******** Official President Barack Obama Second Inauguration Thread - PART TWO ********

[ellisonz]

Last edited Mon Jan 21, 2013, 04:40 PM - Edit history (3)

Live Feed: http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN/

Part One: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022229099

Part Three: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022230539

Schedule:

Monday

■ 8:45 a.m. — The Obamas and Bidens attend a church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

■ 11:20 — Ceremonial swearing-in of the president and vice president at the Capitol.

■ 11:50 — Obama gives his inaugural address.

Program for the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural address:

Musical selections: The Marine Band; PS22 chorus, from Staten Island in N.Y.; and Lee University Festival Choir, Cleveland, Tenn.

Call to order and welcoming remarks: Senator Charles Schumer, Democrat of New York

Invocation: Myrlie Evers-Williams.

Musical selection: Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

Oath of office administered to Vice President Biden: Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Musical selection: James Taylor.

Oath of office administered to President Obama: Chief Justice John Roberts.

Inaugural address: President Obama.

Musical selection: Kelly Clarkson.

Poem: Richard Blanco.

Benediction: the Rev. Luis Leon of St. John’s Church, Washington.

The National Anthem: Beyoncé.

■ 1:05 p.m. — Obama, Biden and their wives attend the inaugural luncheon.

■ 2:40 — Inaugural parade begins, with floats and units representing about 60 groups. Viewing stands and bleachers line Pennsylvania Avenue.

■ 6:00 — The Commander in Chief’s Inaugural Ball, at the Washington Convention Center. The gala honors service members and their families.

■ 6:30 — The second official Inaugural Ball for other guests, at the Washington Convention Center.

From the Boston Globe

[NYC_SKP]

1. GUNS!

Big ones!

[lonestarnot]

4. Woohoo

[ellisonz]

162. VIDEO!

Big videos!

[madokie]

201. Thank you

I really do think he is the right man for the time. I love my President as if he was my brother, as he is

[Botany]

2. James Taylor and then the B-Man!

I am so proud!

[Politicub]

3. What a wonderful day for America

and the Democratic party!

[jillan]

5. Am I the only one in tears??? I'm so happy!

[Coyotl]

10. Mitch McConnell is crying big time today

Four years of obstruction helped re-elect Barack!

[vlyons]

202. Was McConnell absent from the ceremony?

I noticed that he didn't walk in with Harry Reid and didn's see him on the podium.

sore loser, I guess. Can't stand to be seen shaking hands and risk getting cooties from a black man.

[HappyMe]

12. There's something in my eyes.

[ellisonz]

13. There are tears

And Laughs here in the Ellison household!

[Politicub]

17. I'm part of the tissue brigade too!

[CherokeeDem]

26. Crying since the first glimpse of the First Family this morning...

As a nation, we should all be proud that this man and his wonderful family are here for us...

Very, very happy day....

[shenmue]

185. I cried too

Nothing wrong with that.

[NYC_SKP]

6. I don't think I've ever seen him so confident and comfortable.

Smiling, has his swagger on, the kids and Michelle look FABULOUS!

[NYC Liberal]

7. Here comes the address!

[blaze]

8. Mr President!!!

[ellisonz]

9. Here comes the good stuff

[patrice]

11. "a never ending journey"

[Politicub]

14. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

That's what it's all about.

[HERVEPA]

15. Too much religion. And don't need any kind of weapons.

[patrice]

16. we made ourselves anew

[Coyotl]

18. How quickly we forget that the USA was ALL SLAVE to begin with.

[patrice]

22. ++++++++1

[nc4bo]

23. and there are those who want to take us back.

Back to a time where massas ruled every aspect of another human being's life.

There are those who wish it so.

[kestrel91316]

175. I dunno about that. My Puritan ancestors never had any slaves.

[Coyotl]

187. Your Puritan ancestors were not living in the USA, they invaded the Native Nations!

The proceeded to genocidally exterminate the natives.

"In a little more than one hour, five or six hundred of these barbarians were dismissed from a world that was burdened with them."

