It's Inauguration Day!

**Jae Onasi** · 01-20-2009, 10:11 AM

Congratulations to our soon-to-be President Obama!

Regardless of your political stance, think on this: for the 44th time in history, we are having a peaceful transfer of power from one elected leader to another. They have not come to power because of war or a coup, or because they were royalty. They have been elected, and we respect the will of the people in the election results. Even for those men who have come to the Presidency because of assassination, they did so because they were the elected second-in-command. It is one of the things that is unique and special about America.

Enjoy the day.

The Doctor · 01-20-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jae Onasi

Congratulations to our soon-to-be President Obama!

Regardless of your political stance, think on this: for the 44th time in history, we are having a peaceful transfer of power from one elected leader to another. They have not come to power because of war or a coup, or because they were royalty. They have been elected, and we respect the will of the people in the election results. Even for those men who have come to the Presidency because of assassination, they did so because they were the elected second-in-command. It is one of the things that is unique and special about America.

Enjoy the day.

I resent that last bit, actually. America is a far cry from the only nation in the world that selects it's leaders peacefully, and this form of transference of power is certainly not "unique" to the United States.

That being said, congratulations President Barack Obama!

**Jae Onasi** · 01-20-2009, 12:13 PM

The fact that it's happened 44 times over 222 years is in fact unique and special. In no other country has this ever happened.

**mimartin** · 01-20-2009, 12:19 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have witnessed history today. Something personally, I never thought I’d see in my lifetime. Nice to witness a historic day in American history that if not a tragedy.

@ Jae: two words Gerald Ford

The Doctor · 01-20-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jae Onasi

The fact that it's happened 44 times over 222 years is in fact unique and special. In no other country has this ever happened.

In its 142 years, Canada has had 22 Prime Ministers. In America's first 142 years, there had been 28 Presidents. That's close enough, for me, to toss out your idea that America is somehow so much more special than any other democracy in the world. The implication that America is the pinnacle of peaceful government is incredibly arrogant, and I still resent it.

Back to the inauguration, I just wanna say - the woman that sang "Our Country 'tis of Thee"? Wow, was she terrible.

**Astor** · 01-20-2009, 12:33 PM

Unfortunately, I was on a bus at 5.00 GMT (12.00 EST), so I missed the oath, and the speech, and pretty much the whole ceremony.

Nonetheless, I hope this might be the start of a new era not just for the USA, but the world.

adamqd · 01-20-2009, 12:51 PM

I'm English, but it was a very touching speech and ceremony, God Bless America!

congratulations President Barack Obama!

Pho3nix · 01-20-2009, 01:14 PM

Congratulations indeed.

It's on days like these that I wish I was American.

mur'phon · 01-20-2009, 01:19 PM

Congratulations Obama, now think long and hard about who you want to disapoint

Samnmax221 · 01-20-2009, 01:27 PM

I'd just like to say that I'm very happy because President Obama doesn't appear to be on of the lizard people. Although I'm slightly concerned about this:

Really though i wish him the best.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Doctor

I resent that last bit, actually. America is a far cry from the only nation in the world that selects it's leaders peacefully, and this form of transference of power is certainly not "unique" to the United States.

It'd be nice if we could be happy about our new Commander in Chief without whiny Canadian diatribes, kthanx?

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Doctor

I just wanna say - the woman that sang "Our Country 'tis of Thee"? Wow, was she terrible.

Aretha Franklin, might we go on to examine what your country offers up in terms of popular music? Ooh that was mean. But satisfying!

The Doctor · 01-20-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samnmax221

It'd be nice if we could be happy about our new Commander in Chief without whiny Canadian diatribes, kthanx?

It'd also be nice if there could be some intelligent discussion without needless flame baiting.

kthxbai

Lord Dagron · 01-20-2009, 01:37 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen days like these are too rare. We have seen history in the making. A day that our children will remember. Congratulations President Obama. God Bless America!!!

***Jeff*** · 01-20-2009, 01:49 PM

I skipped my statistics class to watch, hooray. Very good speech given by Obama and and definitely something we will all remember for years to come on a very historic day. **** yeah America!

~~GarfieldJL~~ · 01-20-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samnmax221

I'd just like to say that I'm very happy because President Obama doesn't appear to be on of the lizard people. Although I'm slightly concerned about this:

I'd have to agree with you.

Anyways this is the ultimate proof that President Bush was not a dictator, no dictator would willingly give up power.

Salzella · 01-20-2009, 02:12 PM

^^ i suspect that was less to do with choice, and more to do with the fact that he would have been driven out by a baying mob had he not left.

gawd bless obama. he's a special man.

**Jae Onasi** · 01-20-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Doctor

In its 142 years, Canada has had 22 Prime Ministers. In America's first 142 years, there had been 28 Presidents. That's close enough, for me, to toss out your idea that America is somehow so much more special than any other democracy in the world. The implication that America is the pinnacle of peaceful government is incredibly arrogant, and I still resent it.

