The massive swarm of colorful moving dots was not fuzz on the television January 20, it was a pan out shot of the estimated 1.5 million people that showed up in the bone chilling weather to witness the history changing inauguration of Barack Obama.
Teacher David Collins, who traveled to Washington to see the inauguration, said “At any time a new president is inaugurated it’s historic and this time it is particularly.”
The actual swearing in was a little rocky with Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. mixing up the words, yet it didn’t faze the throng of people who where fervently chanting Obama’s name before he even made his address.
There has been much hype about Obama’s inauguration speech, not only because he will be addressing the changes he intends to invoke, but because this would be the first time that an African American will be taking the podium as president.
Yet one of the first things that Obama said was, “I stand here today humbled,” and that he is grateful and mindful, and proceeded to thank previous president Bush for his service to the country.
Throughout the speech Obama acknowledged various issues that are on the table like health care, school policy, energy, and the war in Iraq.
He chose words from scripture to inspire, and allusions to the feats of previous presidents to enthuse.
As for the great challenges in store he told the nation, “know this America, they will be meet.” Obama reminds the nation that focusing on the obstacles ahead was necessary, “[Obama] pointed out the work ahead won’t be easy, and we need to pitch in for the common sacrifice,” said Collins.
However what dominated the speech was the prospect of hope, and affirmation of the greatness of the nation and the people in it.
It’s time to “Pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America,” said Obama.
“I think he gave inspirations to the people of America and the world. He has become a symbol of hope,” Kimberly Chung said.
His speech was filled with a progressive tone, and called for America to play a role in ushering a new era of peace, and to start a new era of responsibility. He believes that anyone who questions the ambitions that are set out has forgotten what this county has done, and is capable off.
When covering a few issues emotions ran high for on lookers and the president alike.
“For those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughter innocence, we say to you now, that our spirit is stronger, and cannot be broken, you cannot out last us, and we will defeat you,” Obama proclaimed with a passion in his voice.
Other times the speech turned pensive and reverent, as Obama recognized the fact that in this country only sixty years ago his father might not have been served in a restaurant, and he now can take this sacred oath.
Many think great confidence was show by Obama in the strength of the nation and its people, “It is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies,” Obama said.