"It may be demanded...Should not Christians have more mercy and compassion? But...sometimes the Scripture declareth women and children must perish with their parents.... We had sufficient light from the word of God for our proceedings."

-Puritan divine Cotton Mather, Magnalia Christi Americana

[Lars39]

19. Sounds a little bit...

Like he's schooling us to unity.

[patrice]

20. fidelity to our founding principles requires new responsibilities

[ellisonz]

21. The echo of the wind against these words is stunning!

[Politicub]

24. America demands reinvention in every generation

The young Obama generation is going to go on and change the world.

[patrice]

25. economic recovery has BEGUN

[ellisonz]

27. "My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it...

...so long as we seize it together"

And here comes the Class Warfare!

[Mdterp01]

28. Posting early morning from Melbourne Australia

So I'm in Melbourne for the Australian Open and its almost 4 am. I was not about to miss the second inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama!!!!

Some quick notes:

*Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir was amazing
*Loved James Taylor's "America The Beautiful
*Michelle Obama looks AMAZING; love the hair and that coat is fierce!!
*My how the first daughter's have grown in 4 years
*Myrlie Evers-Williams referred to President Obama as the 45th President. He's still 44 even with a second term
*Jill Biden is so pretty
*Joe Biden remains Joe Cool
*Did Obama flub the oath again? He seemed to stumble at "United States" LOL Can't blame Roberts for this one.

[Lars39]

32. "States"

I bet his kids will rib him

[Phoonzang]

34. Yeah he didn't say the "s" in United States

I have to admit I kind of facepalmed.

[kestrel91316]

183. When YOU can win the office and stand up there in the cold and deliver

like him, THEN you can criticize a trivial slip like that. Not until then.

I screw up all the time trying to record phone messages for my office, even when I have it all written right in front of me. I would COMPLETELY screw up something as stressful as a presidential oath. Hell, I'd probably faint.

[sheshe2]

189. ...

[url=http://postimage.org/image/s4xo6mbxp/][img][/img][/url]

[classof56]

204. As I saw it, his voice kinda broke. Am I the only one who's ever had that happen?

Since he'd already taken the oath yesterday (as Constitutionally required), a slight error would not invalidate his Presidency. I just knew it would be brought up, though. For me, his speech negated all criticism that inevitably comes whenever our President speaks.

Nice to hear from someone Down Under, and I agree with all your other assessments of this AMAZING historical event.

Blessings.

[patrice]

29. when every person can find independence and pride in their work

[NYC_SKP]

30. WTF MSNBC to show yawning Sasha....

Like it was an accident, sure.

Fuck you producers.

[In_The_Wind]

35. . . .

[Mdterp01]

36. I'm sure Fox News will run it a few times

n/t

[GoCubsGo]

163. OMG! An eleven-year-old is bored with adult stuff!

Stop the presses!!!

[SunSeeker]

205. It was so rude to pan on a tired young girl yawning.

The speech was only about 10 minutes long. Couldn't they just focus on our PRESIDENTwho was speaking?!

This gratuitously embarrassed Sasha and insulted our President.

[NYC_SKP]

206. It was IMHO intentional.

Because she was mid yawn when they flipped to that camera.

Otherwise I wouldn't be suspect.

[SunSeeker]

208. Yup.

[LisaLynne]

31. A decade of war now ends!

Please let that be true!

[ellisonz]

33. "We do not believe that freedom is reserved for the lucky...

...or happiness for the few."

[gademocrat7]

37. Crying with joy.

[ellisonz]

38. He's rounding third base and looking toward home!

Go OBAMA! GO GO GO!

[Recursion]

39. Selma and stonewall

nice

[OKNancy]

43. Stonewall.. gave me goosebumps!

[pinto]

62. Kick

[watrwefitinfor]

173. Don't forget Seneca.

A perfect trifecta!



Wat

[Hekate]

216. I heard that trifecta. I surely did.

[farminator3000]

40. calling MLK "a king"= pretty damn sweet

edit: of course he did. perfection. who else would put that in the National Archives?

