will you be watching Obama''s inauguration?

[purselover]

I''ve never watched the inauguration before but I plan to watch this one!

 

[bee*]

Yep I will be watching. We finish up lectures early enough that day so I''ll watch it on tv.

 

[AGBF]

Our town outside of Washington, DC in Virginia is deserted. When I was in Connecticut, a friend who teaches high school told me how much he would like to be here in this area for the historic event. Two million people are expected. All we have heard on the radio for weeks are warnings about the the metro and the roads and the bridges and the crowds.... But I think that everyone here took advantage of a four day weekend and left town. I mean, I think they heeded the (endless) warnings!!! Except the people who are going to attend the Inauguration in an official capacity, of course! It is absolutely weird how how deserted the parking lots are!


Deborah

 

[AGBF]

Date: 1/14/2009 1:13:16 PM
Author: Clio


My office building has a great view of Pennsylvania Ave., and I thought about coming in to watch the parade, but I wouldn't be able to bring my husband or kids along with me, and the predictions about how crowded Metro will be have convinced me that it's better to stay at home, in my nice warm house, and watch everything on TV with my family.

My husband was in a similar situation, but I don't think he was even going to be allowed to look out the windows!!! He was only offered being able to view the Inauguration on a big screen TV...and what the heck use would that be?

(He is currently assigned to an office in the Treasury Building, although he does not usually work for the Treasury, and it is at 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue. Given that The White House is at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, I guess there are security concerns about letting people be at the windows?)

At any rate, my husband is a conservative Republican. He would certainly respect any president and find any Inauguration fascinating, but his dream would have been to have seen Ronald Reagan's inauguration. (Not mine.)


Deborah

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 1/17/2009 6:28:51 PM
Author: AGBF


At any rate, my husband is a conservative Republican. He would certainly respect any president and find any Inauguration fascinating, but his dream would have been to have seen Ronald Reagan''s inauguration. (Not mine.)


Deborah

me too!!
oh c''mon Deb...how could anybody not love Ronald Reagan.

 

[Rhea]

I''m going to try to. For once, the time difference is in my favor. If I can get off work by 2:30 I should be home in time for the showing at 4-6. I was thinking about going to the Texas Embassy in London but decided that it''ll probably be crowded and DH might not be able to make it into London at that time so I''ll just head home and watch it with him at home.

 

[pocahontas]

Date: 1/13/2009 9:53:36 AM
Author: Ellen
I will be watching, of course. Regardless of one's political persuasion, I can't imagine why anyone who has the opportunity would choose to miss this. This man is far more than just a Democrat, and the historical value of this inauguration is truly unprecedented. The statement it makes is so profound, and speaks to every one of us on just how far we, as a people, not a party, have come. We should all celebrate the moment, and celebrate us, imho.

Very well said, Ellen

I'm Canadian and I've taken the day off of work to watch it on tv. Personally, I can't imagine not wanting to be a part of this historical experience in whatever capacity possible.

 

[WishfulThinking]

Not to be the constant voice of dissent, but I think there are plenty of legitimate reasons not to want to be involved in/watch the inauguration, historic as it might be. I know I have my own and I''m certainly not alone in them.


That said, I just folded bigtime because I got offered a bunch of credit to analyze the role of religion in this inauguration as research for a paper a prof of mine is writing. I''ll be watching after all, but at least I get to watch it in analytical mode so my head won''t be full of the things I''d care not to think about.

 

[jas]

Well said, Ellen. I have watched (or watched tape of) every inauguration since I can remember, which is going back a ways. Did I agree politically with all of the incoming presidents? No. However, my belief is that we are lucky to have a peaceful transition every 4-8 years, that I had a voice in the election (even if "my" guy lost), and that, in a weird way, it''s as much my responsibility (and occasional honor) to witness the inauguration as it was to vote, to hear the first words of a new president, his views, his direction, his means of inspiring a nation.

Not stirring the pot, just how I view things. I hear that there are those of you who chose not watch and that''s no skin off my nose.

On a different note (seriously different, I am NOT comparing at all) how many of us who were old enough dropped everything to hear the resolution of other more pop-culturey events (i.e. Jessica in the well, OJ''s car chase, Tom Cruise jumping on a couch).

