As Mr Obama made his rousing speech today, I was sleeping. I think you had to get up at 2.30am to hear or see the Inuguration live. I did catch excerpts all day on the radio however, as I made a six hour round trip to Rockhampton to pick up essentials for our AI program (artifical insemination – another post on that one kids!).
…
I was impressed and inspired and uplifted and all the things I was supposed to be by that speech. The man is an orator. No question. I have tried my hand at speech writing in the past, and it’s not that easy, getting the balance right, the cadence, the tone. And the facts (although these weren’t foremost in the bits I heard, I have to say).
…
The new leader of the Western World would be a dream to write for. He sells it. This speech reminded me very much of Martin Luther King in its feel. The way he delivers his words. The rhythm. It’s kind of mesmerising. It feels… well, for want of a better word, almost evangelical.
I totally felt like singing “Halleluja!” at intervals.
Freaked me right out.
Cause the good Lord knows I’m a bit more laid back in my religious and political expression that that! But still, I was moved. And yet my logical, cynical half reminds me of how peripheral Australia is to American concerns (politically at least) at the moment… I certainly feel a very long way from Washington and its marching bands and it’s ten presidential balls!
I am very interested to know how the Presidential Inauguration (or as our local radio host and larrikan put it: The Innoculation) affect you guys? Aussies, Americans, Canucks, Kiwis, Poms… did it rock your world? Or did it leave you lukewarm? Or, like me, not quite sure… wanting to believe it all, waiting to see What Happens Next.
20 Comments
rhubarbwhine
The citizens of the United States of America celebrate a very special day today. The replacement of prejudice with intelligence has produced many smiles all over the world.
Debby
Nothing is going to turn around over night, but he’s made it clear we are heading in a new direction. That one thing alone makes me glad. I love that he is a unifier. I like that he picked both Republicans and Democrats for his cabinet. Bipartisan politics has been tearing this country apart. As he said, “it is time to put away childish things.” He’s got that right. He’s got a tough job, and we all better be praying for him and for his leadership, regardless of who we voted for. The country is in bad shape.
Jenni
I’m just waiting to see what happens next. And hoping. But not getting my hopes up. If you know what I mean. I have no faith in politicians of any brand.
I agree with Debby that prayer is in order–as always.
I didn’t set out to watch or listen to any of the inauguration. I caught a few snippets on the radio while picking kids up from school. I’m disgusted by the excessive price tag of all the inaugural doings.
One thing I do like about Obama (not that there won’t be more) is his ability as an orator and to inspire. We need to be inspired, but we need to be inspired in the right direction which is why I’m waiting to see what’s next. One thing that does bother me about politicians and speeches is that it seems no one writes their own, or if they do, they aren’t any good. I’ve often wondered (and must remember to look it up) whether the great speeches with which we are so familiar were written by those who delivered them. I’m pretty sure Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his own. I hope I’m not wrong about that. There was an inspirational leader for you.
Lydia
Here's the view from someone in South Dakota — it's a mixed review. The first time I heard Barac Obama speak, I looked at my son and said, "That man could be the first black president." So here we are!
As far as the election, I really did not like McCain, but I really do not have any trust in Obama because he really hasn't done anything politically but promote himself. I know he engenders alot of hope in people, and he is a great speaker, but he hasn't even finished one term in the senate — not a long track record. And to this we pin all of our hopes and futures? He may do alright, but only time will tell. I can only hope that America and the world are not so star-struck that they become too disillusioned when President Obama is not all things to all people as they seem to see him.
On the other hand, I am so glad that we have made history by breaking that &^#$^&* race barrier! It is shameful that the U.S. has gone so long without living up to its ideals. So "yea!" on that count.
But overall, I believe history is made every time a new president is sworn in. I am so grateful that we can have a peaceful transference of power and I don't feel even a twinge of fear or trepidation that I could be the object of harassment because of my political views. I cry at every inauguration, to me it really is a great thing. I can only imagine what it must be like for that man to take on such an honor and responsibility.
My prayers will always be with my president, no matter who he is, because God only knows he needs them.
bigSIS
I didn’t really follow the inauguration. I heard bits and pieces and this morning I was listening to the talking heads talk about it. But having heard some of Obama’s speeches along the campaign trail, I have to agree with BB. He does inspire. I am watching and listening and praying. I hope he does some good things for this great country.
A Novel Woman
I started to ‘splain myself and ended up posting it on my blog instead. Bottom line? He is one of “those” guys, born with charisma and an ability to inspire others. If he’s smart enough to surround himself with quality people, and I think he is, there’s no telling what he can do. At the very least, he has given hope to every person of colour in America.
Andrea
I am just going to see what happens. I wasn’t too excited about it. I watched it on tv, and was suprised that there wasn’t a single riot!! Not one arrest was made in DC with over 2 million people there. So, it will be interesting to see what comes of his presidency. Only time will tell, and he is only human.
Sabra
“Wanting to believe it…” my very words yesterday. I listened intently to his speech, enjoyed it, and wished I could believe it.
