Inaugural crowds may reach 2 million

Published on 20 January 2009 in Inauguration Day
Source: Boston Globe

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Inaugural crowds may reach 2 million

WASHINGTON - Barack Hussein Obama, in a moment rich with hope and history, was inaugurated today as the nation's first black president, and called on an anxious nation to join him in the "work of remaking America" by ushering in "a new era of responsibility."

Comparing the current economic crisis and the struggle against terrorism to the trials faced by the nation's founders, President Obama told an immense throng of more than a million people standing before him: "On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

"Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter," the nation's 44th president said in his inaugural address on the steps of the Capitol to the crowd, many of whom had gathered on the National Mall before dawn despite the frigid, windy weather.

To Americans fearful about the badly weakened economy and "a sapping of confidence," Obama vowed bold and swift action, calling for massive government help in building roads and bridges, remaking the nation with solar and wind energy, and improving healthcare and education. "The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works," Obama said, distancing himself from liberal as well as conservative mantras and defining his own vision of Washington's role in American life.

To citizens of other countries, Obama asked for "greater cooperation and understanding between nations." Speaking specifically to Muslims, Obama said "we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and respect." Addressing leaders who cling to power through corruption and deceit, Obama said that they are "on the wrong side of history" but that the United States "will extend a hand if you're willing to unclench your fist." But to those who try to advance their cause through terror, Obama said, "you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

Striking a populist chord, the 47-year-old Democrat from Illinois paraphrased words from the Declaration of Independence, saying that all citizens "deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness," while warning that the nation "cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous." Alluding to his call for more stringent regulation of financial institutions, Obama said the current crisis has reminded the country that "the market can spin out of control."

Moments before delivering his inaugural address, Obama put his left hand on Abraham Lincoln's inaugural Bible, raised his right hand, and became the first African-American president of the United States, promising to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution before a sea of witnesses that stretched more than a mile into the distance on the National Mall.Continued...

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Obama takes office, saying choose 'hope over... (AP)

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Ask your friends and family to join you as you pray for President Obama.

President Barack Obama bows his head in prayer during today's Inauguration. Help us grow the team by inviting your family and friends to join.

    President Barack Obama now steps up to lead our nation into a historic new era. The challenges and demands he will face are daunting at the least and overwhelming at most. Yet, in his Inaugural Address, he invoked the good will of the American people and our willingness to roll up our sleeves and work hard.

    “Every so often,” the President said, “the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.”

    This is a time to pray! The new administration will grapple with the challenges of a struggling economy, active wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and energy and environmental concerns—all unprecedented in this generation. With I Timothy 2:1-2 as our biblical mandate, The Presidential Prayer Team is dedicated to praying for our new president’s wisdom, protection and success as he faces these issues, and many more, over the next four years.

    I’m asking you today to help build the team of intercessors for our new President. Let us join together and uphold him as the Israelites of old did for their leader Moses. Please, invite your friends to pray for President Obama and the new administration. All you need to do is to forward this e-mail to them and tell them to click on the link below.

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