Back to the inauguration, I just wanna say - the woman that sang "Our Country 'tis of Thee"? Wow, was she terrible.

Yes, when you get a new Prime Minister, I'll say congratulations without adding the "Americans Must Crap On Canadians Because We Have A Complex" attitude. This is a huge day for Americans, let us enjoy it for more than 4 minutes before you get your panties in a Canadian-pride wad.

"The woman who sang" was Aretha Franklin, who is a fabulous singer generally. This wasn't one of her better performances, but given that she's older and singing in bitter cold, she did pretty darn well. The poetry reading could have been delivered more inspiringly, but I suspect she's never spoken in front of millions before and was trying to be over-careful. The John Williams song was fabulous-- Itzhak Perlman, (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Gabriela Montero (piano) and Anthony McGill (clarinet) played exquisitely and looked like they were really enjoying themselves. Warren gave a lovely prayer. Obama had a bit of a trip-up during the oath, as did Roberts, but having taken an oath myself at a major ceremony for a big award in front of hundreds watching, it's nerve-wracking to try to remember more than a couple phrases at a time and very easy to mess it up--I can't even imagine what it's like to recite the oath of Presidency before hundreds of millions.

Obama's speech was terrific and delivered with poise and confidence, and was a mix of acknowledging the major problems we face and how he wants to go about fixing it. He is a gifted speaker and it showed today. I'm sure someone will have a youtube vid soon, but until then here is the transcript.

Edit: Here's video.

Just for fun--the recipes for the Inaugural Luncheon are here.

Edit two: Teddy Kennedy has collapsed at the luncheon and apparently has had a seizure. He's been taken to the hospital--no other news yet on that.

PastramiX · 01-20-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth Moeller

**** yeah America!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWS-FoXbjVI

Yeah, the speech was pretty damn good, as far as I'm concerned. The poetry was a bit unnecessary, IMO.

Oh, and Judge Roberts screwed up the oath. On purpose.

Adavardes · 01-20-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarfieldJL

I'd have to agree with you.

Anyways this is the ultimate proof that President Bush was not a dictator, no dictator would willingly give up power.

Would you just please give it a rest? Seriously? Bush is gone, FINALLY (*happy dance*), and we have a new president that has yet to prove anything about himself, positive or negative. Seriously, you, and all conservatives on this forum, just give it a rest and let him do his job, because whether you like it or not, he was elected, and he's now President of the United States.

GOD.

You rang? --GOD

Litofsky · 01-20-2009, 06:45 PM

Congratulations to President Obama! I thought his speech was delivered expertly, but that was to be expected (not to mention it's a nice change from our previous President). The music before the inauguration was a nice touch, I thought, and captured the mood perfectly.

At any rate, here's to a safe and prosperous Presidency for Obama!

Hallucination · 01-20-2009, 07:20 PM

Congrats to Obama, and to the U.S.!

SW01 · 01-20-2009, 09:03 PM

Good Luck to him. What with all that's going on, he'll need it. Certainly a truly historic occasion - it still amazes me how caught up other parts of the world were in the whole thing, including the UK.

All hail!

EnderWiggin · 01-20-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Doctor

In its 142 years, Canada has had 22 Prime Ministers. In America's first 142 years, there had been 28 Presidents. That's close enough, for me, to toss out your idea that America is somehow so much more special than any other democracy in the world. The implication that America is the pinnacle of peaceful government is incredibly arrogant, and I still resent it.

Baw.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Doctor

It'd also be nice if there could be some intelligent discussion without needless flame baiting.

kthxbai

What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

_EW_

Hallucination · 01-20-2009, 10:04 PM

It appears zat ze Hallmonster forgot to shamelessly plug the CBC's cultural exchange program Obama's playlist, which is a list of 49 songs from the northern side of the 49th parallel to teach Obama about what we do in our igloos when we can't get to work because our moose are snowed in.

Allronix · 01-21-2009, 02:13 AM

I hurried through my workout, and went scrambling to find the nearest place with a big screen. So, I pull into a dive bar in Sodo, order myself a Virgin Mary and a veggie omlette and watch the festivities. I stayed up WAY past my bedtime (I work grave shift), but this was one of those "once in a lifetime" events that future nieces and nephews will be asking me about.

I'm cheering more about the fact that Bush has left the White House and Cheney's out the door as well. AMF to both of you, and don't come back!

What I appreciated most about today was seeing the happy crowd. There was a vibe of relief, optimism, and hope, as though the dark days had passed and a new story can begin.

Obama? Well, he's a well spoken, intelligent fellow. My jaw was on the floor during the speech, even more so after finding out he wrote it himself. I felt like I should have a lighter to wave in the air.

Now to see whether he can do more than talk a good game, but I'm cautiously optimistic. I still plan on being among the gadflies. America has given you a hero's welcome, Mr. Obama. Please be the president we need.