Pencil Writer
While I can enjoy a good oration as much as another, the guts of the matter is the WORK required to realize (i.e. MAKE THEM WORK) all the “talking points.” Perhaps not everyone is a great speaker. Some people are “doers of the word.” I’m not looking forward to socialized healthcare or zillions of dollars of pie-in-the-sky plans to solve the economic stresses of today. I’ve never thought government should be in control of everyone’s purse strings, but we’ll have to see what happens. Maybe common sense will prevail.
And pray? Man, let me tell you! I pray fervently for the leaders of this (and all nations) to seek God’s guidance (and to follow it) in all the things they do–public and private.
Obama may be a great leader, but without congress working together for the ultimate good of this nation–cause I see far too many working from a position of pride (which always preceeds a fall) and filling their own coffers at the tax-payers expense. NOT ALL OF THEM, but WAY TOO MANY for my comfort. We’ve got some really scary people in positions of power in Congress.
But, it ultimately comes back to the voters. If we don’t study history, study the issues that face us and work like the dickens to do what is right and to be self-sufficient–not relying on the government for handouts–our position is precarious. Like George Bernard Shaw is quoted as saying: “Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.”
And, in a further note–sorry to be writing a book here–but I detect a far too silent response from the media and public in regards to what should be a large “halleluja” in appreciation of the gracious and exceptionally out-going, helpful way President Bush initiated for a smooth transition for President Obama. NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE! Thank you, Pres. Bush for being a stand-up, gracious, President who never caved into the horrendous vilification from the press and an in ordinate number of the citizens you valiantly worked to protect from terrorist aggression. He wasn’t perfect. Did some things I didn’t/don’t like, but I appreciate the liberties I enjoy that he made sure were protected.
Anonymous
He gives me hope! At a time when hope was flagging in this country.
But as he said, it will take all of us, working together to make a difference. Let’s hope we don’t all go back to sleep
gramps
Deb
I didn’t watch and I didn’t listen. I’m a realist and I just can’t get my head around that fact that our country is in such a terrible state financially and otherwise……adults and children are going hungry; people are dying for lack of medical care; good, hard working people are losing their jobs and their homes and the taxpayers have just paid out an un imaginable amount of money to swear in a new President. During what they are calling a recession, wouldn’t you think these “smart” people might have thought to scale things back somewhat? 10 balls? You’ve got be kidding! I wonder how all the people in the homeless shetlers in this country felt about that?
I pray that he and his family stay safe and that he can survive the incredible challenge ahead of him.
He is a gifted orator, I’ll give him that. The time has come for him to put his money where his mouth is.
Our country is in desperate times -the majority seem to think he is the chosen one who can bring us up out the ravages of past mistakes……I for one haven’t forgotten that he is first and foremost a POLITICIAN.
sues2u2
i think lydia summed up exactly how i feel about all of this. i’m from arizona btw.
Reddunappy
I agree with what Lydia said, nicely written.
and the last paragraph( well all of her post)of pencil writers post, thanks for thanking Pres. Bush, he has has a long hard presidency. I believe there was a reason he was elected for a second term.
I hope Obama lives up to at least half of his promises, no one, absolutly no one, can know what it is like to be President of the USA until you are there, shame on the media for villifying Bush so much. Obama did not have a clue until yesturday, now the real work starts.
I for one have a gaurded outlook, we shall see.
Bush Babe
Wow… great feedback thanks guys. Thought-provoking stuff! Thanks for not making me feel like a TOTAL cynic. I’m not, of course, and neither am I political with a big P (despite my misleading blog name, for all you Yanks!).
I have to say I was impressed that no really outlandish promises were made yesterday – seems like he is doing his best (despite the hoopla that seems to go with American celebrations) to ‘keep it real’.
Keep your opinions coming – I ain’t scared of ’em! The differences are what makes the world go round! Or at least keep it interesting…
🙂
BB
Rose
I think Obama will be a good change for the US, although here in Canada, I am afraid I take an apathetic view to most political happenings. I really just am not interested, and was more worried that the Inauguration was going to bump some of my favorite tv shows. Awful, isn’t it!?
rhubarbwhine
Hey – who ate my comment? (mumble mutter)
Debby
*burb*
Sorry Rhubarb.
Kate
Hey! Someone ate my comments too! They were brilliant, thought provoking, Einstein-esque even. The world will be a sadder place for having not read them. Dumb ole blogspot. (also i can’t remember what i said…but it was genius!!!)
Redneck Mommy
I want to believe Obama is the antithesis to the political climate the world has been subjected to for the last eight years.
But time will tell. It’s too early to get excited about his presidency as of yet. He’s inherited a mess and has a lot of power at his finger tips. Time will only tell if he is wise and uses that power judiciously.
But I will always be thankful to him for the hope and the reminder of greatness that is achievable in everyone. For that, Obama is my hero.
Regardless of what the future holds for him today.
Bush Babe
Holy Moly… you know you’ve chosen a good topic when the Redneck Mommy herself rocks up!
*stares at screen, all star-struck*
I have to say (says she checking her news updates on Vista) that I have been encouraged greatly by the activity already in Washington… perhaps, perhaps, we are really onto something here…
Sorry Blogger seems to be chewing up comments people. My advice – always do a CTL-A, CTL-C before hitting the publish button. That way you can just paste that sucker back in if it cracks a spack attack!
Hugs all and thanks for sharin’
🙂
BB
PS If you are still to comment – I’m waiting here on the edge of my seat!!