[Recursion]

48. A King who took us to the mountaintop

and showed us the way to the promised land

that was the line I remember most from the"yes we can" speech

[ellisonz]

41. You can see tears in his eyes

After he talked about equality for ALL!

[Historic NY]

42. He is firing on all 8 cylinders....

amazing affirmation of the work to be done.

[flamingdem]

49. FANTASTIC SPEECH! He's saying so much and so well

Oh HAPPY DAY what a relief to have such an intelligent man at the helm!

[Lars39]

44. Our generations task....gay equality, women's rights, right to vote, immigration

[kestrel91316]

45. I love his speeches - he really has a sense that he is speaking for posterity and not just for us,

here and now.

He will be seen by future Americans as one of our greatest. That he failed to unite our country will not be seen as HIS failure. It will forever be seen as a sign of the intransigence of the haters on the right.

[HappyMe]

56. I agree.

If we lose hope, we start to lose all.

[Lars39]

46. Make children safe...

[bluestateguy]

47. This is a progressive speech

nt

[flamingdem]

53. Elaborate?

Is there a particular clue or change in tone?

[bluestateguy]

137. Ed Schultz just agreed with me

LGBT equality, climate change, confident defense of government activism on behalf of the disadvantaged, takes on class inequality.

And no austerity garbage either.

[flamingdem]

144. Yes the mention of climate change is historic, yes to all you wrote

Must be making the freepers go ballistic! Very communitarian he he

[Botany]

50. Our journey is not complete as long as people have to wait for hours to vote! (rough quote)

[ellisonz]

51. "We cannot treat name-calling as reasoned debate"

[JoDog]

52. Shout out for Seneca Falls!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seneca_Falls_Convention

[SunSeeker]

210. Yes...and we still have no ERA. nt

[Lars39]

54. "...cannot mistake name calling for debate"

[Satch59]

55. Fabulous speech!!!

Just sad he can't give another one in 4yrs...maybe he can change term limits...how can we do that??

[kestrel91316]

188. Constitutional amendment. NO other way. And it's impossible.

Too many haters hold power in too many states.

[lindysalsagal]

57. Somebody make me stop crying

Luv me some pres.

[lindysalsagal]

67. OK I didn't mean Kelly Clarskson...

Well, at least it worked.

[DeeDeeNY]

86. LOL

[SunSeeker]

209. Didn't Kelly Clarkson support Ron Paul?

[Politicub]

58. This is the greatest speech of his life

I truly believe that we can make progress in the continuing struggle to perfect our union over the next four years, and I'm happy that the man leading the way is committed to the cause.

He outlined a liberal vision for America. And it's on all of use to bring it to fruition.

[octoberlib]

59. I'm loving this speech! nt

[Misskittycat]

82. Loving it, too. It was perfect. n/t

[Lars39]

60. Omg...he's calling us citizens!!!

Thought I'd never hear that again

[LisaLynne]

77. SO TRUE!

W turned us into consumers and now we're back!

[Lars39]

88. :happy dance:

I don't like to shop.

[Hekate]

217. EXACTLY!

Yes, I know I am yelling, too. Now if we can only ditch "The Homeland" and go back to America being a Nation, it will be another step along the way to ditching the Bush legacy.

[ellisonz]

61. Look at all those flags wave...

...everyone of those flags represents the hope and dreams of an American Citizen!

Here it comes now

[Mdterp01]

63. Any other President reference gays in their inaugural?

I don't think so!!!! Damn I love that man!!!! Moving the country FORWARD!!!

[Historic NY]

64. I think he has his course charted.......I agree,

"Being true to our founding documents does not require us to agree on every contour of life; it does not mean we will all define liberty in exactly the same way, or follow the same precise path to happiness. Progress does not compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time - but it does require us to act in our time"

[HappyMe]

65. Damn, that speech was wonderful.

[patrice]

66. He just said it all, every last bit of what's on everyone's minds.

[bluestateguy]

68. Is Kelly Clarkson an Obama supporter?

She's from rural Texas.