Thespair · 01-21-2009, 07:36 AM

Mentally, I was for McCain. But I'm very curious about Obama's presidenture. He and his plans are enigma to me. Also I wonder if he's going to realise all of his promises.
Best wishes,
"Let the Force guide his hand".

Darth InSidious · 01-21-2009, 08:03 AM

I saw bits of this in the pub, in between being bored off my tits by the Glaswegian next to me about Baroness Thatcher, the civil rights movement, secularism and the Problems Of Today (batteries not included).

Things which occurred to me:
1) Obama is a brilliant orator - quite possibly the best in the English-speaking world at the moment. Although given the competition, that isn't saying much. Nonetheless, he's good.

2) The rest were not. At times, some of them seemed actually incoherent, although the dodgy subtitles may not have helped this impression.

3) Awful music. John Williams? Has your country sunk so low that its greatest composer is a dealer in trashy film scores? I'll take Zadok the Priest and the possibility of despotism, kthx.

4) You appear to have the wrong lyrics for "God Save the Queen".

5) I had no idea that the Capitol Building was that big.

6) There is NO point 6.

7) Obama's victory bears a certain resemblance to two other historical outsiders to climb the greasy pole: Cicero and Disraeli. The question is whether or not he, like them, will prove to be more style than substance. Cynicism suggests so, given his style of rhetoric, but time will tell.

8) We are now on a ~50 year countdown to an American emperor.

PastramiX · 01-21-2009, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth InSidious

5) I had no idea that the Capitol Building was that big.

The actual stands for the VIPs aren't permanently part of the Capitol, they're just makeshift stands fashioned to resemble the building; they're only used for inaugurations.

Quote:

8) We are now on a ~50 year countdown to an American emperor.

Strange, I thought we already had Nixon.

Pho3nix · 01-21-2009, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth InSidious

3) Awful music. John Williams? Has your country sunk so low that its greatest composer is a dealer in trashy film scores? I'll take Zadok the Priest and the possibility of despotism, kthx.

Trashy film scores? what?

I understand what you're saying, but John Williams is a musical genius.

Darth InSidious · 01-21-2009, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PastramiX

The actual stands for the VIPs aren't permanently part of the Capitol, they're just makeshift stands fashioned to resemble the building; they're only used for inaugurations.

Ah, that explains a lot.

Quote:

Strange, I thought we already had Nixon.

1) Wasn't deified;
2) Bears only a vague resemblance to Vespasian (although Dr. Kissenger...);
3) Would look awful in purple.

**Astor** · 01-21-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth InSidious

3) Awful music. John Williams? Has your country sunk so low that its greatest composer is a dealer in trashy film scores? I'll take Zadok the Priest and the possibility of despotism, kthx.

To be fair, John Williams is possibly about as close as the US could get to Handel. And it's that, or more Sousa (like there isn't enough already).

Nedak · 01-21-2009, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth InSidious

3) Awful music. John Williams? Has your country sunk so low that its greatest composer is a dealer in trashy film scores? I'll take Zadok the Priest and the possibility of despotism, kthx.

What show were you watching? It was great! A little slow paced at some parts, but everything sounded great.

Darth InSidious · 01-21-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pho3nix

Trashy film scores? what?

I understand what you're saying, but John Williams is a musical genius.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Astor_Kaine

To be fair, John Williams is possibly about as close as the US could get to Handel. And it's that, or more Sousa (like there isn't enough already).

I cannot accept that a country of 120 million which has now existed for 200 years has produced only one decent composer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by han sala

What show were you watching? It was great! A little slow paced at some parts, but everything sounded great.

It was nice. Pre-packaged, freeze-dried, utterly uninteresting and about as equal to the occasion as a dripping tap.

A word for it would be 'dull', and describing it as an original composition was a laugh. The middle sequence was particularly execrable, with the motif ripped from the tackier end of happy-clappy Christian 'worship music'. The rest was little more than lift music.

Salzella · 01-21-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth InSidious

in between being bored off my tits by the Glaswegian next to me about Baroness Thatcher, the civil rights movement, secularism and the Problems Of Today (batteries not included).

always one isn't there? or at least one even.

did the Problems Of Today include the NHS? it usually does.

Rev7 · 01-21-2009, 10:59 PM

He had a very interesting speech--a good one. Watched the it at school for a couple of hours. You could definately feel the excitement even through the TV. I am sure that had a good day.

I look forward to see what he will do for the country...

Obama's Theme Song

Volar the Healer · 02-03-2009, 04:41 PM

Thinking of President Obama's inauguration...

"So this is how liberty dies; with thunderous applause."

PastramiX · 02-03-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volar the Healer

Thinking of President's Obama's inauguration...

"So this is how liberty dies; with thunderous applause."

Hehe...

No.

Nedak · 02-03-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volar the Healer

Thinking of President's Obama's inauguration...

"So this is how liberty dies; with thunderous applause."

I'm not a "Change Zombie"...but really?