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Archive for category Inauguration

We Are Ready

Jan 21

Posted by admin in History, Inauguration, President Obama, life

Amazing. It is now 10 PM on the day the world stood still and listened, and I am at my computer for the first time. It is nice to know that I DO have my priorities in place: I started watching television at 7 AM and stayed glued to the proceedings until the new President and First Lady left the parade viewing box. I did not check my Blackberry nor turn on my computer.  Bigger events had overcome the need for any other communication. I did rely on my Tivo as a walkaround was often needed! Yes, it has been an amazing day. More amazing than I could even imagine. I learned a lot today including some horrible pieces of information about us as a nation.

We have heard the call and will move forward. I love the idea that this President understands how we must once again regain our leadership role in the world. Americans are obviously ready to help–2 million people standing outside for hours in less than ideal temperatures says it all. They shouted the President’s name and wore a variety of outfits showing their support. My favorite was a t-shirt with the new President’s face adorning a big S, Superman body–this shirt may have said it all. We are looking for a superhero and have found one, our new rock star who happens to be our new President, Barack Obama.

Just saying the name and the title together brings both a smile and a sense of relief. We are under a new administration and the city and the Nation are abuzz with the prospect that things will change. Hope has arrived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and the world should sleep better knowing that change has come and America is back. We need time but we can attain all our greatness under this leadership.

Listen, world, hear us roar. We are coming back. I plan to sleep well tonight. We can become that great Nation we all want.

Good night.

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T-Minus 22

Jan 19

Posted by admin in Economy, Environment, Inauguration, President-elect Obama

The wait is almost over. I know we are all ready. The talking heads are in overdrive and running out of new material. How many times can you run the same clip or reference the same part of the speech?

Now we are in the hyper-excited mode. Will he really call for a new declaration? The word was a significant component of his Baltimore train stop speech on Saturday. There is little doubt he will ask us to help. He has always called this a participatory election. We are ready. It’s been a long time since we, the people, have had a voice, have spoken, and been heard. We are delighted.

Everyone is so upbeat. It’s as if the world is on Zoloft. We are flying high and recognizing that we can contribute. That we are being asked to think for the greater good, of others. We are ready. Why not? This is not a job for one single individual. It is too hard. We must all roll up our sleeves and help save this great nation.

If it’s energy you want, you’ve got it. The soon-to-be President exudes energy and commitment and we can listen and learn. We need to stand with him and help him over the hurdles he has inherited. We can participate. Every aspect of our great nation stands ready to muster the call.

We are ready, soon-to-be President Barack Obama.

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It's Not Redundant

Jan 18

Posted by admin in Economy, Inauguration, New York Times, President-elect Obama, life, washington post

No matter how many times you say it, it’s not redundant when you repeat how excited you are about the upcoming administration. No matter how dismal world news has become, you can’t help but get on The Hope Wagon. It’s contagious, and there’s room for all of us.

You don’t have to be at the Memorial, the Mall, or the Capitol to feel the energy. Of course, if you are there, it’s a naturally electrifying linc_reflect2experience–one giant emotional surge of a powerful wave. The city and the country already feel different ,and the change of power is not official yet.

We are ready. OK, that’s an understatement.We have been ready. Now it’s time to  put all the programs into place. To demonstrate the leadership we all know the Obama administration is capable of. The country, the world, they have been patient, anticipating the good that will come. T he polls tell the story: No one expects an overnight turnaround, but everyone believes the all-important changes that have been mentioned will be implemented. The country needs money into the hands of the people and not the greedy banks that are keeping the bailout money. Today’s New York Times has that frightening expose.

Health care has become a rallying cry as everyone has a provider or insurance nightmare. That is, the people that have health care. Emergency rooms are strained with people who need to see a doctor but do not have a doctor who will see them because they do not have insurance. This is barbaric.

The list goes on. We all have footnotes that can be added. Let us not lose sight of the moment and let us be redundant as we sing out our song of hope. Time to catch the concert. Thank you HBO for letting us watch the stars share their talent. Yes, we are one.

We can believe.

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Rolling Along

Jan 17

Posted by admin in Biden, History, Inauguration, President-elect Obama, life

I can hardly concentrate on anything. I have the TV set to MSNBC, and they are doing the great job I expected. Except for that one little announcement about time to sign up for MSNBC events to watch with others on the 20th. No, over, full. Save time, don’t click. That’s OK, I’m not going anywhere. Live coverage for me. Inside with a crowd of 2.

I may not be there at this moment in time, but I’ve been there: the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Too many times to count. Yes, have stopped in Wilmington; find the train station in need of a little facelift, but who’s looking at that today. An hour stopover–great, and with a special passenger:  the conductor of vice-president elect Joe Biden’s trips on the Acela. That’s sweet.

Then on to Baltimore where people have been gathering for hours, and finally on to Union Station–my station, my base. I’m with him every step of the way, even though I am inside, just watching and smiling.

Love the morning Newsweek polls. People do have confidence that President-elect Obama can do it. How about those daughters; they told him what he needed to do. It will be great to have young opinionmakers in residence. We need their input and the charming way that daughters can speak to dads. The country needs the vibrancy, the liveliness of a leader who mirrors what we all want for this great country.

What an exciting day. Gotta go. Mighta missed a comment, a chapter of history. Stay tuned.

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The Bandwagon Effect–Tone It Down

Jan 16

Posted by admin in Advertisers, Economy, Inauguration, President-elect Obama

feature-inaugurationYes, I’m a groupie. I think I earned the chance to be one as I worked hard to make it happen. Yet, I am respectful.

Of course, I’m talking about the amazing election and the upcoming Inauguration of the person who can pull us all together and make us smile again: President-elect Barack Obama. I am so excited that someone like him will be able to stand in front of us on Tuesday and declare in a strong voice with his winning smile and a twinkle, “Yes, We Did.” I just object to every company in the universe repegging their commercials to use the phrase “Yes, we can” or the words “change” or “hope”. This election, the upcoming weekend, the swearing-in, and the next four years should not give license to travel agencies advertising they can. Seriously.

There is something almost sacred, magical about what has happened and what will go into place. I am such a traditionalist that it offended me that he was called “Obama” for the longest time after the election. What about respect. He is more than just a first and a last name, he is the President-elect. Now everyone seems to understand and remember to insert the official pre-Inaugural title.

Advertisers though: you are not adhering to the guidelines, mine. I do not mind the decorated cookies from Barnes and Noble, Starbucks,  and every other coffee shop or cafe. That’s ok. It’s fun. I do mind horrible, loud radio and television commercials from debt collectors, car dealers, and mortgage companies believing they can pull us out of this economic mess if they borrow a phrase that has taken on a different life. They CANNOT.

Let us show a little respect. Have a little dignity and revere the man who has helped so many people change their outlook and have hope. Leave the commercialism for the Super Bowl, the Oscars, and the Olympics.

Be there in Washington DC or plan to plant yourself in front of  a television to watch history’s next chapter. That’s something to shout about.

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