I still think she is the best American Idol of all time.

[jillan]

70. Ron Paul supporter.

[AnnieBW]

72. I thought that she'd come out for Rmoney

She was a total clunker. I guess Jennifer Hudson was busy this weekend.

[BeyondGeography]

84. I thought she blew the roof off the joint

Not my style, but I'm afraid she was a big hit.

[ellisonz]

75. It was a little too blaring IMHO

No depth of tone

[lindysalsagal]

98. Not a musician: A contest winner

There's a difference.

[WinkyDink]

176. Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Patsy Cline, Christina A., Linda Eder,......Yep, not "musicians."

The first competitive singing talent show, Major Bowes' Original Amateur Hour, debuted on CBS radio in 1936. The show ran for ten years, ending in 1946 when Edward “Major” Bowes, the creator and host of the show, died. The show launched the careers of a number of popular singers, the most notable being Frank Sinatra who appeared on the show in 1937 as a member of the Hoboken Four singing group.
......

Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts was instrumental in launching many successful careers, including those of Tony Bennett, Eddie bFisher, Connie Francis, Leslie Uggams, Lenny Bruce, Steve Lawrence, Al Martino, Roy Clark, and Patsy Cline. In fact, Patsy Cline, who sang “Walkin’ After Midnight” on her first appearance, was so well-received that the applause exceeded the capability of the meter and nearly broke it!
..........

The first Star Search debuted in 1983 and ran until 1995. Ed McMahon served as host, and the show featured singers in various categories, dancers, and comedians. Star Search did not limit contestants to being amateurs and the show launched the careers of many struggling artists. The alumni from the original Star Search is impressive, and includes Alainis Morisette, Aaliyah, Christina Aguilera, Tatyana Ali, Girl’s Tyme (the precursor to Destiny’s Child, including Beyonce), Drew Carey, Linda Eder, Brad Garrett, Tiffany, Sharon Stone, Jessica Simpson, Carlos Mencia, Dennis Miller, Rosie O’Donnell, LeAnn Rimes, Ray Romano, Sawyer Brown, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Sinbad, Usher, Phil Vassar, and Dave Chappelle.
........
http://foxydonnaonidol.blogspot.com/2011/05/tv-talent-shows-whatever-is-old-is-new.html
.....................

Your "defnition"/"contrast" seems awfully parochial.

[lindysalsagal]

190. Right. When Kelly runs a large band, writing arrangements, running her own company

touring the world, making world-class films, we'll include her on a list with Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

I, for one, am not holding my breath.

Until then, she won a stupid contest, and she totally sucks.

And, yes, I'm a professional singer, musician, with an entire career in music, and a master's and bachelor's degree in music and singing. She merely won a contest. Once. Period.

[OKNancy]

100. No she said she liked Paul

but voted for Obama

[catbyte]

200. She was a Ron Paul supporter but ended up voting for Obama.

http://www.examiner.com/article/kelly-clarkson-gives-her-vote-to-obama-because-of-gay-and-women-issues

She saw the light. Honestly, I don't know why she supported nutball Paul if gay & women's issues were important to her, but she did the right thing eventually.

[FirstLight]

69. okay...there goes the waterworks

"let freedom ring"...those words are so powerful....

combined with the meaning and purpose of his speech...

[jillan]

73. I always thought that should be our national anthem. Love that song too.

[Historic NY]

93. It almost was as God Save the King (Queen)...

[patrice]

71. I'm glad BO never just fills the time/air. Every word has weight. nt

[Mdterp01]

74. GURL, YOU BETTA SANG!!!!!!

Kelly Clarkson didn't sing that song...SHE SANG THAT SONG HONEY!!!!!

[Lars39]

76. Poet Richard Blanco

[kestrel91316]

78. I am no great fan of Ms Clarkson, but that was wonderful and she was obviously SO excited to be

there - you could see it at the end when Obama spoke to her

[Satch59]

79. Love Chuck...

He's just so happy being the MC!! He's my senator so lots of love to you Chuck!!

