President Elect Obama & Inauguration 2009

I can't see why anyone would have a problem with so many channels covering the inauguration. It is one of the most historic events in our lifetimes. This really proves a person can become ANYTHING, no matter what their skin color is.

I'll start off by saying I did not vote for him (I voted Bob Barr but that is another story), but I think this is the first time someone who voted for him (who is from African American decent) actually explained why his election is so important. The way you wrote was just so much better than the snippets of people on the news who are excited...just because he is black. This is one thing that irritated me about him, his supporters. As I stood in line for a few hours to vote for my first time, so many people were giving stupid reasons for voting for him. I even heard "I'm voting for him just because he is black" as well as even more stupid ones like "He has children, I'm voting for him." These seem to me as blatantly stupid reasons to vote for someone. I do not think race or skin tone should really matter. I voted based on policies and the level of trust I have for the person. I kind of wish the rest of the country would have done the same. It is one thing to have someone vote for Obama (or anyone) because they truly feel (beyond color of skin and race) that his political views are most close to theirs. But it is another annoying (and ignorant) thing just to be biased towards this man because he is "not white." It is almost a double standard I see from some individuals of minority groups. So frequently racism, classism, and sexism are called out against white people; yet empty votes that some people cast just to get their race into the white house is pretty weak on their part. Again, like I said I really was more-so moved by what you wrote though. It seemed so much more honest about why you feel his election and race caused such an impact for civil rights and such. Despite my disagreeance about his political views, I am thankful you have enlightened me in some way because I find I myself am ignorant of the views of minorities (occasionally) due to the ignorance of some people as seen on the news or in lines waiting to vote.

I totally agree with you.I was born in 1961 in Washington,DC.I am white and I voted for Obama and would love to be at the Inauguration.I live in northern Virginia and it's freezing here.But there are still many people coming here for the ceremony,balls and parties. I choose to stay in the hotel we are temporarily living in and watching it on tv.I am glad that it is going to be on tv There are many people who reserved to come in and stay in the hotels as far as in the southern part of Virginia and up into West Virgia to come to the inauguration.But,because of the freezing tempretures here a lot of people are cancelling their trips. I remember when I was a child one of the most historical events when the first landing on the moon and my uncle sat and stetched the sceens from the tv.He still has them.I want to inherit them from him. I am not part of that 12%,because I am white and part native american and I as well as my grown son,my mother and uncle all voted for Obama.I am very proud to say that he is going to be our president. Thank you for sharing your thought's and as you said,God bless this country and our troops.

You're right, it's such a historic event I can't imagine anyone NOT wanting to watch it. There's really not a whole lot more to say other than I'm very proud of my country and proud to be an American right now. I'd like to echo your words, God Bless America and God Bless our troops! Annie

Hi PrincessArlene, I remember I was out in my living room and my b/f was watching the polls on election night but I could hear the counts and was so happy when the count came in after my state poll closed and Obama was announced the winner. My b/f helped spead Obama's messsge when I couldn't. We are both people of color, Native American. This is for sure the greatest thing we both observed in our life times. I was also alive during the civil rights movement and the Bicentennial but my b/f was born 2 years after the Bicentennial. I will be watching the Inauguration on tuesday, most of my family member will have a new boss for they are government employees.

Well I will be watching. This is a historic day. But let`s be honest. Every inaugration is covered by the news and it`s on all of the channels. This is not the first time. The only difference is for the first time when we hear the words it will have meaning for all Americans not just a few. For some it will have a very special meaning. I wish i could be home in the states with my family to get their reactions to what`s happening. The date and time could not be more perfect. the day after the King celebration. Well, I wish everyone could enjoy the moment but i realize that is wishful thinking. But I am so happy that America proved me wrong. I said I would never live to see this day. So, i `m going to enjoy it and for those who don`t I wish you could understand what this means to peaople of color not only in America but the World.