Obama's Inaugural Address

I liked the speech because it wasn't celebratory as much as a call-to-arms. It was alarming, and certainly disorienting, to hear a new president state clearly that things are tough. There was none of that happy talk. He laid it on the line. But he also, as is his genius, made me confident that these problems would be addressed with intelligence and competence.

That this wasn't a celebratory speech, to me, emphasizes that, despite what many believe, the election of Obama isn't an end in itself. It isn't primarily about the fulfillment of the civil rights era or any other ideological victory. It's about facing, head-on, the problems we face without reliance on dogma or other easy facile solutions.

So yes, I expect the second inauguration address to be better and more celebratory, because I expect America to be better and more worthy of celebration. But between now and then there is a lot of hard work to be done. There will be calls for real sacrifice. Certain sacred cows will be slaughtered. Things will get rough. I think Obama is warning us that we need to be prepared.

I am counting on the second address being better because that is going to be my rationale for attending that one and not this, should I ever have grandchildren or other young people to subject to my tales of these days.

Partially reposting from previous Boodle:

Cassandra, thank you for the family history you shared earlier today. It was a powerful reminder of how momentous an occasion this is.

I was moderately impressed by Warren's prayer. While overtly religious (which doesn't thrill me too much in a civic setting), I thought it did a good job of being nondenominational. Yes, I know that he invoked Jesus, including a ploy for "Jews for Jesus" by calling him by the Hebraic "Yeshua"; however, careful attention to Warren's actual words shows that he cited Jesus in a personal way, referencing his own individual religious experience.

I fear when Jill Biden sees pictures or video from this day she will have second thoughts about her outfit. (Sorry, I know we've moved on from fashion commentary.)

I think the speech had to be what it was so folks wouldn't get carried away with pretty words and forget we have a mess to clean up and get right. If the speech had be other than what it was, some folks would be angry when the hard parts jump in. We can't afford those kinds of speeches anymore. They cost money, something we're a little short on now. I'm afraid for myself and for people like me. We're already living on the edge, and if we have to make sacrifices, it's going to be over for us.

Believe it not the sun has come out, and the stuff is beginning to melt. I don't know if it will clear up by tomorrow or not. It's suppose to get cold tonight.

My car is not clean, and I don't have the heart to go out and clean it up. I was so hoping the sun would come out and melt that stuff away. It's sticking, and playing hard to melt.

I think he reined it in just a little too far. There was a little too much State of the Union style base-touching. It wasn't even as good as the speech he gave at the concert on Sunday.

However, as a repudiation of everything that has been done over the past eight years, it filled the bill perfectly.

Thanks, Science Tim. We can't find that picture anywhere now. I think someone stole it. We have a wash pot. My mother had the one that belonged to her mother, and my dad has been keeping it. You would not believe the people that have tried to get that wash pot.

A wash pot was used to boil water because we didn't have the pipes and water heaters in those days. It was especially useful on wash days. As a child, that how my grandmother washed clothes. It was an all day job. She had to boil so many pots of water putting the white clothes in that pot sometimes under the fire. It was an outdoor job. We had to pump water by the tubs. Then hang the clothes out. And always on warm sunny day. Of course, in the winter time, the same thing, but with cold. And the means of washing was a washboard. A wooden device with a metal middle like an accordion that the clothes were literally washed up and down on this contraption(?)with the hands. No washing machine for us. Washing machines existed, but not for a poor family in rural North Carolina. As children we were responsible for pumping the water, and changing the water. I have a whole new respect for my grandmother and my mother when I think about what it was to be a woman in that day.

And no washing powders or liquid detergent, none of that. Lye soap. Boiled.

The Bushie is a gonnie, the Bushie is a gonnie.

Doing the most irreverent happy dance in my repertoire, The Hoochie-Woochie mambo.

I'll tell you folks, it really has not been that long since those of us that saw that "old time" thought we would see this day. I call it that name because some folks would love to go back to that time because it was good for them. Didn't do much for me.

I know y'all want me to go play on the freeway, but I'm not. I can't get out. I'm just kidding. This "staying in" thing is getting to me. Already.

Time to watch TV.

I was impressed by absence of grand fourishes and soaring sentences. These are hard times and Obama has a gift for reading them. This speech was all steel and no sentimentality.

I was at lunch at a pub where the tv's were showing the inaugeration lunch. When there was the bit with the crystal bowls someone said "must be time for the 50-50 draw".

yellojkt: funny comment re strict construction. Indded.

re: chamber music. We thought that it was a mix of Lord of the Dance and (Canadians will get this) Hinterland Who's Who.

I'd love to dance that one with you, Brag!

SCC Indeed

I agree. I had heard in advance through NPRadio, I believe, that his speech would contain some somber tones - so that the Country would understand that he won't be able to solve everything in his first 100 days or first year. BUT, I said to myself after he was done - that I had wished he had 15 more minutes of a building, enthusiastic pep rally-style presentation.
It's OK that he was very realistic in the beginning... but for the historical standpoint, and to help get the stock market to rally high for a few weeks - I wish he had been more emotional - more upbeat - more posiive about how we'll come out of this in better shape than we are in now. I think he left a lot of us 'flat'.
Not just because we expected that this would and should have been his best speech so far... but because he had the largest captive audience ever... what - 2 million people in person; 50 million watching at home - and perhaps another 50 to 200 million watching from around the world??
This could have been his 'moment to really really shine' - - even the groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Akmenijhad (sp), Putin, and our friend in Venezuela probably listened. I wish he would have been overall more firm - more emotional - and as I said, building up for 15-20 minutes more to an electric high-point conclusion - where Chavez and Putin would say to themselves "Uh-Oh... he will be a force to reckon with..."

