PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA INAUGURATED

Captiol Hill. January 20th 2009.
The entire world erupted in a symphony of excited jubilation as the 47th president of the United States, President Barack Obama took his oath of office and stepped into the halls of history. The event took place amongst a backdrop of millions of exuberant supporters some of who braved the frigid temperature and stood outside for hours to witness the-once-in a lifetime event. The hopes and dreams as well as the optimism of the change that has come to America was evident on the faces of the teeming masses, whose beaming faces told the story. Many had tears of joy streaming down their faces. The cheering crowds waved the American flag, as well as a new flag, which featured a huge picture of President Obama. Many wore T shirts, and hats festooned with pictures of Obama and Obama buttons. A man in the crowd proudly turned his back to the camera to display his haircut; he had the name Obama etched onto the back of his head. Such was the sense of Obama mania that has swept across the nation.

President Obama took the oath of office, administered by chief Justice John Roberts about five minutes behind schedule, part of which was due to the delay caused by the late arrival of the outgoing Vice President, Chenney, who was ironically incapacitated and in a wheelchair after an injury sustained while making preparations for his move out of the white house. The new president, whose oratory dexterity has placed him amongst oratory giants like Martin Luther king, gave a soaring speech that clearly showed why he is so beloved around the world. It incorporated his strength of character and message of hope and change and clearly told those who seek to destroy America that they will not be tolerated, while also saying that he will work with our allies. "Our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed," Obama said. "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin the work of remaking America." He also promised to work with poor countries and extended a challenge to other well established countries to step out of their comfort zone and give a helping hand to struggling countries.

The Presidential luncheon was marred by the sudden downturn of health for Senator Ted Kennedy, a Democratic political giant, who supported Obama's campaign and who attended the event along with members of congress, celebrities, politicians and dignitaries from around the world. Senator Kennedy recently had brain surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his brain and h ad to be rushed to the hospital after he experienced seizures brought on by excitement and exertion. He is reportedly doing better.

Outside, on the streets of Washington DC, thousands of jubilant people danced and cheered as they watched the presidential motorcade proceed through the street towards the White House. in a heart-stopping moment, the President and his wife Michelle stepped out of the presidential limo and walked hand-in-hand, making direct contact with the throng of people that surged around him, showing his affinity for the people who put him in the white house. This move was a great test of courage that is characteristic of Obama, who took a calculated risk to show his appreciation and love to the masses. They eventually returned to the limo for the rest of the drive into history.
God bless you all. Chinyere Obinna O.