WASHINGTON D.C., USA-BEFORE an estimated crowd of nearly two million people gathered at Capitol Hill and the National Mall, Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in today (Jan. 20) as the 44th President of the United States of America, promising a new era of prosperity in his inaugural address.
The former Illinois Senator, elected on November 4 as the first ever African-American President, was sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John G. Roberts Jr., on the same bible that was used to swear in President Abraham Lincoln in 1861.
Also sworn in at the ceremony was Vice-President Joseph R. Biden by Justice John Paul Stevens.
The President said that he believed the renewal of the US’s economy and place as a leader on the global stage would come not from strong arm tactics, but from the hard work and determination of the nation’s labourers.
“The time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift.
“In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom,” he said to the enormous crowd.
Obama made reference to a new era of diplomatic relations under his administration that would not be characterised by military presence as the Bush administration had become due to nearly eight years of presence in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.”
The President said that the hard work of the American people throughout history had brought him to the historic inauguration and must be continued for the nation to find renewed prosperity.
“[Hard work] is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men, and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”
Meanwhile in St. Kitts-Nevis, Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Denzil Douglas said this morning on his weekly radio programme “Ask the Prime Minister” that he viewed the inauguration as a prideful moment for all people, particularly those of African descent.
“Because we in the Caribbean, like Barak Obama, have the blood of Africa flowing through our veins, we take a special pride in what this black man, against all odds, has achieved in the most powerful nation on earth.”
Douglas also said Obama’s ascent to power has encouraged many around the world to make a “commitment to excellence and respect for each other”, as well as for young people to realise anything is possible through due diligence.
Many Americans have expressed their hopefulness that the Obama administration will change course from many of the domestic and international decisions of the Bush administration.
“I think people are seeing it as a breath of fresh air after the past eight years,” one New Jersey native living in St. Kitts and attending the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine told SKNVibes today before the inauguration.
“With two wars and an economy that is hemorrhaging jobs we don’t have much to look forward to in the States in the coming years, and I think Obama is that bit of hope everyone needs,” she said. “To me that is what so much of the excitement is about, a new and more peaceful approach.”
According to some reports coming out of Washington, over 50,000 combined security personnel ranging from the Secret Service to local police were present during the event in order to give President Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden and their families the utmost security.