SCC yes I'm aware there are more. I blame Justice Roberts.

This photo just about says it all:

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/inauguration/la-na-obama-inauguration-day,0,5154903.photogallery

DLD

For the fashionistas, there is a ballgown quiz at CNN.com

When Chavez and Putin will receive Hillary as Sec of State they will be not-too-subtly be reminded that underestimating the O-man isn't very clever.

How does Michelle Obama keep warm in that dress? Are those some special hose that keep your legs warm?

I can understand how people can be disappointed on the inspiration factor of the speech, and the telling 'em what's what part saxbear wanted. However, I have no doubt that just as Obama frustrates some of us in his refusal to take cheap shots (how many times in the campaign did we want him to fight the lies?!)those who think he's not several steps ahead of them are very wrong. It seems that he's going to be who he is, the grown up-and we'll get more of what we need than what we want. Who said it in the last boodle? It is so nice to have a grown up as the prez.

Ooops, the parade is so late I'll have to go to work. At least I got to see President O and the First Lady get out of the car.

Later gators!

After Roberts said, "So help you God?" I thought he was going to snap his gum.
Call me crazy.

I agree with RD and others who thought the speech's tone was right. I'm sure those attending couldn't see Obama nearly as well as those of us with the advantage of close-in TV shots, but he looked plenty emotional to me. We've had too much political happy talk and emoting, and too little reality. Remember Obama did the same thing with his speech after the election - much more understated and less giddy than some people wanted. I think by now people understand that, able as he is to move and inspire, Obama uses his rhetorical flourishes very carefully and sparingly.

MotP, my feet would have fallen off long ago...walking in heels? And cold? She is one amazing women.

My friend's comment at the end of the speech was that it owed a lot to Southern African-American preachers. And I think that was a good thing.

Northern gals are tough.

I know living in Chicago has probably prepared Michelle for the weather today, but sheesh, hose in 20 degree weather? Man, she's pretty darn hardy!

slyness, one would hope that she selected those shoes for their good fit as well as their delectable color.

And I bet warmth had at least a tiny bit to do with Jill Biden's choice of boots.

i thought the tone and content of the speech were just right. i also think obama avoided getting the crowd too whipped up because chanting his name like he's the messiah is...well...disturbing. he did well to keep things sober. very well.

and yeee haaaww, arbusto is no longer president.

I'm just not coordinated enough, nor do I care enough, to wear heels, Raysmom, even comfortable ones. I can only admire Michelle. And I love the green of the shoes and the heels!

No mention of women's issues. Big mistake.

Loomis?

Cheney in a wheelchair, with the glasses and the dark gloves...was is strangelovian enough?

Y'know, SharkTwo brings up an interesting point. For myself and many other women who actively work to influence public policy affecting women, "women's issues" have come to include pretty much everything Obama mentioned. Economic development, business and jobs are huge women's issues, particularly with the number of women running (and, these days, losing) small businesses. Health care is a huge women's issue. Education has of course always traditionally been among women's issues. Safety and security, particularly national security, has emerged as an important women's issue. In fact, we've discovered, while there are certain issues which lend themselves particularly to women's voices (domestic violence, particular types of disease, participation of women in politics and in leadership roles throughout society, equal pay, even the ERA) by and large people's issues have become women's issues.

While I'm certainly not trying to minimize the importance of issues traditionally assigned to "women", I've begun to tire of the insistence that women are some kind of special interest group and must be specially appeased by particular mention. We're not. We're the GoshDarn majority of the population for Gosh Sake. Every single important issue of our time is a women's issue. Only by sending this message consistently and loudly do we insist on a place at the table on every policy, every question, every solution - and not just when it is an issue for "the girls".

Well said Ivansmom.

*clapclapclapclapclap*

Thanks for letting me know all the hoopla I missed-- and that I didn't miss Obama's speech of the ages. I will likely read the speech in full text later on.

Good blogreporting, Joel. I now feel like I've been elbowed by 2 million people while trying to see the captioning on the screen.

The festivities were running very late this morning. There was supposed to be a longer time between Biden's swearing-in and Obama's. I understand additional music was cut. That might explain Roberts's flub of the oath of office. It was also his first time to do it. That may have helped, too.

Looking down the Mall was nothing short of stunning. All you could see was people from the Capitol to the Washington Monument. (That's 14 blocks for folks who haven't been to Washington.) When they all waved in response to something that they saw on the Jumbotron screens, it's as though the ground itself became alive. No empty space anywhere! Just amazing!

Another really - really bad day for the DEMOCRUDS

You go, Ivansmom. Well said, and right on target !

Looks likes Mrs Robinson, the President's M-i-L and chief nanny had lunch with Justice Roberts. I sure hope she slapped him on the back of the head for their boneheaded oath effort. Two fine legal minds conspiring to screw it up. They don't repeat for that?

"Next to them, at Table 7, is a collection of family and the powerful: Michelle Obama's mother and brother, Treasury Secretary-designate Timothy Geithner, former vice president Al Gore and wife Tipper, as well as Chief Justice John Roberts."

Shrieking, you crack me up with the comment about the O man and Hillary Clinton with the Russians. I think you just might have something there.

I've cleaned the car off. Got it cranked and most of the snow removed. Now I hope there isn't a repeat of this morning sometime tonight.

Anybody know what that hand signal Malia and Sasha were showing the Hawaiian band? Thumb and little finger, like the "call me" sign, but as a wave.