[ellisonz]

80. Poet Richard Blanco up now

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Blanco

[Lars39]

92. Mentions 20 children gone.

[FailureToCommunicate]

197. I held it together till Blanco mentioned his mom working years so he could be here today!

wow! great sentiment, great poem, great that he - Blanco - represents so many "firsts"

[SunSeeker]

212. I have never been able to sit through the poem before.

This one captured me and had me in tears.

[Hekate]

218. Good poem, wonderful to have him there

Is that a statement from the POTUS, or what?

Now I have to go look up the transcript....

[erpowers]

81. Better Than His First Speech

I thought this year's inaugural speech was better than his first inaugural speech.

[Misskittycat]

89. Agree. Watched the 2009 Inauguration on Sat on CSpan. This was better. n/t

[Recursion]

83. Harriet, sweet Harriet...

I kid.

[patrice]

85. Blanco, "crescendoing" . . . VERY! good. nt

[farminator3000]

87. KC was surprisingly classy

the should hook up with the Sunshine Band...

[patrice]

90. Blanco, "impossible vocabulary of sorrow" - !!!!

[BeyondGeography]

91. Thank you, Mr. Blanco

20 children marked absent...goddamn...

[ellisonz]

95. He's very good

I like his delivery - very straightforward and the words all well defined

[PotatoChip]

99. Yes he is. Enjoying this. n/t

[Mdterp01]

94. Richard Blanco

This is the United States I am proud to be living in; where a President boasts that gay citizens have a right to share their love equally; where a gay poet takes a key role in the inauguration ceremony; where a diverse inaugural crowd represents every color and religion and background. I love my country. I don't always like it. But I'll always love it. I love my President and Vice President.

[patrice]

96. This is a wonderful poem. No further comments. Just listening to this true poet. nt

[farminator3000]

97. woo hoo! lovin' the farmer shout out in the poem!

screeching guitars + subways=nice

he hammed it up with the italian accent

[farminator3000]

102. plum blush of dust!

purple mountains...

[Robb]

101. Supreme Court Justice Smurf looks pissed.

[patrice]

103. That was Beauty -full!

[snacker]

109. Yes, it was!

Just lovely.

[erinlough]

112. Fantastic!

[Politicub]

104. Beautiful poem

Captured the spirt and reality of today perfectly.

[HappyMe]

105. What an awesome poem.

[ellisonz]

106. The Benediction will be delivered by Rev. Luis Leon of St. John’s Church, Washington.

[Lars39]

107. Benediction: the Rev. Luis Leon of St. John’s Church, Washington.

[Coyotl]

108. Benediction? What is this, the Church of America?

Get rid of the damn religion in secular affairs. What we need is reality, not delusions.

[Wednesdays]

117. Amen.

[Mdterp01]

136. I'm afraid I have to agree

I know its tradition but until we have a true separation of church and state we will not achieve quick progress in many of the social issues the church so influences.

[kestrel91316]

193. This is a celebration, not a government act.

The legal swearing in was yesterday.

Free speech reigns here. And I say that as someone who wants religion out of government.

There is no governing going on here in the eyes of the law - just happy people expressing themselves.

You are the kind of people in this subthread who would bar the president and his family from praying in the privacy of their residence because it's government property. And you suck.

[2naSalit]

199. Hmmm

some thoughts on the religious portions and what that meant...

It is tradition that the prayers and all that be presented as it satisfies the need for the religious to recognize this a solemn event, they wouldn't be able to accept it otherwise I guess. I don't care for it but I'm willing to overlook it so long as religion isn't the purpose in governing, if I want the religious to accept my traditions, I have to respect theirs. Think of it as the one compromise you are willing to make.

And to be clear, I do not subscribe to any organized religion but as a classical vocal performer (at times) I have performed Mass so many times I can't count them all. And a variety of other religious things like oratorios and the like.