I''m not flaming or starting a battle, I honestly find it fascinating. I don''t think it''s limited to Americans, by the way. More of a human nature thing. Cuz, really, watching Tom Cruise jump on Oprah''s couch was hard to peel my eyes away from...like an accident.

 

[AGBF]

I hardly ever watch television, but something I read on the Internet this morning has made me want to watch the coverage. It was a description of how the ardor of the crowds-the patience of people waiting on metro platforms just hoping to get on trains into the city to stand in the frigid cold, for instance-has affected natives of the District. The article described usually disaffected District residents as bemused, unable quite to get over what they were seeing. It was quite a story.

I would also like to see Mr. Obama deliver his speech rather than just to read it after the fact.


Deborah

 

[Phoenix]

Absolutely!! Watching it right now at the same time as writing/ lurking on PS.

I feel for Obama though. He''s taking up office at a very very difficult economic time. It''ll be interesting to see how he steers the economy.

 

[BeachRunner]

Date: 1/13/2009 9:36:04 PM
Author: musey

Date: 1/13/2009 9:53:36 AM

Author: Ellen

Regardless of one''s political persuasion, I can''t imagine why anyone who has the opportunity would choose to miss this. This man is far more than just a Democrat, and the historical value of this inauguration is truly unprecedented. The statement it makes is so profound, and speaks to every one of us on just how far we, as a people, not a party, have come. We should all celebrate the moment, and celebrate us, imho.

Could not have said it better myself! As for myself, I am at work, and will be unable to watch

I''m sure it''ll be aired over and over so I''ll (hopefully) catch it later tonight.

 

[BeachRunner]

ETA: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22887392#22887392

Live feed to anyone who is at work and can not watch.

 

[Dreamgirl]

I''m watching MSNBC right now and plan on going with co-workers down where there is a TV in about 5 minutes to watch...

 

[Madam Bijoux]

That was one of the best speeches ever.

Sending lots of PS dust for the success of his Presidency.

 

[ladypirate]

OK, I admit it. I shed a few tears. I have never been so moved by an inauguration.

I called my mom afterwards and she was drinking champagne--at 9 AM!

 

[musey]

My husband made me promise to wait to watch it with him tonight... it''s gonna be hard!

 

[Eva17]

nice speech and wonderful prayer!

 

[Madam Bijoux]

This poem seems right for today:

I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I''ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody''ll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.
Besides,
They''ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.

- Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

 

[isaku5]

Date: 1/20/2009 2:19:49 PM
Author: Madam Bijoux

This poem seems right for today:

I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I''ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody''ll dare
Say to me,
''Eat in the kitchen,''
Then.

Besides,
They''ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.

- Langston Hughes (1902-1967)

Beautiful!! Too bad he didn''t live to see this day...He would have been as proud as I am and I''m not American.

 

[bee*]

Date: 1/20/2009 12:51:43 PM
Author: Madam Bijoux
That was one of the best speeches ever.


Sending lots of PS dust for the success of his Presidency.

So many people have been disappointed by the speech over here. That they expected more. Personally I thought that it was great.

 

[zhuzhu]

I have not seen it yet but I can''t wait!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 1/20/2009 4:24:05 PM
Author: bee*

Date: 1/20/2009 12:51:43 PM
Author: Madam Bijoux
That was one of the best speeches ever.


Sending lots of PS dust for the success of his Presidency.

So many people have been disappointed by the speech over here. That they expected more. Personally I thought that it was great.

Hmm, can't imagine what they were expecting. I thought it was a great speech and I did not vote for him. I've been very impressed with the whole day. (By the way, we have a lighter thread in Hangout talking about the clothing, etc. I can't wait to see the ball gowns tonight!)

 

[bee*]

Date: 1/20/2009 4:29:38 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 1/20/2009 4:24:05 PM

Author: bee*

Date: 1/20/2009 12:51:43 PM

Author: Madam Bijoux

That was one of the best speeches ever.



Sending lots of PS dust for the success of his Presidency.

So many people have been disappointed by the speech over here. That they expected more. Personally I thought that it was great.

Hmm, can''t imagine what they were expecting. I thought it was a great speech and I did not vote for him. I''ve been very impressed with the whole day. (By the way, we have a lighter thread in Hangout talking about the clothing, etc. I can''t wait to see the ball gowns tonight!)

