"We Have Chosen Hope over Fear." Who Remembers Inauguration Day 2001 ?

[K Gardner]

I can't help but have flashbacks to this day eight years ago. What a remarkable contrast. We have, indeed, chosen Hope over Fear.

A rainy day, dour and sad; hundreds of thousands gathered in solidarity to protest the theft of the highest office in the land. Shouts, jeers, SWAT teams in full riot gear, arrests, eggs and debris being thrown at the Presidential motorcade. Sorrow. Disbelief. A nation divided by Fear.



It is sometimes difficult to believe the intervening years even happened, much less believe what has happened.

Today, in contrast - reportedly the largest crowd ever gathered in our Nation's Capitol. Reportedly, the largest crowd to ever watch, on live broadcast around the world, any event. Cold but bright, the air filled with Hope, Joy, Anticipation. Not thousands, but MILLIONS gathered in peaceful expectation to see the end of a national disgrace and the beginning of a new world. Optimism. Love. A nation united in Peace.



We chose Hope over Fear.

We chose President Barack Hussein Obama.

We chose.

[beam me up scottie]

1. And the Obamas won't have to sneak in through the back door.

That day in 2001 was just the beginning.

[ejpoeta]

2. you kind of want to forget bush, forget he ever existed. but we cannot.

we have to remember so that it doesn't happen again. the next time they posit the idea of president as 'someone you want to have a beer with' let bush's image be flashed as remembrance of what that means. that should never be the reason to elect someone!!! it should only be a pleasant byproduct of the real reason to vote for someone.

[zbdent]

3. even with years and years of therapy ...

the fortunate few will have suppressed the memories ...

[K Gardner]

4. "We Will Not Forget", was our motto to Al Gore. The phrase takes on new relevance now -

as we must NEVER forget what Republicans have done to this country, what Bush has done.

I thought he should be jailed in 2001. Eight years later, I feel the same.

[K Gardner]

5. Watching Obama walk down Penn. Ave, I am reminded Bush couldn't even get out of the car !

We have our country back !

[timtom]

6. Oh! No! I missed it.

He walked down Pennsylvania Avenue, ala Jimmy Carter?

[K Gardner]

7. Yup.. for about 3 blocks to DEAFENING applause/screams ! n/t