I’ve had a chance to digest the events, think about them, and study my reactions. These are my thoughts on yesterday’s inauguration:

I think it’s pretty amazing that there were 1.8 million people in and around the National Mall, and there were no problems. Seriously. Not a single arrest according to USA Today. Now that is a truly a feat. Could we, as a nation, possibly be coming together afterall?

How cool is it that Obama was sworn in with the same bible that Abraham Lincoln was sworn in with? That fills me with a sense of wonder. I alternate between thinking they were crazy to let the book out of the archives in that weather, and thinking that the person who thought of it should win some kind of an award.

Of course I loved Michelle’s inaugural ensemble. I found it very regal and fitting. I’m thrilled she decided against something red, white, and/or blue, which is so obvious and cliché.

I’m a total hypocrite, but while I still agree in the separation of church and state and was annoyed by all of the praying yesterday ((It’s an inauguration, not a church social.)), I have to admit that the quote from Scriptures couldn’t have been more fitting.

“…the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come…to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea…that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”

Oh yeah, I thought the rest of the inauguration speech kicked ass too.

I absolutely loved Malia and Sasha. What a pair of spunky, beautiful girls. The secret service is going to have their hand full with those two!

Could Beyonce have sounded any better at the Neighborhood Ball? ((Bitch!)) I think, however, this is the first time she’s been on stage, and was upstaged.

With such a long and event-filled day, there was bound to be some crap:

While I’m the antithesis of a Bush supporter, the booing when he was announced was tacky and in poor taste. The man was the leader of the free world for eight years, and as such does deserve a little respect.

She may have been the Queen of Soul at one point, ((20 years ago!)) but she certainly did not sound regal (or even good) yesterday. I was a little embarrassed for her. And what was with that horrible hat?

Since this was the first inauguration I’ve ever paid attention to, I was surprised by all of the religion (especially with all of the fuss regarding the separation of church and state). As I mentioned previously, I thought the Scriptures quote was á propos, the rest, however, was a little too much for me.

I have to say the low point for me was Sting. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love Sting. Always have. Not only is he so talented he can leave a band like The Police and do even better solo, he’s just H-O-T! I liked his Dune phase. ((Sting in black leather–what’s not to love.)) I was okay with the long hair, mid-life crisis phase. I adore the super-short, yoga thing. I do not, however, approve of the I’m-a-lumberjack-and-I’m-okay phase.

Enough said.

Now it’s your turn. What did you love or hate about Barack Obama’s inauguration? Let me know what should be on my love/hate list, and why.

Like most of America today, I have the inauguration events playing in the background. Being lucky enough to work from home, I don’t have to stream it from the internet. 🙂 While listening, I was thinking of President-elect Obama ((At this time, he’s not quite president yet.)) and trying to formulate what it is about him that has energized our country in this difficult time. Here are 10 reasons I, personally, love Barack Obama:

1. Whether it be limo or armored car, he still opens the door for his wife himself.
2. He still holds his wife’s hand, and actually looks like he enjoys it.
3. He is articulate beyond words. ((Some of you will get that, some of you wont. 🙂 ))
4. He gives (most) Americans hope.
5. There hasn’t been a First Family as attractive as this since the Kennedys.
6. His ideas for change actually make sense. The Issues
7. He shows respect, compassion, and understanding for people from all walks of life.
8. He has the potential to be one of the most influential presidents in American history—and I can say I was a part of it. ((Everyone who voted for him is a part of it.))
9. For the first time in a long time, I can say “I’m very proud to be an American.“
10. He is bringing intelligence and dignity back to the White House.

While these posts have obviously been in favor of the candidate I prefer, I hope my other message has been clear. Get off your ass and vote, no matter whom you are voting for. My philosophy on voting has always been simple:

If you don’t bother to vote, then don’t bother to complain about the way things are.

I came across this video today at The Mom Buzz. Whether you lean to the left or lean to the right, take 5 minutes out of your day and check this out:

This is the most honest video I’ve seen during the 2008 election season. Did you notice what was missing? No McCain. No Palin. No Obama. Just one simple message.

VOTE!

The good news is that my regular readers who don’t necessarily agree with my views can come back in a few weeks, when I stop (maybe) posting the funny (to me) political stuff I find. 🙂