Yeah I know. Not sure what they wanted! I thought it was great too.

 

[swimmer]

Date: 1/22/2009 5:26:54 AM
Author: bee*

Date: 1/20/2009 4:29:38 PM

Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 1/20/2009 4:24:05 PM


Author: bee*

Date: 1/20/2009 12:51:43 PM


Author: Madam Bijoux


That was one of the best speeches ever.




Sending lots of PS dust for the success of his Presidency.

So many people have been disappointed by the speech over here. That they expected more. Personally I thought that it was great.

Hmm, can''t imagine what they were expecting. I thought it was a great speech and I did not vote for him. I''ve been very impressed with the whole day. (By the way, we have a lighter thread in Hangout talking about the clothing, etc. I can''t wait to see the ball gowns tonight!)

Yeah I know. Not sure what they wanted! I thought it was great too.

The only thing he could have done to please folks more would have been a dancing number with costume changes. Or of course to literally flip off W instead of verbally condemn him and his disastrous lack of leadership.

"We will do business in the light of day." Did you see the picture of Cheney glaring at Obama from his wheelchair? He looked like an evil uncle you might have locked in an upstairs bedroom during the Victorian era.

 

[jas]

Date: 1/22/2009 9:08:01 AM
Author: swimmer

The only thing he could have done to please folks more would have been a dancing number with costume changes. Or of course to literally flip off W instead of verbally condemn him and his disastrous lack of leadership.

''We will do business in the light of day.'' Did you see the picture of Cheney glaring at Obama from his wheelchair? He looked like an evil uncle you might have locked in an upstairs bedroom during the Victorian era.

He looked like Mr. Potter from It''s a Wonderful Life. I''m just saying he LOOKED like him. I''m sure he was in a lot of pain.

I hear a lot of "Messiah" comments thrown around with a lot of

faces. I am rubbed raw by the sarcasm, because the comment is a knock at those of us who thoughtfully voted for the man. if you wish to argue policy, that''s fine by me. Hey, if you want to knock the man, go ahead. (see my Mr. Potter comment above)

HOWEVER, if you want to knock the voters belief in this man, it nags my craw. I''m not a simple minded child, I am an overeducated American who, at least for now, is enjoying the possibility of where this country might go. Is the president perfect? No. Do I believe in him? Yes! My joy in his leadership is no more cause for mocking than someone else''s joy in Sarah Palin''s.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/22/2009 9:08:01 AM
Author: swimmer

Date: 1/22/2009 5:26:54 AM
Author: bee*

Date: 1/20/2009 4:29:38 PM

Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 1/20/2009 4:24:05 PM


Author: bee*

Date: 1/20/2009 12:51:43 PM


Author: Madam Bijoux


That was one of the best speeches ever.




Sending lots of PS dust for the success of his Presidency.

So many people have been disappointed by the speech over here. That they expected more. Personally I thought that it was great.

Hmm, can't imagine what they were expecting. I thought it was a great speech and I did not vote for him. I've been very impressed with the whole day. (By the way, we have a lighter thread in Hangout talking about the clothing, etc. I can't wait to see the ball gowns tonight!)

Yeah I know. Not sure what they wanted! I thought it was great too.

The only thing he could have done to please folks more would have been a dancing number with costume changes. Or of course to literally flip off W instead of verbally condemn him and his disastrous lack of leadership.

'We will do business in the light of day.' Did you see the picture of Cheney glaring at Obama from his wheelchair? He looked like an evil uncle you might have locked in an upstairs bedroom during the Victorian era.

Actually, I'm one who appreciated the speech, but also felt it fell short. Speaking only for myself, I guess I just wanted a really uplifting speech. You know, the kind that grabs your heart with hope and happiness, kind of like his race speech did. It was a day of celebration, I guess I just wanted more of a celebratory speech.

Having said that, I am pretty sure I understand the rationale for not giving such a speech. We are in somber, serious times, and he may very well have felt his speech should reflect that (as history may well deem appropriate also). Also, our hopes for him are so high as it is, I doubt he wanted them lifted to proportions harder to achieve than they already most assuredly are.

But, I absolutely respect that, he did what he felt was best. And that's ok with me.