Jan 21 2009
The Inauguration of Barack Obama – 44th President United States Sworn into Office – First Mixed Race/Black President of United States- Ted Kennedy Collapses at Inauguration –
President Barack Obama - First Lady Michelle Obama
The Inauguration of Barack Obama – 44th President United States Sworn into Office – First Mixed Race/Black President of United States- Ted Kennedy Collapses at Inauguration Luncheon–
January 20th saw the historic Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America. A landmark event in American history.
It was only 5 short decades ago that black people were given the right to vote after many years of struggle, slavery and degradation.
Barack Obama came from nowhere and over a period of two fore running years he quickly won the hearts and vision of a nation.
He appealed to the middle class American but at first, had trouble capturing the imaginations of the African/ Americans who felt his speeches lacked the fire in the belly that was expected from a black leader.
Harvard educated, Barack Obama was an unlikely candidate in the Presidential campaigns. Folks questioned, “Was he black enough”?
His vision and sincerity put hope in the spirit of the American people and through his hard work, strategic campaigning and convincing speeches it finally won him the day.
The Inauguration luncheon was delayed by the collapse of Senior Senator, Edward Kennedy who collapsed into seizure and convulsions before Barack Obama could be sworn in.
Ted Kennedy is recovering from brain cancer surgery to remove a tumour performed six months ago, but this was an event that he simply could not miss.
He was quickly rushed to the nearest hospital where he is comfortable and said to be doing well after his ordeal.
Edward Kennedy was a great support to Obama in the Presidential election campaigns, giving him the full weight of the Kennedy dynasty and all that it stands for.
Veteran Senator, Robert Byrd was also amongst the guests, being the longest serving Senator and at 92 years of age, the enormity of the event overcame him and he too collapsed but quickly regained composure to enjoy the rest of the day.
Seen too was the broken figure of the once truly great boxer, Mohamid Ali, who shuffled along, barely able to lift his head. The support for Obama was amazing and the atmosphere was relaxed and very uplifting.
After being sworn into office, Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama, were driven away in a blacked out limousine which was flanked on each side by security guards. The pair got out of the car and walked the last part of the journey, as is customary; amidst fear of attack.
Heavy Security is now something that the President and his First Lady will become accustomed to as it goes with the territory of becoming high profile political figures in a war torn world which is hell bent on reprisal.
The Inaugural ball in Washington got off to a great start with Beyonce opening the ceremony by singing the Ette James song, ‘At Last’, with lyrics which had a very apt ring to them.
The President and his First Lady danced slowly to Beyonce’s rendition of the song and the ‘Neighbourhood’ Ball in Washington was visually stunning, decked in resplendent blue decoration.
The atmosphere in the great hall was tremendous and a great warmth and support for the new President was quite evident.
In his opening speech, Obama talked of the ‘Bitter swill of Civil war and segregation’ and recognised that America and the world were now living through new and difficult challenges which would be, in part, his job to address.
He spoke of the global warming issue, medical care, and schooling. With the utmost urgency the President spoke of the severity of the economy and how this would be his main immediate focus in this telling financial climate.
With borrowed words from the great Abraham Lincoln, Obama spoke of this ‘New era of responsibilities’, and you somehow got the feeling that he was just the man for the job.-
Another very interesting post from you; I knew you’d be covering this one! I really do love your writing style, and as always your writing is absolutely excellent here.
It’s terrible that Ted Kennedy had to be rushed to hospital, but it’s good to hear that he’s doing well! Robert Byrd collapsing too; it must have been a very intense day, the start of a new era in American history, and a lot for people to handle.
America certainly seems to have a new found optimism since Obama became president-elect, and now that he’s finally in office, hopefully he’ll live up to the expectation and do a good job as President of the United States of America.
A lot of people seem to have a huge amount of faith in Barack Obama, and I just hope he can handle the pressure.
As I said before; this really is a brilliant post from you here, and as always your fantastic writing style has impressed me massively. You really are an incredibly talented writer.