Mudge, that's a "shaka sign."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka_sign

When I was in college we had several kids from Hawaii who used that as sort of a secret handshake.

Who was the velvet podium for btw? Incredibly tall Barack, statuesquely tall Michelle or that runt, John Roberts?

Ivansmom -- you said it! And Frosti, it were me who talked about the adult (finally, dagnabbit!) in the White House as Prez.

It seems that the entire world (mostly) is so engaged now, along with the rest of us (also mostly) over here -- and optimistic about the future. If my increasingly decrepit body will let me, I'll do as much as I can to do my part. At least the brain still works most of the time, so I'll certainly use that, even when my knees stay "stop already!". My brain will never stop (at least I certainly hope not).

I'll now spare my muttering of expletives for predictably and appropriately auspicious occasions. Just think -- Bush and Cheney are gone and the Obama Administration can now reverse or try to reverse as much as they can.

All of this recovery will take as long as it takes. We all have to do our part, because it is our country, too, and we all of us live in only one world (except, of course, those who hear interplanetary voices -- indeed, a rant for another day).

Let's GO, people! Ah, the magic special sauce of optimistic adrenalin. Mmmmmmmmm.

BTW, front page alert.

I 2nd your 4:36 Ivansmom. Though I don't put too much stock in the words of politicians, I couldn't help but notice that the subject of race was threaded through Obama's entire speech, as it should have been in the context of this historical event. My concern, however, is the complete lack of attention to the progress of women as a civil rights movement.

But words are cheap and the action of expanding abortion rights to the point of infanticide speaks for itself. So there you have it.

wiki is on the case:

"Barack Obama used the shaka sign to greet his high school marching band in the inaugural parade celebrating his presidency on January 20, 2009."

Well, gosh, RD, it's not secret any more. You had to go blab. ;]

Have only caught dribs and drabs so far...I must have missed a boodle or two, also. I was glad Joe got sworn in before noon...I was afraid they'd call the whole thing off on a technicality. Missed the flubbing of the president's oath, missed the speech. Thought the music sounded good - Air and Simple Gifts - part of it is a variation of Copland (from Appalachian Spring?). Liked Aretha's hat. Maybe Michelle is wearing secret cold-resistant Chicago hose. I'm hoping she has silk long underwear on (she looks fabulous).

Back to work.

Oh, and I thought everyone knew the Hawaiian sign. Maybe it's more prevalent on the west coast - you see it a lot here, at rock concerts, baseball and football games. Mr seasea thought it was great to see Obama do that.

Thanks, Padouk. That Wiki write-up is SO up-to-date it includes the fact that Obama used it to wave to the band a little while ago. Man, that's what I call "updated."

Spent a lot of the day troubleshooting a friend's computer, so I'm one or two kits behind, haven't Boodled much at all, and haven't paid enough attention to the parade while i was working.

Oh, well, it is time to turn in. It has been a historic day. A day for tears, smiles, and laughter. A good day because of the occasion, a new President, and so much hope and many dreams wrapped up in that big smile. A good day because it was enjoyed with friends near and far.

Have a good evening, my friends. Sweet dreams. And thanks again. Night, boodle.

He was misty eyed, all right - but that happened as he walked down the corridors of the Capitol en route to the stand where he would be sworn in. His wife was not with him at the time, and he was very close to tears.

But that moment passed as he got busy. I liked his speech, the way it sounded on my TV set on the other side of an ocean.

Actually, Shark, I wasn't even thinking of abortion one way or the other. At the moment that's settled law (and not particularly expanded, from a legal standpoint, statewise). Also, people of goodwill who disagree on this issue agree on many other issues affecting women, and many of us have decided our time is better spent in working together on those to effect change.

Just in the health arena alone, we're trying hard to get women health care including cancer screenings, diabetes awareness, osteoporosis information, adequate insurance coverage for pregnancy, childbirth and contraception, focus on women's heart disease, access to health providers, rape exams - it is such a long list. Now, those are up-to-the-minute women's health issues. I have a list at least as long for economics, leadership, politics, and criminal justice, and barely scratch the surface.

As I said, we want a seat at the table on every issue. Anyone who sees "women's issues" through a single lens, whether it be equal pay, abortion, or general social progress, is encouraging decisionmakers to marginalize women. That's the last thing we need.

I'm relieved that he kept the emotion down. The main reason I didn't want to watch the inauguration was my fear that it would be a display of gaudy, saccharine American-style sentimentality (I'm not American). In the end, my company had a little party in the conference room and we all watched it.

It had the usual "Star-spangled Banner" that goes on several minutes too long with irritating added notes that don't belong. Shame, cos the unvarnished anthem is a great song.

But apart from that it was refreshingly free of the aren't-we-great, good-job-everyone, awards-all-round mutual backslapfest that is the cornerstone of US public life.

By that I mean that only about 60% of it was devoted to Americans telling other Americans how great Americans are and how America is the most wonderful country in the world. That's down from about 90% in a typical Washington ceremony.

One jarring note: Obama said America would be a friend to the world again and was "ready to lead again". Personally, when I'm looking for friends, I'm not looking for people who want to run my life.
I'll take the friendship without the "leadership", thanks ... we've seen enough of that lately.

In fact, I'll just be happy if you all just promise not to invade other people's countries for eight years.

Fashion reporter for the Charlotte Observer blogs that Michelle's heels are Jimmy Choos.

engelmann,
The religious song (I can't exactly call it a hymn, the words are too tricky) "Lord of the Dance" uses the tune of the Shaker song "Simple Gifts" (Wikipedia has what seems a really good entry). The latter was used by Aaron Copland in his dance music for Martha Graham that Graham decided to title "Appalachian Spring" (Copland apparently simply called it "Music for Martha).

