Obama becomes President

Obama's inauguration was one of the biggest-- and certainly most-anticipated -- events in the country's history. It turned out to be a great success. More than 1 million people squeezed into the National Mall.
There was a slip up with the oath, but it is understandable that President Obama and Chief Justice John Roberts were nervous.
Obama's speech has been described as "somber", yet it was also hopeful. He thanked Bush for his service to the nation. He also acknowledged the nation's economic situation, but assured the crowd he would quickly get to work:
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met."
"The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act".
Although he delivered his speech gracefully and powerfully, and I think people expected more.
In addition, several members of Obama's Cabinet were confirmed in the Senate. Hillary Clinton, however, was not one of them. A senator from Texas has been blocking her confirmation. Not to worry, her confirmation will only be delayed a day or two.
The festivities also included prayer (Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, the civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered the benediction), musical performances (including Aretha Franklin, who sang "My Country Tis of Thee"), and the parade.
The weather was freezing, however, and I was much happier watching it on screen.
Tune in tonight to watch Obama go from one Inauguration ball to another.

Most Expensive Inauguration Ever

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/13/2009-01-13_obamas_inauguration_is_most_expensive_ev.html

Obama's inauguaration could cost up to $160 million- the most expensive inauguration in our country's history.
President Bush spent $42.3 million in 2005, and Clinton spent $33 million dollars in 1993.

Why so much?
The surge in spending is partly because of the Obama's decision to open the entire Mall to the public (an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million!)
These costs include security, emergency medical services, transport (about 10,000 charters buses will arrive in Washington with roughly 500,000 riders alone), video and audio access to the ceremony and $700,000 to the Smithsonian Institution for extended museum hours as well as many other things.
I think that it is the security costs associated with the massive event that is driving up the price tag. Obama will need much more security than many of the other Presidents.

Where does this money come from?
Some funding will come from Obama's own fund-raising efforts and from private contributors.
Many of the costs, however, are bourne by the taxpayers, which means that we are paying for this inauguration!
The article says that "The federal government has budgeted $49 million for this year’s inauguration, more than triple what taxpayers spent at Bush’s first inauguration in 2001". Regarding the state of our economy at this point, is this extravagance really excusable?

Inauguration Schedule

Tomorrow is the day we've been waiting for... inauguration day! The gates to the ceremony open at 8 a.m. EST, and the festivities will start at 10 a.m. (so 7 a.m. for us) on the West Front of the Capitol. For those who aren't informed about what those festivities will include, here is the schedule for tomorrow's inauguration:

• Musical selections of The United States Marine Band, followed by the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.
• Sen. Dianne Feinstein provides call to order and welcoming remarks.
• Invocation by the Rev. Rick Warren.
• Musical selection of Aretha Franklin.
• Biden will be sworn into office by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.
• Musical selection of John Williams, composer/arranger with Itzhak Perlman, (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Gabriela Montero (piano) and Anthony McGill (clarinet).
• Obama will take the Oath of Office, using President Lincoln's Inaugural Bible, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. Scheduled around noon.
• Obama gives the inaugural address.
• Poem by Elizabeth Alexander.
• Benediction by Rev. Joseph E. Lowery.
• The National Anthem by The United States Navy Band "Sea Chanters."
After Obama gives inaugural address, he will escort outgoing President George W. Bush to a departure ceremony before attending a luncheon in the Capitol's Statuary Hall.
The 56th Inaugural Parade will then make its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.

Later that day, there will be 10 official inaugural balls as well as some unofficial balls.

The day promises to be eventful and exciting, as well as very symbolic for our nation.