Students Observe Obama Inauguration From Home and Away

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama accepted Presidency for the United States of America. While his acceptance speech noted of our current economical woes, he stayed conscious to the fact that individuals can be greedy and irresponsible-ultimately leaving our country in torrent and deep waters.

These “challenges we face are real”, stated Obama.

While he may promise citizens a great deal, he remains determined to finding a resolution.

Yet, America is still young and adaptable. We can “…choose… better history; …carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” Obama’s campaign to promote peace, hope, and prosperity shines through America’s flaws. Our country is still “the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth.” While noting on the economy, he states that not only do we see the need for change, but “to lay a new foundation for growth.”

In terms of growth, our generation is seeing the hazards of advance-on a scientific and environmental ground. “We will harness the sun and winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do,” states Obama. Amber Pope, a Western Carolinian staff writer and attendee of the inauguration, describes her experience of being in Washington as “incredible to hear the speech while standing under the shadow of the monument. When Obama took the stage, I could feel the pulse of 2 million people on their feet, applauding wildly for the new leader.”

Pope states that many reacted sentimentally to his speech and saw “several faces with tears.” Although she never thought so many “people could endorse one person, or that they could be emotionally invested in and be really concerned with his well being…[or able] to display that kind of trust in a politician.”

Obama states that although “the words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace…the world has changed, and we must change with it.”