Author Topic: Inauguration (Read 22362 times)

Heradel · **on:** January 19, 2009, 10:56:35 PM

Bit of shameless self promotion mixed with getting a discussion thread up.

I don't really know what to say, I've been the the Mall (the big long green bit in the middle of DC) twice in the last three days, and it's been packed both days. I'm covering it for my school's newspaper, and I should have a blog post up later tonight I'll link here. I have some pictures up here for anyone that's interested. The atmosphere is festive, with a bunch of little bands all around the place, along with droves of reporters and isolated pockets of fundamentalist Christian protesters.

Alasdair5000 · **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2009, 11:02:38 PM

I am so, SO envious:) Awesome, hope you have a good day:)

Bdoomed · **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2009, 04:03:49 AM

i am envious toooo!
i learned earlier today that i was at Clinton's inauguration... but i was but a wee lil lad back then, before this thing called memory kicked in

Heradel · **Reply #3 on:** January 20, 2009, 04:22:15 AM

Thanks, the aforementioned blog post is here, which is where my newspaper is currently blogging until I can get Drupal to stop throwing cogs and then get it to look pretty.

It's going to be cold, possibly wet, but incredibly satisfying.

Windup · **Reply #4 on:** January 20, 2009, 06:41:20 AM

Add me to the list of the envious; that sounds like a cool assignment.

Russell Nash · **Reply #5 on:** January 20, 2009, 08:01:46 AM

I would be envious, but being in those crowds sounds like my own personal hell.

Zathras · **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2009, 08:03:01 AM

Add me to the list of those thankful that you are there and I'm not. I don't do well with crowds.

It's bedtime, but I'm gonna check out the links tomorrow. I hope you enjoy yourself and everything goes well.

Grab every piece of paraphernalia that you can! A lot of people that can't make it will want a piece of history.

Listener · **Reply #7 on:** January 20, 2009, 02:12:58 PM

I'm completely avoiding the inauguration. Here's why: http://listener42.livejournal.com/212705.html

stePH · **Reply #8 on:** January 20, 2009, 02:26:24 PM

Quote from: Listener on January 20, 2009, 02:12:58 PM

I'm completely avoiding the inauguration. Here's why: http://listener42.livejournal.com/212705.html

Like you, I voted neither for McCain nor Obama. But I found the line "The racists came out in droves to vote for McCain" interesting. It seems to imply that few if any McCain voters were motivated by anything else. I'm sure that a lion's share of McCain voters were the remaining True Believers in the Bushie agenda, like my parents for example. And people who would vote for any Republican over any Democrat. And, yeah, a handful of racists, too, but I like to think that they're an insignificant minority.

Zathras · **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2009, 04:06:47 PM

Listener, I read your post. I, like stePH can't entirely agree. Racists voted on both sides. People who are party loyalists voted on both sides. I think energizing the younger population was the biggest key. I plan on listening to the speeches today, but have no desire to hear any of the commentary.

I heard some comments this morning about how Americans have a tradition of giving a new president a "grace period" to get started. Granted, there are some on either end of the spectrum who won't give a new president that chance, but most of us will.

I have differing political views from Obama. I'm ok with that. What is going to drive me insane is listening to the people who act like Obama is the Second Coming and, to a lesser extent, those who say he will ruin this country. He is a man, and only a man. He can lead, but he can not make the changes on his own.

Wait!!!!!!!!

::points away from self:: GREEN!
::points to self:: PURPLE!

Listener · **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2009, 04:18:00 PM

Quote from: stePH on January 20, 2009, 02:26:24 PM

Quote from: Listener on January 20, 2009, 02:12:58 PM
I'm completely avoiding the inauguration. Here's why: http://listener42.livejournal.com/212705.html

Like you, I voted neither for McCain nor Obama. But I found the line "The racists came out in droves to vote for McCain" interesting. It seems to imply that few if any McCain voters were motivated by anything else. I'm sure that a lion's share of McCain voters were the remaining True Believers in the Bushie agenda, like my parents for example. And people who would vote for any Republican over any Democrat. And, yeah, a handful of racists, too, but I like to think that they're an insignificant minority.

I work in a newsroom, and based upon the content I was called upon to moderate and the tons of e-mails we received, there were a lot of people who voted for McCain because Obama is half-black or because they believed the "Obama is going to sell us out to the Muslims" argument bandied about by some conservative talk show hosts (who give the rest of us conservatives a bad name).