For some people, a ceremony is not legit unless they call on god to bear witness too... whatever... but when they start insisting that I practice their beliefs in all my activities, then I have a problem. I do believe in separation of church and state and I would really like to see the zealots keep their religion to themselves when performing the peoples' business and writing legislation.

That being said, what was clearly noticeable was that the performers and actuaries of the ceremony looked like the population at large, not just wrinkled old white guys denoting that change will have to wait for them to die off. I thought it was a great speech the president made and I am thrilled that he called out the haters and the obstructionists on their BS. And I'm thankful that he won the election.

[kestrel91316]

191. This benediction is a prayer - which is merely

a wish for good fortune put into poetry of a certain style.

If you wish to ban good wishes for our president you might just be in the wrong place.

This is a celebration and not a legal procedure. That was yesterday. People are free to celebrate any damned way they want.

[Hekate]

219. oh for pete's sake

[Botany]

110. "The plum blush of dusk ... "

He be fancy talkin' and what not. BTW I didn't know until 3 minutes ago
when thanks to a DUer who linked to the poet's wiki page that he is gay
and that it really doesn't matter either.

[patrice]

132. A beautiful beautiful line that. I also like the images of his father's hands. Made me cry ....

cause that's what I remember most of my loved ones who have passed on.

[Botany]

150. The man is very good at his craft

He painted pictures w/ his words.

[patrice]

159. It is a craft & like some particularly true crafts, there is "magic" in it, or what others call

blessings.

[lindysalsagal]

111. hated the poet, loved the prayer, and I'm not religious

all about acceptance. Amen.

[WinkyDink]

186. You "hated the poet"? Really? HATED?

[lindysalsagal]

192. Yep.

[Bluzmann57]

113. I'm a bit late with this post

And for that I apologize. I was watching the festivities with my recently arrived 4 year old Filipina step daughter and trying to explain to her how historic all this is. I'm not sure how much of this she understands, but she was captivated by James Taylor. And Kelly Clarkson too, who wasn't too bad, imo. But the reason I'm posting is because earlier in the MSNBC coverage, they showed some celebrities in the crowd and lo and behold, Mr. Bill Russell was in attendance.
For those who do not know, Mr. Russell was one of the greatest basketball players ever and a vocal civil rights advocate. Good to see him. Another reason I've always liked and admired him.

[Lars39]

114. Gay or straight, rich or poor

[politicat]

115. Not so fond of the benediction -- excluding rationalists and nontheists comprehensively.

Why is this necessary again?

[patrice]

118. Some of us humbly regard truth/reality, ALL of it, as "God". nt

[bluestateguy]

131. Most Americans believe in God

Including most liberals.

Tough pill for some people to swallow that is, but it is what it is.

[politicat]

149. And fifteen percent of us don't. Government is supposed to be secular.

We don't do tyranny of the majority here.

A prayer that says 15% of the country cannot be inclusive, cannot be compassionate, cannot participate in our unity is by definition divisive. Fortunately, Mr. Leon does not set policy.

[kestrel91316]

195. There is no governance at work in this ceremony. It is a celebration.

Prayer during a session of Congress is far more offensive. Betcha you've never said a word about that, huh?

[politicat]

215. Actually, I do. Often. To my MotHoR, my Senators and my state reps.

Mine happen to agree (Polis, Udall and Bennett on the fed side) that it's inappropriate, but they must pick their battles because they are single voices in deliberative bodies. As fas as the state goes, I take it as progress that the benedictions and those delivering them are less fundamentalist and more inclusive, and also do mention nonbelievers.

The difference between the opening benediction in a legislative body and in an inauguration is indeed that it is a choice, and the overarching theme of today's events was inclusion and unity. I would have been equally offended if the benediction had excluded other groups.

[kestrel91316]

194. It's not necessary. It's a choice. And this is a celebration,

not a government activity.

It harms your rights in no way whatsoever, and is longstanding tradition.

And I say this as an agnostic who loathes anything that smacks of religion in governing.

