now America. Let there be peace and let this be a great country.
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I only hope everyone will give Obama a chance.
He has alot of work to do. He is only one man.
So give him a chance to help turn this country around. :) :) :) -
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Eagle_Eye10 months ago
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"By stressing individual words rather than the fluidity of phrases, she lost a lot in translation.."
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I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one that felt it didn't come out right......the pauses where all wrong for poetry so it didn't sound poetic......I kept thinking this isn't flowing right.-
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lvrofwolves10 months ago
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Feel the after glow? ahhhh.......light up a smoke.
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A sigh of relief from around the world
I know some people don't give a damn about what any other countries people think of us, I do tho, and I can honestly say now I'm very proud of us Americans :-) proud of our choice, proud we know there's hard work ahead, and proud of the feeling in the air that 'YES WE CAN!!!'
I don't like being thought of as aggressors, bullies,demanding respect, I want earned respect!
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libsRfunnyComment removed: Hard Banned11 Replies
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Progressive10 months ago
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I feel better already:
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http://www.whitehouse.gov/-
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cloud1510 months ago
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Congratulations to Obama and to the country for allowing him to make history. I wasn't an Obama supporter during the election, and still am skeptical. But thats the past, he is now our president and I wish him good luck, if he fails, then we all fail.
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