Dear Friends, Where are you right now? Where did you watch (or ignore) the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States? If you are working, are you able to view the progression? The first African American man to be President (and lest we forget, the USA almost had a running candidate that was a woman for president, or a woman VP!). A memorable day indeed.
I am on the East coast of the United States and the time is 1pm. At noon Barack Hussein Obama Jr was sworn in and gave the people of the country some words about sacrifice and privilge, and hope, and people in other countries that if they shall unclench their fists, we will extend our hand in friendship.
Powerful words. A light sense of humor when he stumbled on the words of the oath administered by Justice Stephens and waited for the cue (and they were actually said in a different order which was funny for those who care).
A light in the fog.
Barak is a leftie (left handed) like me. He's a product of a bi-racial couple, as is my wife, both of whom struggle with identity and placement.
It's a day for history, and one election that will be studied in text books for years to come.
So where were you today on this memorable day? I was sitting in a cafe with many others, laptop in front of me, TV blaring while everyone - white, hispanic, black, asian, all stared at the computer wondering what the next four years will bring for each of us. New jobs? Relief? Security? Pain? Sacrifice? What exactly?
Tell us, where were you at noon EST on January 20th, 2009 as we embark upon a different journey?
Added: Bush's legacy in 10 words as told by 10 columnists:
Thoughts on this?
By: Channel 4 News
Channel 4 News online asked 10 leading columnists to give their verdict on George W. Bush's presidency in 10 words. And find out how you can take part below.
Roger Cohen
"Misunderestimating a president's ability to harm his country is dangerous."
Roger Cohen writes for the International Herald Tribune & New York Times.
Ann Widdecombe
"Unfairly caricatured, he goes leaving America to smarm and spin."
Ann Widdecombe, MP writes for the Daily Express newspaper.
Tony Parsons
"No president in history ducked shoes as well as Bush."
Tony Parsons writes for the Daily Mirror newspaper.
Darcus Howe
"Guantanamo, Fallujah, Gaza, Enron, Rumsfield...a steep descent into barbarism."
Darcus Howe writes for The New Statesman.
Mary Schmich
"A weak leader with strong opinions led the country astray."
Mary Schmich writes for the Chicago Tribune.
Johann Hari
Collapsing economy, unravelling climate, one million dead Iraqis. Heckuvajob, Bushie.
Johan Hari writes for the Independent newspaper.
Jonathan Freedland
"A fraudulent war, shattered economy, and a shredded national reputation."
Jonathan Freedland writes for the Guardian newspaper.
Jane Moore
"A man who proves ANYONE can be President of America."
Jane Moore writes for The Sun newspaper.
Peter Riddell
"Bush squandered the global support for the US after 9/11."
Peter Riddell writes for The Times newspaper.
David Ignatius
"He never fit the role history assigned him."
David Ignatius writes for the Washington Post.