The inauguration of Barack Obama as US President is a big deal not only for the USA but for the entire world. I wanted to pay tribute to that fact on my blog, but as a South African, I don't know very much about US politics. So I've asked a few American blog buddies to give me their thoughts some questions. Here they are, as they were sent to me:
The question:
What were your feelings on the day Barack Obama was inaugurated as President?
Slyde:
I was hopeful, and proud. Very proud. For the last 8 years, ive been kind of ashamed of my country, and how it has carried itself in the world. I don’t know if that perception is going to change under an obama registration, but I can say that I am hopeful. I think the rest of the world currently views the U.S. not too kindly, and im hopeful that mr obama can fix that somewhat.
CP (of Three Giraffes):
Great hope for a much needed change but tempered by some skepticism for the blind adoration being heaped on a man who has yet to do anything to prove himself.
Shania:
I actually attended the ceremonies, so my first answer is short and to the point. COLD! That's all I could feel, lung searing, nose freezing COLD. I kid. I actually felt a myriad of emotions, primarily relief with hope following close behind.
Dizzblnd:
I was by parents whom on my mothers side my grandparents were VERY racist. My mom did not like being raised like that. She never let my grandparents watch us for fear we would be "brainwashed." She is not a racist. My dads parents, I don't believe were racist, my dad is not a racist. My husbands parents and grandparents WERE racists and although tolerant, he finds it hard to shake the beliefs that were instilled. We have raised our children to be color blind when it comes to race, religion etc.. it HAS to end if we are to survive. That being said, as a registered Independent, I am very much a conservative. I lean and vote Republican every election. This past election was no different. Although the world has come a LONG way, I was not sure the world was ready for a black president. I was wrong. I am glad I was wrong. I felt a sense of pride that this country has come so far. I hope, against hope that he will be a great president. I hope that he, along with the other leaders of the world can help bring us back to the peaceful, prosperous world we once were.
More to follow tomorrow.
11 comments:
I'm interested to see what else they have to say. I especially agree with CP's comment.
I agree with Glugster, Obama seems genuine to me but the proof is in the pudding.
Thanks for this. I am a huge fan of the US, kinda obssessed actually...would move there tomorrow. So its great to read these.
I never really realized how obsessed the world is with this man. CP hit it right on the nose. He has my support, but he needs to earn my respect Thank you for getting our opinions. This was a great idea
Thanks for including my opinion. I think by comparison to the previous administration, President Obama could play Nintendo games in the oval office all day and come out ahead!
CP here... I was a bit worried to check comments as the political climate in the US, particuarly among bloggers, is very caught up in Obamamania and expressing any reservation is often met with scorn and negativity. I too hope for a change and for a much brighter future but I also know that Obama is one man, a human man. The tides of the US are not changed in a day, a term or even 2 terms and a president is forced to contend with the repercussions of events that took place long before he came into office. That goes for both Obama and for Bush.
i thought the only opinion that had any validity was Slyde's. The other 2 were pretty lame. i dont know why you even included them.
Plus, that slyde guy sounds hot! yum! :)
I feel sorry for the guy, to have to bear so many expectations. He is but a man.
But the fact that he got into power is just fantastic.
Thanks for all the comments - I'm really enjoying hearing people's thoughts from the US and from other countries.
LOL at Slyde. He would be hot if it wasn't for the teflon ;-)
slyde.. you are lucky I like you all hot in your wife beater, or I would have been upset with your comment. You almost made a penguin of yourself
And I wrote this - being an American watching from a foreign land was odd but all in all just as moving...
As I watched the president's daughters file into their seats for the inauguration, I started to cry - surprising not only my daughter - but myself (and I just don't get political) - yet - I deeply connected to the fact that this election was about healing. I grew up with that hate. And I didn't always know what to do with my feelings when my friends, classmates, neighbors, or myself suffered from discrimination from race or gender or disabilities. Something so ineffable happened at the moment Obama took office, everyone felt it. I guess that's why more than a million people stood in the freezing cold and how more millions watched, like my daughter and I, on television.
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