Anyhoo, for those who like American classical music, Simple Gifts is a Copland marker. Which fits because Copland composed a "Lincoln Portrait" for Eisenhower's inauguration; it was pulled because Copland was a pinko leftist, presumably on a Republican blacklist.

I'm giving it an 8.2.

I think the speech was quite appropriate for the occasion. Achenbach is asking for Obama to pander to the crowd, something that Obama steadfastly resists. The point of the speech is to lead America by acknowledging reality, not to play to her petty emotional weaknesses. He did that. He acknowledged the historic (and thus emotional) nature of the day without dwelling upon it. It's just too bad you choose not to see that.

Never heard of the shaka sign. I've seen it (hip-hop has a similar version, which means "hang loose") I'd say that the rotated Y also looks like ASL for "Play."

Despite the terrorist bump and other ridiculous charges, let me say it is good to see an adult male making public gesturing cool.

There is a complex unconscious bias to gesture across some classes in America that I do not fully understand.

The shaka sign has roots in the surfing world but has become a universal way of saying "what's up!" in Hawaii. Thanks for noticing everyone!

I'm bummed I missed seeing the Obamas flash the shaka sign. Been workin'... :o(

I thought it was a fine speech overall. Joel, you're right to make the distinction between how the live audience received it vs. the TV audience. But it's easy to be more detached and analytical when experiencing a speech removed from its environs. From our perspective on the Mall, it seemed to be a fine speech -- looking forward, breaking with the past, emphasizing that we have new challenges that need new solutions. And not too long -- it was cold (how DID Michelle stay warm out there?). IMO this speech will get better with time, and be seen as prologue to some pretty definitive changes...

And here's a very cool thing --

CNN actually commissioned a satellite shot of the Mall just before the swearing-in:

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/44.president/inauguration/mall.satellite/

That really gives a proper perspective for the massive crowds.

And I thought I saw some flyaway hair waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay over in the bottom lefthand corner, near the "silver ticket" area.

:-)

Who was the last president that had a cool sign? Nixon?

Wow, what a day! Not only are the dark ages over, but our new prez described the issues facing us in his inaugural speech!

I'm doing jury duty, and the judge let us out in time to catch both swearing-ins and the speech afterwards--having given us 1.5 hours for lunch so we could actually eat too.

I suspect there were far worse places to be today than in the Philadelphia Courthouse with hundreds of others, watching multiple flatscreens together. Many tears, lots of clapping, and hope.

dbG glad you got to see it!

Mako we once had a PM who used a one finger hand signal - but I guess that it not what you mean :-)

Ivansmom -- I still am 1000% in support of what you said. You are so right. We wimmin are part of every single issue. There are no "men's issues" and "women's issues" -- there are, however, "human being's issues".

I heard from my friend who thought it would be pretty simple for her to get in, like right before the swearing in. She ended up among the standing throng, however, and thought the whole shebang was terrific. So when she called me about 1/2 hour ago, she was on her way home to get a bite to eat, change into her party clothes (the red, white and blue spangled and sequined bustier still fits, apparently, unless she wants to breathe -- ah, well), and head back down there. Her party is at the Sheraton Wardman, so it's not all the way back downtown, but I suspect parking will still be an issue.

Me, I prefer to lurk, not being able to get into my own party clothes anymore.

*sigh*

Anyway, I look forward to reading Obama's speech in my leisure. Very, very proud of him and of us (well, most of us).

Assuming, of course, there is a second inaugural. He isn't guaranteed a second term. He will have to work for it. And many of us will fight him every inch of the way because a strong democracy needs a strong opposition that is willing to fight for their position.

Just reread the speach and I really like it, in particular this section,

"We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth.
And because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

GABinOdenton, I appreciate your understanding of the value of a principled opposition in a democracy. I emphasize the word "principled" -- you might want to stick with fighting him every time you disagree on a matter of principle. Your actual statement suggests that you will oppose him on every and all subjects, in which case your opposition is not principled, it is partisan, because you allow no room for judgment on individual issues.

I read the speech too and then listened to it while I was reading other stuff. So, so good. I nearly wept *reading* it, at the end, where he talks about Washington and winter - I love how he weaves history into his speeches:
"America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words; with hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come; let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

Can you imagine either Bush even attempting a sentence like that?!? Semi-colons! (not a fan of them myself, but Obama can work them)

Is the parade still going? Seems like there were some non-mainstream entries there...from pony clubbers to gay bands to just plain weird. Fun, though.

Ist of all Obama will not have a second inaugural because Sarar Palin will be inaugurated our 45th Ppresident on January 20, 2012. Secondly Sarah Palin is the best future leader for this nation, not Barack Obama. Our to be beautiful 45TH President as of January 20, 2013 Sarah Palin would be better at leading this nation from January 13, 2013 forward than Barack Obama would . The greatest reason Sarah Palin would be better at leading this nation from January 13, 2013 on would be ideology. Our soon to be Vice President Sarah Palin is conservative in that she is pro life, marriage, guns, low taxes, low government spending, small government, unintrosive government, traditional and Judeo Christian values, Bible reading and prayer in our public schools, and military spending. She is also pro free and private enterprise. Barack Obama is a liberal who is anti everything that I have described that Sarah Palin is pro about or for. Please vote for Sarah Palin over Barack Obama on November 6 2012 and give Sarah Palin the opportunity that she deserves and that being our 45th President from January 13, 2013 to January 20, 2021. From January 20 2013 to January 20 2021 or 45th President Sarah Palin will be the greatest President that we have ever had since President Ronald Reagan, and co-equally with President Ronald Reagan , our 45th President Sarah Palin will be the greatest we have ever had.

