Campus bears witness to history

The crowd at Books and Brew erupted into a powerful burst of excitement as Obama entered the National Mall while Washington D.C welcomed the new leader of the free world. President Bush looked on approvingly, almost nostalgic while Obama took the seat across from his as an equal. And so begins the legacy- History is your story.

After a grueling campaign trail, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of The United States Tuesday afternoon. People across the nation tuned in to watch the first black man step into history , turning back the pages of civil rights and bringing America into a new dawn of age”.

Arriving by train and echoing great presidents of the past, Barack Obama is held to high expectations by the public and his colleagues. His message of change echoed through the nation on Martin Luther King Day as Obama perused acts of charity to reassure the American public of a feeling of unity.

“Barack Obama has inspired me,” Said freshman business major Reece Rios “he genuinely wants change.”

The room fell silent as Obama approached the podium with each step giving hope to minorities and exemplifying the true meaning of what it is to be an American. He reminds us that neither race, religion, nor blood unties us, but rather our belief in freedom.

“Obama has a huge job ahead of him.” said senior Krista Stanley “This election is not about gender or race, but rather about preserving the melting pot that made America.”

Stumbling a bit on his words, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America shortly after twelve noon. The crowd roared in approval both on television and in the lobby of Books and Brew expressing excitement for the new president.

As Obama moved to make his first address as President of the United States the crowd watched, admiring their new leader. The address was direct and called for action from not only bureaucrats, but the American people. He challenged the systems in place accusing politics of being filled with worn out dogmas. Conviction and determination filled his voice as he exclaimed that ” Our challenges will be met- we have chosen hope over our fear.”

The crowd in Books and Brew had strong reaction to the speech as some became teary eyed listening to the message of hope while others seemed hesitant to buy into the political jargon.

” I remember joking that a black man would become president fifty years from now,” said sophomore psychology major Rachel N. Stevens, ” But now that it has happened, it really makes me believe in America. It gives me hope that Americans can overcome the hardships we are facing now.”

Obama continued his moving oration calling to “remake America” and restore “vital trust to the people”. In a back to the basics approach, Obama described a spirit of service and duty to ourselves, our nation, and the world. Not all students were happy with Obama’s presentation, though many seemed reluctant to divulge their opinion.

“I am hesitant to put my full support behind Barack Obama,” said freshman chemistry major Matt Steinberg ” He’s a great orator, but he has little experience in politics and there are already scandals with the candidates chosen for his cabinet.”

True that each President comes with his flaws, Obama seemed determined to inspire hope and unity to the American people ending his address with “Hope and virtue will survive. We refuse to let this journey end and we will preserve this nation for future generations.”

” I am delighted to find the spirit of the students to be responsive and respectful.” Said Dr. Kauffman, organizer of the Books and Brew political gathering ” It is great to see the students come together in a bipartisan manner while still maintaining respect for party loyalties.”

Obama attempted to show the true colors of America through his speech extending a hand to all those who wanted help and ensuring that every American regardless of race or creed would have their rights respected.

“Obama is sewing the country back together,” Said Carrie Anne Tocci “America’s culture is so diverse; it is like patchwork. Obama creates a better sense of belonging to the American people because he represents our country’s identity.”

Grievances still undermine some student’s opinion of Obama as they acknowledge this peaceful transfer of power as problematic to the sensitive economic and social issues America finds herself in.

“Obama is encouraging, but he has no plan of action.” Said freshman political science major Caitlin McCourt “I’m rather disappointed in his speech for its naivety. I have no doubt he will make a good leader, I am just concerned about the direction he is leading.”

Weather in accordance with Obama’s policies or not, no one denies the need for change and the experience of this historic election. Younger generations have become more interested in politics while the face of politics themselves is changing. America is stepping into a new era of cooperation and action.

“It is America’s job, our job as the people regardless of party affiliation to support who has the job of President.” Said Amanda Morgan Senior Early Childhood Education major, ” It is a hard position and America will only accomplish her goals through the support of the American people.”

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