So I will agree that I was overly hyperbolic in that statement.

DKT · **Reply #11 on:** January 20, 2009, 05:50:25 PM

That was a great speech.

Bdoomed · **Reply #12 on:** January 20, 2009, 05:54:37 PM

well, I watched the Inauguration. twas nice. Yo Yo Ma is such a good musician! And Obama sure does know how to speak! (lil hiccup during the swearing in tho haha)

has anyone else seen those "Impeach Obama" bumper stickers? that is the dumbest shit ive ever seen. He hasnt fuckin done anything yet! Even someone saying "Impeach Bush" would be a fucking retard. ugh, stupidity makes me want to kill.

Zathras · **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2009, 06:02:07 PM

I'd buy an "Impeach Blagojevich" bumper sticker!

I'm going to download the speeches later. I really don't want to hear any of the political pundits.

DKT · **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2009, 06:27:46 PM

Quote from: Zathras on January 20, 2009, 06:02:07 PM

I'm going to download the speeches later. I really don't want to hear any of the political pundits.

Good choice

Russell Nash · **Reply #15 on:** January 20, 2009, 07:09:41 PM

Gotta say I hated the preacher. In addition to that it would be the 43rd not the 44th transfer of power, since the power didn't really exist before Washington. The Articles of Confederation basically had no real federal government. That is however a small point I might concede if anyone wants to argue it. (In this group I know someone will argue it just so I'll concede.) Also he called Obama's dad an immigrant. He was a grad student who came here to study and, as far as I know, had no intention to stay.

NPR played several of the oaths a few days ago. In every one they say, "I, Russell Nash," then get fed the, "do solemnly swear". Roberts said his name, waited for Obama to start to say it, and then said the next part. It's as if he was trying to throw him off his game. In the next part Roberts also said, "President to the…" and might have made one other mistake. Which, I think, is why Obama stared at him and made him repeat it.

Roberts was either entirely unprepared or was trying to be an ass. Since he refused to meet with Obama before the oath, I'm leaning to ass.

It was a kicking speech. It is so nice to have a president who can speak well.

Corydon · **Reply #16 on:** January 20, 2009, 07:20:56 PM

Quote from: Russell Nash on January 20, 2009, 07:09:41 PM

NPR played several of the oaths a few days ago. In every one they say, "I, Russell Nash" then get fed the, "do solemnly swear". Roberts said his name, waited for Obama to start to say it, and then said the next part. It's as if he was trying to throw him off his game. In the next part Roberts also said, "President to the…" and might have made one other mistake. Which, I think, is why Obama stared at him and made him repeat it.

Roberts was either entirely unprepared or was trying to be an ass. Since he refused to meet with Obama before the oath, I'm leaning to ass.

I'm curious where you get this from; it's the first I've heard of it. They definitely met with one another soon before the inauguration (it sounds perfectly cordial). So I'm inclined to chalk up the error as an honest, if mildly cringeworthy, mistake.

But then, I'm just in a good mood right now, and am inclined to see the best in everybody. (Let's hope none of my students come around asking for a grade change in the next few hours...)

gelee · **Reply #17 on:** January 20, 2009, 07:30:37 PM

I'm looking forward to the new administration, but I too am a little tired of what I'm (constantly) hearing about the guy.
In my part of the country, the right-wing radio guys hold a LOT of sway. My co-workers are constantly parotting their frighteningly paranoid visions of the Obama white house. On the other hand, my wife, (and the major network news crews) seem to think that Obama is Jesus, Superman, and Abe Lincoln, all rolled up in one. I guess I'm getting a littled burned out on the whole thing.

Corydon · **Reply #18 on:** January 20, 2009, 07:32:51 PM

Quote from: gelee on January 20, 2009, 07:30:37 PM

I'm looking forward to the new administration, but I too am a little tired of what I'm (constantly) hearing about the guy.
In my part of the country, the right-wing radio guys hold a LOT of sway. My co-workers are constantly parotting their frighteningly paranoid visions of the Obama white house. On the other hand, my wife, (and the major network news crews) seem to think that Obama is Jesus, Superman, and Abe Lincoln, all rolled up in one. I guess I'm getting a littled burned out on the whole thing.

