He is the 47-year-old man with the funny name and athletic build who came out of nowhere to rise to the height of political success. He is uniquely American; the son of an African father, a white mother from Kansas who was raised in picturesque Hawaii by his white grandparents only to grow up and marry a black female attorney from a working class family.
He is a father, a brother, a lawyer, a community activist. He has been a unifying force in the country unlike no other since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., drawing a record setting crowd estimated at 2 million to the nation's capitol to watch him take the oath of office today, January 20, 2009.
He is the 44th President of the United States today, Barack Hussein Obama: the first African American in history to lead America. ...
"My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors," said Obama.
As he mentioned during his Democratic nomination acceptance speech in August 2008, on the same day as Dr. King's "I Have A Dream Speech" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Obama is aware of the struggles our forefathers endured so that he could be thought of as the right man for this country, at this time. He is now the one entrusted to fulfill at least part of King's vision by forcing people to see that being able to see past skin color is what is going to help this nation overcome its greatest challenges. While he has not done all the work, he has helped the country takes major steps towards racial acceptance and tolerance.
"We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass ...,"said Obama during his inaugural speech.
He may have fumbled through the oath of office, demonstrating that he is not as great an orator as Dr. King, the man for whom he is most compared; but he has become the voice that's been heard from the plains to the boardroom in this country; a respected speaker and leader who has a way of reaching in and pulling faith in possibilities from nearly everyone. Today, after lifting his hand off the bible used by President Abraham Lincoln, the man who released blacks from slavery, Obama called on all Americans to join together to free this country from its hopelessness.
Said Obama: "We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
Make no mistake, Obama is also the man chosen to dig America out of the depths of financial ruin, two wars and a crisis of confidence not seen seen since the forties. The obstacles ahead for him will be steep and even he concedes the work to be done can't be completed overnight.
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met," said Obama.
So fittingly, he began his day by attending a prayer service at a church that's host Presidents before him since the 1860's. But, he is not like all the rest; a point he drove home in his first major address to the nation.
Get complete coverage at the BV Inauguration Page
"Obama is an inspiration to all the world, and he has inspired me and my family," said, Alicia Cooper, a mom from Illinois. "Seeing him, my kids know that anything is possible."
Still, he is a man who faces the job in front of him with an optimism and determination not seen in years. He infectious enthusiasm has brought him rock star fame, drawing praise from leaders around the world and celebrities and politicians here at home. Some say it's a phenomenon that has not been witnessed since John F. Kennedy in 1961. Much like him, Obama took the opportunity to use his speech to challenge himself and others to rise up.
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met," said Obama.
Similar to Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1945, Obama realized he must have a rescue plan to save the country that's allowed him to break through one of the glass ceilings civil rights leaders fought to shatter. He did that by vowing to steadfastly work on job creation, improving the school, increasing diplomatic ties with America's friends and enemies, and even extending a hand to the Muslim world.
However, he made it clear he'd be tough in the war on terror and ensure the US takes back its place as a Superpower. But, it this line from his speech on this chilly afternoon in Washington, DC today that sums up his vision for his future and America.
"In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations," ended Obama.
Amen, President Obama, Amen!
Read Text of Obama's Inaugural Address
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Comments: (16)
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By: Haverwood on 1/20/2009 8:01PM
Yes, we've been waiting for you. I dvr'd the entire day, since I had to work. My tears came just to watch the hi-lights. History. History. Feel so good. God Bless These United States, our new President and the adventure we All are about to take.
http://thomasina1616.blogspot.com/2009/01/dance-to-history.html
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By: Kodiappan Perumal on 1/20/2009 8:11PM
He (OBAMA)is a wonderful President. He has the capacity to realise the needs for the Americans and the citizens of the world. Wish him all the best.
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By: boyrobi on 1/20/2009 11:49PM
Hope
Written by: Sondra L. Dean
Hope-I hope that Obama wins.
Hope-I hope to see a new vision to a bitter end.
Hope-I hope that Obama holds these truths to be self evident that all people are created equally.
Hope-I hope that hope will bring us together and unbind our souls from hatred and greed.
Hope-I hope my country "tis of thee; sweet land of liberty will allow Obama to lead us out of the lands of Iran, and Afghanistan and places where we need not be.
Hope-I hope Obama learns from our past and makes reality the words of the OLE Negro spiritual-Free at last, free at last, thank G-d Almighty that we are free at last.
Hope-I hope Obama will surround himself with wise men and women, whose agendas places self interests aside for the good of the whole and with bold strokes and measured places represents all of the races housed in the United States.
Hope-I hope Obama, like Christ in the wilderness, will not be lead astray by the temptations of the snakes on the planes or the ones hidden in the bushes.
Hope-I hope Obama keeps counsel with himself, shared only with his wife and his inner faith in the Almighty One.
Hope-I hope Obama isn't speaking with a forked tongue or creating illusions with slight-of-hands.
Hope-I hope that future Obama's will continue to heel the, "fierce urgency" of today.
Hope-I hope Obama has people and that his people are able to connect with ALL people
Can you hear me now?
Hope- I hope Obama finds spiritual comfort not in a church but in the meditations of his heart and his one-on-one moments with the Lord.
Hope-Bread of heaven, feed Obama, Lord, 'til he wants no more.'
Hope-I hope that Obama finds the time to be a husband and father and a positive example for children everywhere.
