That’s the number of times we’ve witnessed a peaceful transfer of power from one person to another in the oval office. Thirty-seven of those times were by re-election.
As the nation watches (in my case streaming media on CNN.com) the first African American to hold the highest elected office swear in — I want to say thank you and farewell to President George W. Bush. Last week he provided a farewell to the nation, but most folks didn’t pay attention. The ADD newscasts barely provided him time for his first words…they couldn’t wait to cut away when he finished 13 minutes later. It was a busy news day with the unexpected: a jet gliding to a stop in the middle of the Hudson River, with everyone emerging safe. The departure of President Bush, by contrast, had faded from the world’s mental image some time ago.
This blog is not a right-wing spin machine trying to prop up Bush’s reputation on his final days. I would acknowledge that many mistakes were made and would also point out that he was the most unfairly vilified President that I can recall……and far from the worst President as many have described him. I’m sure there are many “voices” out there who plan to enlighten us with “Obama is so AWESOME” comments and he may well be. That’s not my point.
It’s so easy to be cynical in times like these. I submit that everyone seems to like/dislike one party or the other based on their worldview- but I would argue that both parties have contributed/will contribute to a worsening of whatever crisis the country is in. Everyone knows it takes bipartisan work to do more good than bad. And rarely in the complex world we live does a centralized form of action (like DC) do anything – but, today I’m hopeful they won’t make things worse!
Photo courtesy Flickr
http://jstirling.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/williams-robinson-love-blunder/
I gotta agree with you. The media had their own agenda of getting a republican out of the office, and they succeeded.
But what I don’t understand is this messiah type of following that Obama has. He’s never had a real leadership role up until the last few years and even with that he hasn’t really accomplished much. If he can prove himself while in office and do great things for America, I’ll stand behind him and support him, but i can’t do anything but sit back and shake my head at the way people are gushing over him.
People are fickle. Wait until next week. Most of Obama’s adoring legions will be asking how come aren’t better already! Society is ever spinning towards a “what have you done for me today?” attitude, me thinks.