Barack Obama Sworn in as 44th President

by Justin A. Martell

Barack Obama was sworn in as President at the National Mall in front of 1.5 million onlookers today.

Obama acknowledged that he is taking office at a very difficult time in our nation's history, but he vowed he will help America overcome both it's economic problems and difficulties abroad, saying, “The challenges we face are real. They are serious, and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.”

While Obama's excitement and positive attitude were evident, his emotions were tame compared to those celebrating his presidency. For many African Americans, today was viewed as a shining example of the progress of the civil rights activism over the last fifty years. Several onlookers, media pundits, and politicians linked this moment in history to the activism of Rosa Parks, Malcom X, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his speech, Obama also acknowledged those who sacrificed in order to make his presidency possible. "A man whose father,” he said. “Less than 60 years ago, might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”

After the inauguration, President Bush flew home to Texas. In his speech at a welcome home ceremony in Midland Texas, Bush offered a few remarks with regard to President Obama. “Today was a good day for America and a good man took the oath of office and we all offer our prayers for his success,” he said.

Tonight, President Obama, Vice President Biden, their families, Washington insiders, celebrities, and many others are celebrating at dozens of balls in Washington D.C. Meanwhile, Dow-Jones is down 332 points, Americans are still engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the cease fire agreement between Israel and Hamas is teetering on the brink of becoming void. President Obama's first daily briefing will most likely be very sobering.

Sources:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/obama.inauguration/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2009/01/20/sot.tx.bush.good.day.cnn

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