Hope-I hope that the weight of the world, Obamas's shoulders can bear.
Hope-I hope Obama knows that by calling our names, we will be there.
Hope-I hope that Obama is able to be all that he can be and from the mountain top he leads with hope to his right and liberty to his left.
Hope-I hope that those who took to the streets in riotous joy and yell don't have to mourn or weep at ignorance wrapped in hate.
Hope-I hope that Obama's destiny with history is not camouflaged by fate.
Hope-I hope that Obama lives a long life, but longevity has its place.
Hope-I hope and I pray that on the day that President Obama takes the oath of office, his grandmother, mother and father are standing beside him in the world beyond the sun.
Hope-I hope that Obama remains focused on the job to be done, the promises to be kept, and remain the keeper of the vision many of us have come to except.
Hope-I hope that President Obama has the audacity to uphold the American Constitution and remember that, "we the people of the United States and the peaceful voices of our past were rescued by our youth who rose up to make sure that the flag was still standing with freedom and justice for all still within our grasps.
Hope-I hope that our collective prayers will protect and shield you from your enemies, raise every voice and sing....
Hope-Peace- "yes we can, yes we can, yes we can."
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By: Ms. Unique on 1/21/2009 12:04AM
YES WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU!!!!!!! "GOD" is using and working through President Obama to help and bless this country!!!!!!!
Let us remember the slaves, Afro-American women, men, children, and our Ancestors that suffered and died for us and not forget!!!! Let us move FOWRWARD to a NEW BEGINNING, NEW CHAPTER, AND A NEW PRESIDENT!!!!!!
THIS IS OUR MOMENT IN HISTORY!!!!! NOBODY OR NOTHING CAN TAKE THIS AWAY!!!!!!!
We Americans, will have to do our part!!!!!!
Anything is POSSIBLE not IMPOSSIBLE!!! We have a long way to go but we will get there!!!!
But first, we all have to put our FAITH, TRUST, and BELIEF in GOD before anybody here on EARTH!!!
"GOD" is our MAIN SOURCE and ONLY SOURCE!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!
"PRESIDENT OBAMA 2009"
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By: Marvelous on 1/21/2009 9:17AM
God is good and all the time. Thank God for the blessing. Lord we pray that you continue to bless Barack and his family during this very difficult time of transition. Out with the old and in with the new. Bless Bush and his family. With God all things are possible if you just keep the faith!
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By: darkpaladin on 1/21/2009 9:41AM
All of you are responsible for making history. Give yourselves an applause. Now, lets work with him so that he could become the most successful President of these United States. Black on black crime..stop..Men running out on their children..stop..Support black owned businesses..Invest in things that will appreciate in value..Become more involved in our public school system..Clean up our neighborhoods..Stop depending solely on government programs..Barack can't do it alone. He needs our help..The celebration is over. Now lets get done to the work at hand..YES WE CAN...
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By: Gab on 1/21/2009 9:57AM
To Unique, Let us not forget the whites who also marched and fought and voted for this day as well. This is a victory for all people. I did not vote for our new President because he is black. I voted for him because he is the best qualified to lead all of us. I don't care about God, because all the candidates professed their belief. I cared because he had the courage to stand up to his far left supporters and state that Israel's security is sacrosanct. I care because he had the courage to stand up to one hundred and twenty eight democrats in congress to support the reauthorization of the Patriot Act. I care because Colin Powell, close friend of John McCain and still a Republican, had the courage to endorse Barack Obama for President.
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By: Ms. Unique on 1/21/2009 10:21AM
To Gab,
I am not forgetting any whites who marched, fought, and voted for President Obama. I mean, what are you saying, that black people can't or couldn't do anything back then without a white person's help and still stands till this day? Please help me understand why you made that comment? There were people of ALL COLOR voting for Barack Obama. If people wanted to vote for Barack Obama because of his skin, then they had every right to. Just like, people wanted Hillary to win because she was a women? I mean come on?
I didn't vote for Barack Obama because the color of his skin but of what he stands for EQUALITY, PEACE, and UNITY for this country!!!! People because they wanted CHANGE!!!!! It shocks me to hear you say, "You don't care abut God"? If you don't care about "God", he won't care about you and bless you!!!!!
Maybe you need more knowledge and need to open a Bible to get the "WORD"!!!!! Without GOD we are ALL NOTHING!!!!!!!! GOD IS OUR MAIN SOURCE AND ONLY SOURCE!!!!!
I am speaking of myself as an Afro-American of how I am feeling and others that are feeling now for this Historical Moment! That is important for me to say about Afro-Americans that we will always remember and won't forget but will move Forward. Please, don't pick apart my feelings I feel in my heart and the words that I say!
Gab, have a wonderful day!
"PRESIDENT OBAMA 2009"
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By: Ms. Unique on 1/21/2009 10:31AM
To Gab,
Collin Powell endorsed Obama because he knew he would make good President! It's plain and simple. He did it because he felt in his heart to do!!! It didn't matter if he was close friend's of McCain and a Republican. He also didn't care what his Republican friends thought either.
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By: Ms. Unique on 1/21/2009 10:32AM
To Gab,
Collin Powell endorsed Obama because he knew he would make good President! It's plain and simple. He did it because he felt in his heart to do!!! It didn't matter if he was close friend's of McCain and a Republican. He also didn't care what his Republican friends thought either.
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