[Hekate]

220. I did not feel "excluded"

This is undoubtedly the most INCLUSIVE Inaugural address in US history.

[patrice]

116. I like that prayer. It was honest. nt

[HappyMe]

122. I agree.

[HappyMe]

119. Watch Beyonce blow the clouds out of the sky!

[Satch59]

129. blown...

wow...I think Michelle had tears in her eyes...who wouldn't, that was amazing!

[HappyMe]

134. She has such a strong beautiful voice.

[hedda_foil]

120. The BEST inaugural poem I've ever heard!

And I remember Robert Frost reading the poem he wrote for JFK's inauguration.

[ellisonz]

121. Beyonce is singing the National Anthem

O say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country, should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation.
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave

[Politicub]

123. What a beautiful rendition of the national anthem

[Lars39]

124. Agreed

[NYC_SKP]

125. BEYONCE NAILED IT!!!

[jeanmarc]

126. Biden just checked out Beyonce

Can't blame him. In Joe we trust!

[jillan]

130. And The President got to kiss her :)

Haha....

She's amazing!!

[jeanmarc]

142. She kind of avoided Uncle Joe

lol, almost can't blame her.

[flamingdem]

147. lol!

[Hekate]

127. SO damn happy

Every single bit of it.

I watched the first Inaugural at my aunt and uncle's house where my sis and I were visiting our dying uncle. The nurses came to changed out his oxygen tanks and bathe him, but held everything up so he could watch this, the first African American president being sworn in. And he was glad, my conservative history professor uncle, was glad too.

RIP Uncle, this young president has done well and is doing well.

Hekate

[bettyellen]

128. is our president going to walk now?

[ellisonz]

135. I presume for at least some of the parade.

Thank Jimmy Carter for that tradition!

[bettyellen]

151. I love Jimmy and Rosalyn, didn't know that though. Thanks Ell!

[ellisonz]

167. I learned it on that esteemed source of information, The History Channel the other night

[stopbush]

133. I tuned in to watch the Inauguration, but all that was on TV was a church service.

VERY disappointing to have our secular president inaugurated with religious trappings that would embarrass a Baptist.

[bettyellen]

143. i know church services, and that sir, was no church service.

if you think it would be wise for a president accused of being a muslim to be the first to try to get christianity out of these ceremonies, your sadly mistaken. Real life requires you pick your battles. And BO is a Christian.

[NYC Liberal]

157. And nothing compared to past presidents and inaugurations.

From George Washington's first inaugural address:

Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by which most governments have been established without some return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free government can more auspiciously commence.

[arely staircase]

145. have you ever seen or read about an american presidential inaguration?

i am very curious as to what led you to expect something different.

[WinkyDink]

179. The church service is tomorrow in the National Cathedral. (Are you new to this?)

[kestrel91316]

196. This is a celebration and not a government activity.

You can get your panties out of that wad RIGHT NOW.

[Satch59]

138. Did you see him take him the whole scene as he got to top of stairs?

What a look of pride and gratitude on his face... What a great day...

[bettyellen]

156. yes. amazing contrast to the entitled asshole republican attitude.

[snacker]

158. I loved that...

so powerful to watch him stop and linger to take one last view of the crowd on the mall. Loved it...love this President! What a wonderful day!

[Lars39]

139. George Will commentary is horrible

Referring to "nation of takers" Did I miss something Obama said?

[jillan]

153. He said we were NOT a nation of takers. That probably has rw heads spinning.

[flamingdem]

155. They're already spewing on facebook

On the threads celebrating the inauguration ... but they're being drowned out

[Lars39]

166. Ok, that makes sense.

George Will being the ass he is made it sound like Obama said it.

