O Happy Day, Oh Brand New Dawn
Congratulations to all my American friends on your new president. He gave a great speech, though he struggled with his oath (which I found quite charming). (EDIT: Turns out the error came from the Justice and that Obama was correcting him. Cool!) The speech was tough and hit most high-points. You could almost see Bush squirming during that speech and earlier ones. Everyone kept subtly and not so subtly reminding us that Bush had f*cked up, as if we didn't already know. He looked uncomfortable and unhappy and no sign of that seeming relief that it would all soon be over that one had sensed in recent interviews.
The US nation, and the world at large, said, "Goodbye abomination, hello Obama Nation." (Harsh, but too witty to pass up.)
A bunch of us in the office watched together, though others took the day off or the morning off to savor the day at home with loved ones. Our sysadmin picked up CNN's live stream which was of enough quality to be a good picture on the white screen we use for presentations. Even our director was watching. It was nice to share it with them, and to watch their faces. One made Obama cookies with blue "O"s on them and another made sticky buns with pecans in them (for, "Yes Pecan!" variation of, "Yes We Can!", per Ben & Jerry's).
My favorite moment was Obama's daughter taking photos/video of her dad as he gave his speech. It's going to be fun watching a first family that is so obviously filled with love for each other, most particularly between husband and wife, and who are not afraid to show it, and allowed to express that. Michelle looked like she was hearing his speech for the first time, though of course by now she's probably heard it countless times while helping him practice.
I also like that he mentioned non-believers. They usually don't and it's time it was recognized that we exist and that our contribution the the wealth and success of this nation is disproportionate.
My favorite thing is also something that troubles me: the sheer size of the crowd. The enthusiasm is outstanding because in these times you need hope and generosity of spirit and these people will listen to him and make a difference. It troubles me because such power can as easily be used for ill as for good.
My least favorite moment/s were that in general it was a tad too jingoistic and Christian for me, particularly in the earlier speeches. This is my usual complaint as a nonbelieving, anti-nationalism, jingoism-phobic citizen of the world. It's one thing to say this country is built on diversity, and contradictory to have the second-longest speech be from a Christian minister who is unabashed in his portrayal of Christian values being at the root of US greatness, and greatness in general. Further, I'm tired of the "Only in America" comments. Other countries have had female leaders or leaders from minorities long before the US. Rather than, "Only in America" it is really, "Finally in America." The US is behind the curve on this one.
Also, no mention of Spider-Man. Very disappointing. Nor a mention of dropping the ring into the lava of Mount Doom and ending Sauron's reign.
I'll watch Obama's speech again tonight with agrathea as I think it is worth re-watching. His performance was strong, particularly because you get the sense that he deeply believes most of it (there is always some pandering). He made references that usually get skipped and at first blush I took it as a marvelous sign for what we have to expect over the next four years. I believe he's a good bloke who wants to make the US and the world a better place. I think he may well be the best man for the job. I know the world has not been behind a US president to this degree in my lifetime.
I wish him luck. I wish all of us luck.
The US nation, and the world at large, said, "Goodbye abomination, hello Obama Nation." (Harsh, but too witty to pass up.)
A bunch of us in the office watched together, though others took the day off or the morning off to savor the day at home with loved ones. Our sysadmin picked up CNN's live stream which was of enough quality to be a good picture on the white screen we use for presentations. Even our director was watching. It was nice to share it with them, and to watch their faces. One made Obama cookies with blue "O"s on them and another made sticky buns with pecans in them (for, "Yes Pecan!" variation of, "Yes We Can!", per Ben & Jerry's).
My favorite moment was Obama's daughter taking photos/video of her dad as he gave his speech. It's going to be fun watching a first family that is so obviously filled with love for each other, most particularly between husband and wife, and who are not afraid to show it, and allowed to express that. Michelle looked like she was hearing his speech for the first time, though of course by now she's probably heard it countless times while helping him practice.
I also like that he mentioned non-believers. They usually don't and it's time it was recognized that we exist and that our contribution the the wealth and success of this nation is disproportionate.
My favorite thing is also something that troubles me: the sheer size of the crowd. The enthusiasm is outstanding because in these times you need hope and generosity of spirit and these people will listen to him and make a difference. It troubles me because such power can as easily be used for ill as for good.
My least favorite moment/s were that in general it was a tad too jingoistic and Christian for me, particularly in the earlier speeches. This is my usual complaint as a nonbelieving, anti-nationalism, jingoism-phobic citizen of the world. It's one thing to say this country is built on diversity, and contradictory to have the second-longest speech be from a Christian minister who is unabashed in his portrayal of Christian values being at the root of US greatness, and greatness in general. Further, I'm tired of the "Only in America" comments. Other countries have had female leaders or leaders from minorities long before the US. Rather than, "Only in America" it is really, "Finally in America." The US is behind the curve on this one.
Also, no mention of Spider-Man. Very disappointing. Nor a mention of dropping the ring into the lava of Mount Doom and ending Sauron's reign.
I'll watch Obama's speech again tonight with agrathea as I think it is worth re-watching. His performance was strong, particularly because you get the sense that he deeply believes most of it (there is always some pandering). He made references that usually get skipped and at first blush I took it as a marvelous sign for what we have to expect over the next four years. I believe he's a good bloke who wants to make the US and the world a better place. I think he may well be the best man for the job. I know the world has not been behind a US president to this degree in my lifetime.
I wish him luck. I wish all of us luck.