Posted on 01/21/2009 4:14:29 AM PST by Schnucki
That was quite a day. A 77-day transition is in my view somewhat excessive but the United States can mount an inauguration ceremony that awes and impresses. It was quite something to be some 50 yards from the Capitol steps as Barack Obama was sworn in .
The emotion throughout the city - and no doubt much of the country too - was palpable. People so desire President Obama to succeed that their belief in him is almost an act of faith. It was perhaps appropriate that I had to kneel for much of the inauguration ceremony - though only because the people sitting behind us demanded that we get off our feet.
So how did Obama do and, at this historic moment, what are the signs that he can deliver on the hopes and dreams of so many million? Here are a few thoughts:
1. The mediocre speech lacked a memorable phrase or an over-arching theme. Much of it seemed to be an attempt at eloquence for eloquence's sake. It didn't say much.
2. Obama spoke of American (I think he really meant Bush and Republican) greed and irresponsibility being responsible for the recession, along with a failure to make "hard choices". But where are the hard choices that Obama has made? Much of what he said was trying to have it both ways - for instance, being humble and acting with restraint and listening to allies but also defeating terrorists. Who would disagree with that? What does it mean?
3. One of the sharpest points Obama made was about the "false choice" between security and American ideals. Uh oh. Wasn't that a constant Tony Blair refrain? Are we in for another Third Way. Or Clintonian triangulation?
4. The booing of Bush and cries of "nah, nah, nah goodbye"
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.telegraph.co.uk ...
In reply only to the Brits, please come back and repossess America, but leave Alaska alone, thanks.
I want the arsenic out of my water right this second. LOL
0be promised to deliver my bailout check along with a fresh pie. I'm waiting for him this morning.
The intellect of the crowd (besides the reporter) is a good match for the intellect of Obama. We are going to be ruled by idiots.
Deliver? I think that somewhere there’s a bag of shit with my name on it.
Intriguing that you have to go to the Brit press to find a reasoned summary of yesterday’s group grope.
FTA: “...as Barack Obama was sworn in. The emotion throughout the city - and no doubt much of the country too -was palpable.”
The emotion in my little slice of the country was dread and forboding. We are totally and utterly screwed.
The Obama Market continued its spiral into the tank.
I’m gonna buy more guns and ammo (and yes, cling to them even), while my greenbacks still have some purchasing power.
Well, the Obama propaganda arm, the media, never informed the public of his aim in this regard. Once they realize it it will be too late.
That speech was as Flat as a Cowpie on a Texas Highway in the noonday sun. May be the first indication of a 1 termer.
Pray for America, her Troops and Bama’s Guidance
Excellent article by this Brit.
Thanks for posting this.
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