Blogging Obamer

I'm sitting on the sofa here in Dublin, watching the swearing in of the American president, live on Sky News. It is odd watching such a truly American event with British accents. Whoever the commentator is, he has a very proper British accent and all his words ending with A come out pronounced -er. Obamer. Pennsylvan-yer Avenue. His daughters 

Mylee-r and Sasher.

They are doing an amazing job of filling the time between celeb sightings with actual content. There is a lot of history attached to this event, which they are explaining.  That he will be sworn in on Lincoln's bible but had the option to use his family's bible instead. That the oath of office is written in the US constitution but the words 'so help me god' were added around the time of FDR.  They are pointing out the different monuments and calling attention to the geography of the area, letting people know it is 1.5 miles from the Lincoln Memorial to the steps of the White House. That the area between the two, filled with millions of people, is known as the Mall. Special details of the president's armoured car were recalled.

Why is Yo Yo Ma the only one who looks like he's having a good time? 

It's an interesting ceremony. I can't remember if last time, or any time, there was this much music. I know it always opens with a prayer and that someone sings My Country Tis of Thee, which people confuse for the national anthem judging by the number of people with hands over hearts, and that the ceremony closes with a poem. I don't remember cannon fire, which is actually quite cool, and I know there weren't so many of those basketball balloon type noise makers.  There should be more flags. 

And now 44 speaks.

It's a good speech, not a great one, but then again, he doesn't really have time for hyperbole, this president. I can't say any other president has had so many pressing issues upon entering. So many things that absolutely must be sorted, fixed, straightened out immediately, as a matter of life, death, and liberty. How can he spare time for metaphors and pretty phrases? This is a back-to-business presidency, not a ceremonial one. It's a tough place to speak from. Inspire while setting out just how difficult things are going to be. 

At least his speech was better than that poem. I'm no fan of poetry, let's get that out there, but when no one is actually sure the poem has ended, it's a bad sign. And I'm amazed at the number of people leaving before and during the benediction. The ceremony isn't over and yet people are streaming from the cold of the mall. It was a great benediction, gotta give him that. 

And now they're interviewing the Man on the Street.  I hate this part of it. A 50+ year old man just confessed this is the first time he's ever felt like he's an American, that he truly belongs in this country. It's also the first time he's ever voted.. That makes me sick. And I hope that among the many things Obama accomplishes in office, he can inspire Americans to get interested in government and politics again. And keep them voting. Nothing changes if apathy makes the decisions.

I also don't remember so much time being devoted to the former president leaving. I guess Sky News wants to make sure the Bush days are truly over. The helicopter has just lifted off, farewell waves are made and it is absolutely official: It is Obama's White House now.

Happy Obama Day everyone.