Thank You

John Warren

Yep, front page alert fur sure.

Fortunately, no need to open the bunker today, except to party.

The band from the local high school went by the reviewing stand during the broadcast of the weather - so the station broke away to show them - and then went back to the forecast. I'm so cool with that.

Welcome, John Warren. As a spokesperson for Sarah Palin, perhaps you can tell us what policy/policies she would initiate for the funding of community based services for the intellectually disabled?

kWhat policy/policies would she initiate for the funding of residential services for the disabled? What policy/policies whould she initiate for the elimination of instutional care for the disabled.

What policy/policies would she initiate to eliminate the waiting list of thousands and thousands of Americans with intellectual disabilities whose parents are now in their 70s & 80s and continue to try to take care of their children, even...even...when they may not be able to take care of themselves?

dmd, that is the part of the speech I particularly admired.

I was thrilled to hear the music of Aaron Copeland. I have always felt that he captured the heart and soul of the nation. Quite breathtaking. My personal perspective on the day:

http://needlesandthings.blogspot.com/2009/01/wonderful-day.html

Obama forgot that the election is over.

One of the few good points of Bush's last year was his efforts to provide the most extensive transition support in history. Even Obama's people have commented on these efforts.

I looked forward to Obama's address. He's the first candidate that I have made a contribution to - I even took my 7 year old granddaughter with me (and let her mark the ballot).

Then Obama disappointed me for the first time - by throwing in unnecessary digs at the Bush years. How difficult would it have been to look towards the future?

After the body blows I walked out of the room. Obama set the tone below my expectations. He turned an exceptional opportunity into a mediocre political speech. Pity.

My goodness, my goodness, those are some bitter lemons you're eating there,John Warren. Eat more. What would you have said eight years ago had I told you we'd pay $4.00 plus for gas, the market would be in free fall, we'd be in two wars, and a conservative would ask us taxpayers for 700 billion dollars to bail out the financial industry ? You'd have said I was crazy, eh what ? Well, sir, here we are, thanks to your conservative president. We'll be much much better off in eight years than we are today. The speech was excellent, right on target. I wish the man all the luck in the world, he'll need it.

Woohoo - I made the Kit!

1.8 million people and no arrests, the post is reporting. How wonderful is that? The major security problems were medical calls and lost children.

A completely peaceful transfer of power.

Yay for us.

The Geekdottir sent me this:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/horsey/viewbydate.asp?ID=1889

John Warren!!! Dude!! Hey, my man, pass that bong around! You have been hitting on some seriously wicked herb. Whadja put in it? I'm thinkin' maybe some peyote buttons? Mixed in with some cat tranquilizer, and maybe a tad of PCP? Because, dude, you've got Hunter Thompson doing a naked tango in your cerebral cortex. Look, if the giant spiders all over the walls start to bring you down, yanno,raise your hand and somebody will come over and help you get back to earth.

Try not to eat the seven boxes of Cheerios you just bought at Food Lion.

Just watched, the Obama's first dance, Etta James- At Last - so cool.

Mudge. Mudge, I am indeed impressed.

Well Boodlers, I'm back from the Inauguration, 13 hours after I left the house. We waited 2 hours (!) in long lines to get onto the metro at the first stop. Everyone was in a great mood, even the cops. Cheers rang out regularly and when we finally got on the train, the announcer told everyone that "this train is going to Obama!

Subway stations were intermittently closed because of overcrowding along the lines and it took just about an hour to travel 6 stops. We finally arrived above ground to see hordes of folks walking to the parade route. It was very cold but the sun was shining, and the wind wasn't blowing so it was all good.

We very easily cleared the security lines at my friends' condo, and the rest of the day was spent watching the swearing-in ceremony, eating and drinking lovely things, and checking out the views from the balcony.

The mood was dramatically changed by those glued to the TV when we learned about Ted Kennedy and Robert Byrd being stricken at the luncheon. AS of now I have no info on their conditions, but of course I hope for the best for them.

Finally, finally the parade began and we all bundled up to cluster together on the balconies of the buildings overlooking the Army/Navy Memorial across from the Archives building. While waiting the two-building condo balconies traded Obama chants and performed the wave, better each time.

And best of all, when President Obama (I love saying that!)arrived in front of our building, he and Michelle got out of their car and walked and waved the street below us. Later Mr. Biden and his wife did the same.

Unfortunately, because the parade was so late starting, the marching bands mainly paraded to diminished crowds and daylight, and they were still marching in the evening darkness. But they were still great!

Getting back home took less than an hour, and now I'm back and trying to solidify the memories and impressions I have from the day.

It was an honor and a privilege for me to be a witness to such momentous history. I am proud and humbled by the experience. And overwhelming undone by the joy and determination and pride of those I journeyed with on their way to watch on the Mall.

Thanks rickoshea, that was fascinating. Thanks! You are truly a witness to history.

That was a great report. You sure had a wonderful vantage point and you got to see them walking around.

The couple of inches of snow that Momma N left here last night was enough to compel the school district to declare a snow day. We watched all of the festivities from approximately 9 this morning until about now. I thought that the speech given by the President was effective as a vehicle to remind citizens of the value of a good work ethic and optimism. We found out last Friday that the school district balance sheet is such that consolidation, RIF, and all of the other good stuff that comes along with downsizing will be the rule until the State is back in the black.
The inaugural speech also sent the message that the new administration would jettison the strategy of unilateral action with respect to foreign relations. I came away from this part of the speech thinking "...walk softly...". I feel like the President has dealt well with the transition. It'll be interesting to see how the economic stimulus package morphs and how it is received by the rainmakers. I have my salmon pink crushed velvet After Six dinner jacket on, complete with some tasteful rhinestone lapel pins, and will be in the bunker to celebrate for a bit.

