Happy New Year! (Well, for our new Democratic government)

[TayTay]

What a day yesterday was. Simply incredible. It was amazing to watch the peaceful transfer of power. It was wonderful to see all the joy on the faces of people assembled in DC and around the country.

How did take this in? Anyone in DC for this? House parties? Watched at home? Thoughts on the inauguration, the balls, the dresses, etc?

And, happy new Democratic year!

[YvonneCa]

1. I can't tell you how much I...

...wanted to be there. I couldn't...for a lot of reasons. So I was up at 3:43 AM watching on TV. The reporting was about how the crowds were growing, even though darkness made it hard to see on TV. Once it was light and the cameras scanned the crowd, I lost it. Just knowing that so many people showed up in support of democracy, Obama and hope for our future makes everything worthwhile.

As to the Inaugural weekend...everything seemed to go EXTREMELY well. The only glitch observable on TV was the Roberts' gaffe. Not a big deal, IMO. I've heard some complaints (as usual) about the money spent. But I see it all as an educational opportunity not to be squandered. Every event provided a lesson in our country's history, how our democracy/government works, empathy, civility, etc...all the BEST of what our country has been and can be. PRICELESS. Again...JMHO.

I will also share that I saw examples of people being VERY tuned in. I saw my neighbor leaving later for work, and he said he HAD to watch Obama. All my family watched...some taking a vacation day to do so.

Final thought...Michelle's dress was GORGEOUS.

[Mass]

2. Boston Globe slide show from yesterday. These pictures are wonderful.

It shows the hope that this election raises throughout the world.

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/the_inaugurati...

First thing my youngest son (freshman in highschool told me today): so, how was Obama first day? What did he do? Was it good?

[YvonneCa]

3. Another thought. Marvin...

...in the background at so many events. Just now, while Obama was speaking at State Dept. (announcing Holbrooke and Mitchell as envoys), Marvin was everywhere. As someone who met him and had the chance to talk to him a little when he came to Ca. with Kerry...I just get SUCH a positive, hopeful feeling watching who is now in charge.

Someone here said the adults are in charge...YES they are.

[sandnsea]

4. Euphoric!

Tectonic shift. No question. I was supposed to go watch it with friends, but I didn't want to miss a second so I just stayed home. And then the last 2 days have been rather mind blowing. The United States Does Not Torture.

I was putting together some pictures and responses from around the world, well, here,

"As so many have tried to analyze the spirit of this movement, pinpoint the energy that fuels it, express what this man means in these times, it seems somehow fitting that a young woman from Kenya has summed it up the best of all, “We the people of Kogelo, our minds and our eyes are now open because now we don’t feel so small, we don’t feel of so small value anymore.”

That's it. We don't feel so small.

http://www.obama-mamas.com/blog/?p=163