Reactions to the inauguration

Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.

1. Ross Catrow on January 20, 2009 3:27 PM said:

   That guy was incredible! He came out of NOWHERE!
2. SnowPanda on January 20, 2009 6:11 PM said:

   Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right.
3. SnowPanda on January 20, 2009 6:12 PM said:

   Sorry I meant this:

   Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around — (laughter) — when yellow will be mellow — (laughter) — when the red man can get ahead, man — (laughter) — and when white will embrace what is right.

   Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.

   AUDIENCE: Amen!

   REV. LOWERY: Say amen —

   AUDIENCE: Amen!

   REV. LOWERY: — and amen.

   AUDIENCE: Amen! (Cheers, applause.)
4. John on January 20, 2009 6:54 PM said:

   Amen! Lowery is another overlooked national gem — he founded the amazing Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which was instrumental in the civil rights movement.

   I loved how his voice started a bit old and quavery, then gathered steam all the way through his “Right on!” wrap up.
5. daniel on January 21, 2009 3:41 PM said:

   I was disappointed that I didn’t get into the swearing-in ceremony, despite having a ticket! I had a ticket for the blue (south) section. I waited for 4.5 hours, in line that moved inches at a time, with less than 3 hours of sleep, only to be turned away just before 12 noon. If only I hadn’t given away my 4 parade tickets, I could’ve skipped out of line and attended the parade. I ended up listening to a portion of the address in a coffee house a few blocks away.

   I’m terribly disappointed that:
   1. people were breaking the line
   2. there was no structure to the line, which allowed #1
   3. there were no authorities assisting the line to prevent #1
   4. there were no TV monitors or speakers at the line
   5. we didn’t get redirected to the vacant security checkpoint at the orange gate when it was obvious the thousands of people in the blue line weren’t going to get in
   6. authorities later claimed that all tickets were honored, a comment they later rescinded

   I’m happy that:
   1. I was there!
   2. I didn’t pay anything for the tickets
   3. I had a weekend packed with other inaugural activities (party, luncheon, concert, and ball)