Historic Crowd Waits for An Historic Presidency
20 January 2009 7:21 am by Taylor Marsh
“I am making a commitment to you as the next president, that we are going to make government work,” he told volunteers at Coolidge High. “But I can’t do it by myself. Michelle can’t do it by herself. Government can only do so much….If we’re waiting for someone else to do something, it never gets done.” – President-elect Barack Obama
When they met the Bushes at the White House today, Michelle Obama was carrying a gift.
When I listened to Karl Bernstein today one thing stood out. Talking about segregated Washington, D.C. and the shift that is happening today. The election of one man can make a difference, especially if that man is the African American named Barack Hussein Obama, the name he will use when he’s sworn in.
Last night on the “Daily Show,” Stewart had on Abderrahim Foukara of Arab Al Jazeera. The back and forth at the beginning of the interview was a classic. We did okay, didn’t we? We elected him? Are we cool now? Foukara laughed, but the message from Stewart came from us all.
The world loves Americans, but they’ve hated our government for many years now. That changes today.
…or so we hope.
Barack Obama has begun his presidency with grace, magnanimity and warnings of hard choices to come. Renewal and responsibility will be the watch words as he starts his first term, joined together in excitement and a charge to keep from the people who wait and watch.
Looking at the crowds in the city where I will soon live, a once segregated city, it reminds me of my youth in St. Louis at a time when Missouri was still very southern and still caught up in racial division and tensions. That’s how I relate to what Bernstein said today. I imagine the melting away of those divisions in a city that has held on to them for many years. To say I’m anticipating what awaits in Washington, D.C. is an understatement.
The Obamas obviously intend to be part of the city’s community. They will likely bring to D.C. a renaissance. That’s something I’ve seen happen before in a large city, when I lived in New York. It’s something to watch and I’ll be there to see it happen.
That’s why so many people are standing in freezing temperatures to witness Barack Obama become president. They want to witness, be present, for the swearing in of the man who will turn us towards the sun, leaving darkness at our back.
Rachel Maddow said today, that “if you’re a civics dork, this is bigger than Christmas.” But you don’t have to be a “civics dork” to feel that you’ve awaken on a morning excited about what you’ll get to see today. All you have to be is a citizen of the world who is praying for cooler leadership in these troubled times.
The real work of this nation, for all of us, begins today.
I’m definitely not a “civics dork” just a dork, but this is a great day.
heh-heh… It sure is.
Teddy made it, good to see.
I just saw Teddy.
Cheney’s going for a sympathy ploy. :=)
that’s the new presidential Caddy.
let’s see the blimp cam
Morning everyone. This morning our nation changes forever. We’re moving into a new era of change and enthusiasm. History is being made because all of us and millions of others voted Barack Obama into office.
Never in my 71 years would I have ever thought that I would see this day.
We are part of something big and we are invested in the future.
I am so moved by all of this. Sorry for the preaching.
You’re not preaching, Betsy. It’s an emotional moment.
You are so right Taylor.
doh!! Rick Warren on stage.
My granddaughters who are mixed race, ages 11 and 1, will never think that the highest office in the land is beyond their reach. If Obama does nothing else, he has changed the way millions of people of color look at America. This was the hope that a lot of us voted for, and today it comes true.
Blimp cam? That airspace is tighter than…. well, you know what I mean.
Blimp cam? That airspace is tighter than…. well, you know what I mean.
justlen | 01.20.2009 – 10:55 am | #
it’s a no float zone
that’s gotta be a Biden grandkid
HD makes such a difference… I’m on NBC
JJ jr. is up there.
Bill looks cranky.
Tacky, tacky, they’re booing Bush.
HERE HE COMES!!!!
Wow. this is cool
new thread…
Tacky, tacky, they’re booing Bush.
justlen | 01.20.2009 – 11:22 am | #
that was uncool.
Those who are into the old think, the hate Bush stuff, are going to find themselves left behind.
That message came through loud and clearly.
I really liked his foreign policy statements. Very sharp, very clear, and, in my opinion, hit the sweet spot.
No wavering.