Michelle Stark: Obama inauguration inspires, calls for action
January 20, 2009 at 3:20 pm by Michelle StarkDespite Rick Warren’s odious appearance and a bumbling exchange between the new president and Chief Justice Roberts, Barack Obama’s inauguration was as moving and powerful as the rest of his journey to the White House as been.
With empowering rhetorical style in his speech this afternoon, Obama elicited misty eyes and wide smiles from the immense D.C. crowd – while simultaneously managing to ensure the American people that this presidency will be nothing like the previous.
Obama’s words were sobering and encouraging, as he highlighted the many challenges faced by this country but assured America that they will be met. His speech jabbed at the Bush presidency, indicating that the Obama administration is ready to take action where the previous administration failed to do so.
Obama was solid, powerful and set high expectations for himself and his Cabinet. But he reminded us that this is a country of the people and bestowed responsibility upon its citizens to guide America toward a new path.
But as great as the speech was, the beautiful and spirited performance of John Williams’ new composition “Air and Simple Gifts” – by Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Gabriele Montero and Anthony McGill – stole the show.
Michelle Stark is a USF mass communications student and CL intern.