[PoliticAverse]

184. And a lot of bankers laughing. n/t

[bluestateguy]

169. That means Obama is doing something right

nt

[Lars39]

170. Yep

Listening to the commentary on ABC, it's all pretty much positive, except a few

[2naSalit]

198. I watched it on C-SPAN

No commentary, best way to go. Same with the debates and Congressional proceedings. Immediately after the ceremony, the President, VP, and the Congressional leader all went to some room and thPres signed some document and said he was proclaiming "Peace on Erath and Goodwill to All" as he signed it. then he signed his documents of nomination for the four Cabinet members he's nominated and commented that he was sure they would be be confirmed with all deliberate speed. Someone laughed but it was a cordial few minutes. Everyone applauded after he signed the documents except Boehner who waited until Obama shook his hand.

Then it was over.

I thought it was a rather large crowd on the Mall... nice to see.

[Phoonzang]

140. Ha...Newt Gingrinch talking to Al Franken...

Wait...why is Newt there at all?

[bluestateguy]

160. Former Speakers probably always get a courtesy invite

He was (God help us) 3rd in line for the presidency for 4 years.

Then again, I didn't see Tom Foley and Dennis Hastert there either.

[Justpat]

141. I cried through the whole thing.

Great speech. Even the poet was outstanding.

[ellisonz]

146. You were not alone in your tearful joy!

[patrice]

168. a little more hard nosed here, but definitely choked up. All of it was authentically from

the human heart.

[NYC Liberal]

148. Anyone catch Bill and Hillary? Both looking fantastic!

[patrice]

152. That was pretty close to perfect in every way. nt

[Politicub]

154. Rachel Maddow is giddy

Love it.

[patrice]

161. Thank you CSPAN for creating the opportunity for us to have this inauguration to ourselves, without

corporate media telling us what we think and feel.

[FailureToCommunicate]

213. YES!! This -like other events they covered- is night and day to the network chatterers. History as

it felt like, being there in person four years ago, no running drivel in our ears...

Thank you for highlighting CSPAN! So true.

[patrice]

214. The presumption of the other networks in so automatically and completely assuming that they

express our minds and hearts, that they can speak about us and for us, say what we think and what we feel . . . it's unbearable.

[Politicub]

164. Boehner and Cantor are such babies. Like spoiled children.

The whole lot of the modern GOP are like petulant children who pout about not getting their way.

[ellisonz]

165. The President has signed the Inaugaration Commemoration Act and Four Nominations

His first actions

Jack Lew
Chuck Hagel
John Kerry
John Brennan

[flamingdem]

171. I heard him say

"I'm sure these will be dealt with - with great dispatch"

with Cantor and Boner smiling behind him

[ellisonz]

172. They're all going to lunch right now.

I hope Cantor chokes on a lobstah

[flamingdem]

181. Obama ate their lunch

[Hekate]

221. Yes, I believe he did

[jillan]

174. What's next? Is this a good time to walk the dogs??? I don't want to miss anything!!!

Seriously - I had to drive my daughter to her work this morning and had to miss everyone making their entrance...

I don't want to miss anything else!!!!

But my dogs are making me feel guilty

[bettyellen]

177. GO! the parade starts after 2pm, and there's nothing but a few speeches at end of their lunch in an

hour or so till then.

[jillan]

180. Thanks bettyellen !!!

[bettyellen]

203. of course, jillan!

[ellisonz]

182. PART THREE!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022230539

I'm probably going to skip the parade and take a long walk on the beach here in Carlsbad, California where it is a sunny 75 degrees

[ellisonz]

178. PART THREE PART THREE PART THREE PART THREE PART THREE PART THREE PART THREE PART THREE PART THREE

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022230539

We've got a parade to go peoples!

[workinclasszero]

207. What a crowd! And the music of

Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor was uplifting to say the least.

Fight for us President Obama, four more years!!

To all freeper lurkers out there Obama is YOUR president and CinC of YOUR military so have a big steaming cup of STFU on me! LOL!

[triplepoint]

211. Look How Far We've Come/Evolved!

.
.

.
.

.
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.

[FailureToCommunicate]

222. So many wonderful moments...but for me this one was overwhelming:

When the President looked back to see 'the people' a scene, he realized, he'll not ever quite see again...

?s=6

[sad-cafe]

223. thank you for providing a place

to discuss and read today. It was a great day.