Just back from the Mall and some immediate after-errands, so I may have missed someone else making this obvious point -- but for those of us on the Mall, the reference to Valley Forge definitely resonated! It was darned cold out there (of course, needless to say, there's no comparison to the actual Valley Forge in reality). I almost felt on some level that the Valley Forge reference was a shout-out to his physical audience instead of just speaking to his TV one.

It was certainly no day for the summer soldier or sunshine patriot out there. But it sure was the experience of a lifetime.

My wife mentioned to me at about 6 p.m. that I should run over to 7-11 and buy that special edition of the WaPo when it arrives there (at 6 p.m.). Unfortunately, I was cooking shrimp scampi for dinner, and couldn't just hop in the car, yanno? When I finally went, the clerk laughed at me. She said they'd gotten 120 copies -- and sold out in 30 minutes. (They were/are $2 a piece.)

*sigh*

(So I went online and order the commemorative that way.)

rickoshea0, thanks for that report. I'm glad you went down there for all of us.

For those who might have blinked and missed my earlier blog item about the Inauguration and The New Guy's first day on the Job, I'm reposting the link:

http://www.10thcircle.com/10/?p=261

"Today is a new day for our country, and the majority of us will be watching it as we’ve watched so many of the recent historic events that have shaped our nation: From our couches, TV remote in hand."

I discussed the day and Obama's speech with my children this evening, and has a long talk about the speech with my eldest (who happens to be about eldest Achenchild's age). She liked the no-nonsense 'we gotta lot of work to do' approach too, though she raised her eyebrow a bit over the rather pointed jabs at the outgoing Administration and GW Bush. We chuckled over the idea of a scuffle on the podium between POTII 43 and 44 - and the questions as to the Secret Service's role in the event of such fisticuffs.

She chuckled over Geo HW Bush's hat, too.
I mentioned that I didn't know that 41 had become a YooPee (UP) in his retirement, she countered that she thought the hat would end up in the Smithsonian Museum of American History, right next to Aretha's hat and across from The Ruby Slippers.

I told her that personally, I liked Aretha's hat, though like most stylish clothes, not everyone can pull something like that off, just like not everyone can pull off FMPs, much less dance in 'em like Tina Turner. [And yes, I noted that I sure as heck can't and not for lack of trying]

Cassandra, a special nod to you for sharing so many wonderful things with us today.

bc

Finally giving myself permission to relax after a long day. Glad Obama is president, and 6 members of his cabinet are now confirmed too.

Now let's get some rest for tomorrow.

Such wonderful accounts from the eyewitnesses, thank you for telling us all about it! Summer soldiers, indeed!

I look forward to College qua Parkian's description of her day.

Personally, I thought the President's address covered all the necessary bases and was subtle in its treatment of his predecessor. He assigned no blame but was upfront and forthright about the problems we face. I will sleep better, knowing that we have a competent pragmatist in charge.

My todo was to go out side and stand there on the sidewalk with a bunch of plastic cups and a bottle of Champagne. With a hand out, and a cup, to all who passed by, Many said thanks, many took a sip...

So many smiling beautiful faces ...

After, I went for a walkabout ...

Suits and Ties

Evening gowns

Beautiful

I have a smiling face

A smiley face

Tears on my cheeks

am happy

(a report from tow KBs ago)

I forgot to mention that when the TV showed Georgie and Laura getting into the helicopter to hopskip out of town, people rushed the balconies to wave them away as they flew over Pennsylvania Avenue. Could the Bushes possibly imagine that no one was chanting "Buh-bye" Don't let the door hit you on the way out."

Maggie, so nice to hear about your experience. I don't think I could manage to wait that long for a subway, in the cold. On the other hand, I have been known to fly across the country for a concert, so...Anyway, how wonderful that you had such a great vantage point and can tell us all about what it was like. I wondered where you were, when the Obamas were out and about.

omni, what a great idea. Whereabouts were you?

Congrats to all who made it into the Kit, including Cassandra (hope she notices!).

What did folks think about the pome? I found the transcript here, and I like it very much.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/us/politics/20text-poem.html?ref=books

Regarding GWB's departure - The funniest thing I read on a different site was someone's reaction to his "farewell" speech:
KTHXBAI

RD Padouk, Romantic Tim, and the various ages of Sir Curmudgeon, while you have all charmed me on occasion, consider this notice that omni has joined the exclusive club of gentlemen who I am nuts about.

Serving champagne on the sidewalk. Sir, I am utterly charmed.

Translation, seasea? I think I have part of it, but not all.

Here's a piece about the poem by Elizabeth Alexander:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/20/AR2009012003960.html?hpid=topnews

dr, I think you'd like it. She captures the way our ancestors and those who have gone before us resonate in what we do, what we work at.

I love the last lines too, which capture the coldness of the day and must have spoken to the crowd outside:

"In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air, anything can be made, any sentence begun. On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp, praise song for walking forward in that light."

I think the most memmorable thing about Obama's speech today was that the speech itself, well, wasn't very memmorable. Sure it had its elegant parts as some have reflected from cut and paste, but a hammer phrase like 4 score and 7, chicken in every pot, nothing to fear, ask not, vital interests in the Mideast..., was missing. The closest was the part about standing up and brushing off the dirt, or dust, or something like that, I can't remember the exact words.