I don't know about his water-walking or heat-vision abilities. I'm looking forward to somebody who is smart, competent, has good, pragmatic ideas and is able to reach out to achieve a reasonable consensus. So far I'm very optimistic.

gelee · **Reply #19 on:** January 20, 2009, 07:39:11 PM

Quote from: Corydon on January 20, 2009, 07:32:51 PM

Quote from: gelee on January 20, 2009, 07:30:37 PM
I'm looking forward to the new administration, but I too am a little tired of what I'm (constantly) hearing about the guy.
In my part of the country, the right-wing radio guys hold a LOT of sway. My co-workers are constantly parotting their frighteningly paranoid visions of the Obama white house. On the other hand, my wife, (and the major network news crews) seem to think that Obama is Jesus, Superman, and Abe Lincoln, all rolled up in one. I guess I'm getting a littled burned out on the whole thing.

I don't know about his water-walking or heat-vision abilities. I'm looking forward to somebody who is smart, competent, has good, pragmatic ideas and is able to reach out to achieve a reasonable consensus. So far I'm very optimistic.

Oh yeah. That's exactly what I'm looking forward to. I just think that the hype is getting to be a bit much. Still, it would be cool to have a president who could shoot down nukes with this eye-lasers.

Swamp · **Reply #20 on:** January 20, 2009, 07:40:20 PM

I must admit to enjoy hearing a nicely given speech by a president. A very good day to celebrate freedom and democracy! I didn't vote for President Obama, and I don't agree with many of his platforms, but I do have hope that he can bring some stability and maybe even civility between the parties. I also hope that my hope won't be crushed in six months. It's up to both Republicans and Democrats to make it work.

A nagging doubt keeps trying to sneak in, and it's usually whenever I see Pelosi or Reid.

I was very pleased that President Obabma's (it's also nice not to have to say "president-elect", what a pain) middle name, Hussein, was used in the swearing in. I was a little skeptical when he was introduced as Barack H. Obama. It seemed kind of wimpy to me. Who cares about the name anyway?

Regarding race, I think it is impossible to overlook the historical significance of the first African-American president, especially in the shadow of Martin Luther King Day, but I sure hope the media stops fallling over themselves punching that bag. The whole impact of his election is the fact that his race doesn't matter, yet that's all we hear about. I do not feel that race had anything to do with my assesment of him, and I see that as a good thing.

Zathras · **Reply #21 on:** January 20, 2009, 07:57:42 PM

Quote from: gelee on January 20, 2009, 07:39:11 PM

Still, it would be cool to have a president who could shoot down nukes with this eye-lasers.

You don't remember Ronny Ray-gun?

gelee · **Reply #22 on:** January 20, 2009, 08:04:42 PM

Quote from: Zathras on January 20, 2009, 07:57:42 PM

Quote from: gelee on January 20, 2009, 07:39:11 PM
Still, it would be cool to have a president who could shoot down nukes with this eye-lasers.

You don't remember Ronny Ray-gun?

Yeah, I'm old enough, believe it or not. He was a pretty good one, on the whole. Too bad Schwartzeneger can't run for the white house. He's cast from the same mold.
Figuratively. Not literally.

Russell Nash · **Reply #23 on:** January 20, 2009, 08:07:19 PM

Quote from: Corydon on January 20, 2009, 07:20:56 PM

Quote from: Russell Nash on January 20, 2009, 07:09:41 PM
NPR played several of the oaths a few days ago. In every one they say, "I, Russell Nash" then get fed the, "do solemnly swear". Roberts said his name, waited for Obama to start to say it, and then said the next part. It's as if he was trying to throw him off his game. In the next part Roberts also said, "President to the…" and might have made one other mistake. Which, I think, is why Obama stared at him and made him repeat it.

Roberts was either entirely unprepared or was trying to be an ass. Since he refused to meet with Obama before the oath, I'm leaning to ass.

I'm curious where you get this from; it's the first I've heard of it. They definitely met with one another soon before the inauguration (it sounds perfectly cordial). So I'm inclined to chalk up the error as an honest, if mildly cringeworthy, mistake.

But then, I'm just in a good mood right now, and am inclined to see the best in everybody. (Let's hope none of my students come around asking for a grade change in the next few hours...)

Oops, my bad. It was Alito who refused to meet with him.

DKT · **Reply #24 on:** January 20, 2009, 08:49:09 PM

Quote from: Zathras on January 20, 2009, 07:57:42 PM

Quote from: gelee on January 20, 2009, 07:39:11 PM
Still, it would be cool to have a president who could shoot down nukes with this eye-lasers.

You don't remember Ronny Ray-gun?

Ex Machina is kind of that -- except the guy is a NYC mayor, not the president. Great read, for anyone interested.