Kind of anti-climatic if you ask me, but if that was the point of it, I would say it was very effective.

I'm happy that nobody has stooped so low as to comment on their personal delight on the misfortune of Sen Kennedy's health so far. Too bad the same can't be said for all the folks on here at the time of Cheney's misfortune when we learned he would be confined to a wheelchair during the ceremonies.

I shall have to scratch his eyes out.

KTHXBAI texting for:
OK, thanks, bye

said dismissively.

Cracks me up, as does "srsly", for "seriously". Not that I text myself, you understand. Not sure why BAI instead of BYE or BY...maybe the Y is harder to get to on a cell phone?

I see somebody's been hitting the party bong again.

omni,
That is the most creative gesture I have ever heard of. Step aside ladies, he's mine.

You guys just crack me up?

Paging CP! We want your take on the day!

Tne Comics Curmudgeon, Josh Fruhlinger, published his inauguration story on Wonkette.

http://wonkette.com/405633/death-trip-to-hell-town

SCC: As a dear friend from Georgia once said, "dayum," I meant to use a ! at the end of 'crack me up' instead of ?

My fingers are truly disconnected from my brain?! (! ?_)

Omni, a nice gesture in the spirit of the day.

I enjoyed reading the full Elizabeth Alexander poem.

Oh, and the poem, here's the line that really got my creative juices flowing:

"A woman and her son wait for the bus."

I knew if I looked hard enough, there would be a woman's issue imbedded in the festivities somewhere. Pure, unadulterated, poetic genius! I doubt there is a dog on this blog that couldn't do no better.

And the mention of a "boombox" just fills my ears with imagery.

This NYT piece
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/19/books/19read.html?_r=1&em
about how books shaped Obama is pretty good. But, I think the picture says it all-here is the hottest president ever, with a book in his hand. How cool is that? (He happens to be carrying the book I have waiting for me on my night stand at the hip urban loft.)

I see the fashion experts have departed the boodle for the evening. Calling CqP for analysis of the ball gowns. Perhaps a review in the morning?

Toodles boodle and sweet dreams.

Mako! You are some funny, shark-man.

I think I remember you from a now-defunct-and-rather-cruel WAPO blog.

Welcome.

Come back often.

I've a had a mad crush on omni for just about forever. I mean, really...what thinking woman doesn't?

Take the Cards.

Duh!

- Yoki -

Prose poetry is an international form.

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5787

The 1960 beat poets such as Ginsberg (who is indeed very, very inappropriate reading for 8th graders), worked in the prose poem form.

It's become more popular since the late 1980's. Some commentary on the form here:
http://webdelsol.com/Double_Room/issue_six/David_Shumate.htm

It's difficult to do well. I've seen prose poems that really soared, and others that felt clunky.

Me, poet labreate;
Black, lauded, feted, petted...
then trolled on blogs? Pass.

-Wilbrodog-

I think that this is the second-to-last-ball of the night, and my goodness, Michelle is looking simply undone while listening to Barack saying the same-old-same-old. Just tired, tired, tired. Still, two more balls to go.

Meanwhile, Joe and Jill look still look good to go all night.

SCC (yet again): by 'undone' re: Michelle O, I simply meant tired and make-up and hair undoing. I didn't mean anything about emotionally melting. Perhaps that'll come later; I just heard that they've invited their best friends to the White House for final toasts, so maybe that's when that will happen then.

Me? I'm exhausted. I may have to tear myself away from the television and actually go to bed.

About the parade: Would it be possible next time to give the Dept of Agriculture (for example) as much TV time as the Marine Corps?

About the ex-Presidents: Clinton and Bush the First seem to get along well, while Carter ignores them, and they ignore him. What's going on there?

The crush is mutual

I've done the math (ouch, my head hurtsd

I'll take the Cards for first or fourth

or Something like that

Let's see, carry the one, divide by three...ouch,,,see what I mean

Just so we're clear ...

I'm taking the Cardinals over the Stealers in the Super Bowl

Sigh.
mumble breaker ON
preheater. damn headphones are cold
fuel line OPEN
fuel pump ON

ConTACT

Well, it's clean up here. No air! I'm high on the real things...A clean windshield, powerful gasoline, and a shoe shine.

'Morning, Boodle. Well, I see Jumper's already airborne! Well done, good sir. Yes, the headphones are cold, and the cold, cold engine oil makes it hard to crank the engine. Still, we must away at first light. I foresee the first major problem today will be to keep Brag from flying loop-de-loops and barrel rolls over the Naval Observatory, now that Darth has moved out and Joe has moved in. (I sure hope Biden has the place swept for bugs.)

I am just so pleased that everything went well yesterday-- no incidents, no security events, no protests, nobody arrested for anything. I am also a tad ashamed to admit I've been wondering about all those celebrities who came to town-- where are they staying and partying? The major hotels must be filled to the gills with bigshots of one kind or another. I have a hunch when everybody goes home, DC is gonna deflate like yesterday's balloon. Still, it's all good.

President Obama. Wow.

And I think I'm gonna award myself about two-thirds of a point for the Guantanamo call: On Day One, late yesterday, PO issued a 120-day stay on trials, etc., there, while they sort things out. I had wanted him to do that during the speech itself, but he didn't. Hence the partial credit. (Apparently, according to the newspaper story, the judges and lawyers don't necessarily have to follow the request. But I'd hate to be the military officer who didn't.)

OK, Dawn Patrol, let's get 'em launched. It's the start of a new day, in more ways than one.

White lightning, white lightning, this is ground beef patrol.

Pass me another groatcluster, Mudhead.

God loves us so much more than we can imagine through Him that died for all, Jesus Christ.

Morning,friends. Thanks, JA, for the nod. And Maggie O, I'm glad you got the chance to be there, and for your report. BC, you are the man.

Slyness, Jimmy Choos. I may never be able to wear a pair, but I think those shoes are just out of this world. They set the standard for women's shoes.

Mudge, missed you yesterday. And I liked the Cheerios comment. I laughed out loud.

School is out here again because of the weather. I have the radio program this morning, will try to make that. I don't think we'll do the Bible study here in the complex as there is still snow on the ground. I don't want my members trying to get around in that. And still very cold, although the temps are suppose to be in the fifties today.

I enjoyed yesterday. I know today is a working day for the new President, and I can imagine they're very tired. I know he's reaching for success, and I do hope we will reach for that too. As I said earlier, he can't do it alone.

Yoki, Martooni, Scotty, and all, good morning. *waving*

We still have the white stuff. Hopefully it will disappear today. I guess you can tell I'm not a fan of snow. The brother of a friend has passed. He had been sick for some time.

Time to swim.

Morning all! Time to get to work!

'morning all. Cool pics of the inauguration here, http://timesnews.typepad.com/news/2009/01/inauguration-day-seen-from-space.html

I love Michelle's green gloves. It's basically impossible to fing men's gloves that aren't black or brown.

I wonder how the Dark One and W like their first morning without a Constitution to sully or a prisoner to torture.

SCC find

Good sleepy morning, all. Yes, slow morning on the flight line. I wouldn't say we're hung over, but maybe just a wee bit tired from all the emotional excesses of yesterday. In a Very Good Way, of course.

The quartet! I was so focused on the music that I JUST NOW realized the significance of the musicians: a female American, an Asian American, an African-American, an Israeli-American. That two of the four are household names around the world is just gravy. I will ponder all day whether my late realization is cluelessness or post-ethnic acceptance of their wonderful gifts.

Was it just me, or was the air particularly crisp and clear, and the sunrise almost superluminal?

No no, must have been that extra cuppa coffee...

*three-day-work-week-kinda-extra-exuberant Grover waves* :-)

Good morning, Boodle!

Snuke, it is that crisp, clean Bushless air.

Thanks to everyone for their great comments yesterday. It was hard to be at work while such historic events were happening, but being able to read your thoughts helped me get through the day. I couldn’t be happier for the country altho’ I know it’s going to be tough going for a long while.

Was I the only ultra-paranoid who kept thinking, "Please don't let him get shot" the whole time? Terrible, I know, but man ... there are plenty of crazies out there, some of which have posted here in the last few days.

Luckily, he didn't get shot.

Heh. I'm a maroon, I know.

A million-plus on the Mall, and about a million on the Metro.

With a scary near-miss the only serious issue reported.

Now THAT's impressive.

And BTW -- Error's still on the page. :-)

No, KAP, you aren't the only one. I've been in fairly serious Paranoia/Gunshot Mode myself ever since Nov. 4.

KAP, that's a fear we all share. Thank heavens for the diligence of the US Secret Service.

Scotty's right, whatta day. Over a million people, no arrests, only one accident, and death was averted. I hope it's a good omen for the new administration.

I also hope the President and Mrs. Obama slept in this morning, and all the security folks too. Job well done, folks, very well done.

*sisgh* The Today Show is now interviewing Bishop T.D. Jakes. I don't mean to be disrespectful to those of the Boodle who are religious, and I don't mean to start trouble, but there were what? Four different invocations, benedictions and various prayers yesterday, and this morning Obama is at a National Prayer breakfast at the National Cathedral. We've had Bishop Robinson, then Rick Warren, and now Bishop Jakes, and I gotta say, I'm about fed up and overdosed with all this public religiosity and sanctifyin' and and prayin' and whatnot. I think I'm fairly tolerant about allowing people to express themselves religiously, but there's a point where enough's enough, and I think we're about there. I'd like all these *&^%$ pastors, preachers, ministers and whatnot to go home and do what they are supposed to do, instead of soaking up all this national airtime in what I, for one, regard as a lot of unseemly self-promotion masquerading as piety.

OK, just wanted to get that off my chest.

Kennedy's okay! Well, as "okay" as he can be, anyway. So's Byrd. Whew.

Did anyone see the Onion headline ... which I won't get right ... about agents being offered a $300 bonus for taking a bullet for the prez? Thank God for comedy.

I'm a church-goer, but I'm with you, Mudge. All of that religiosity gave me the creeps. I thought Warren was a brilliant choice for the g-d invocation, but when he got on the Jebus thang, I got irritated. Anyone interested in public service, nowadays, knows they have to throw some God stuff to the masses. That, I think, cheapens faith terribly.

I thought invoking us to put away childish things was invocation enough.

New kit.
Inauguration post-partum blues.

Mudge, I come from the "other" proverbial aisle possibly, but I too appreciate your concern. I have to say, for reasons of civil rights and long years of hard service (and not building mega-million dollar empires, I had a weak moment hearing Rev. Lowery and sort of lost it.

For the rest of them, If they have to, then limit it to 150 words, please. AND please don't feign an accent or religious affectations.

As a tangential aside, I had a memory of Mitch Snyder (and all those hard working folks from CCNV days) this weekend... possibly the cold weather. Mudge, please forgive this, but I hope we can all remember those who are less fortunate than we in this cold and sometimes lonely world.

Mudge, to your point, I think you might agree with me when I say that I prefer a person who quietly and selflessly gives one hour of service to their fellow man than someone who talks about it for a year.