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Witness to history in Glenwood Springs

Staff report
Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado
President Barack Obama is applauded by members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), left-right: House Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.,Vice President Joe Biden, JCCIC Chairman Sen Diane Feinstein, D-Calif., Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah and Senate Majority leader Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., in the President's Room of the Capitol after signing his first act as president, a proclamation, moments after being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States during the inaugural ceremony in Washington January 20, 2009. To the right of Reid is Lisa Brown, White House Clerk. (AP Photo/Molly Riley, Pool)
AP | Pool – Reuters

Why was it important to make time to watch the inauguration and the swearing in?

I wanted to witness the musical performances and I wanted to experience the transition of the government of the last basically 20-25 years we’ve had to something new now.

How does the inauguration rank among other historic events you’ve witnessed? I’d say it’s in the top five.



What did you think of what Obama said after getting sworn in?

I think it’s important to understand that he’s not a miracle worker. And it’s important to stay very involved in his government, especially if you don’t agree with him. I think this is a new opportunity for us to really have a voice and become very involved.



What are your feelings about the future with Obama as president?

I think what I’m hearing is the most important message is the emphasis on personal responsibility to the American public. I am hearing him call us to task as parents and as citizens and as a constituency to take more personal responsibility for our government, for our families and ourselves.

Why was it important to make time to watch the inauguration and the swearing in?

Because I think it’s a dawn of a new age in the United States and the world. I didn’t vote for him I voted for (Sen. John) McCain, but what everyone needs to understand is it doesn’t matter now, we need to support our president.

How does the inauguration rank among other historic events you’ve witnessed?

I remember when JFK (John F. Kennedy) was shot and killed, Robert F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and even John Lennon, but this was just as historic as any one of those. … I had goosebumps watching this.

What are your feelings about the future with Obama as president?

I actually feel pretty confident that he’s going to be able to install a new form of thought in the United States. I believe that he’s got good leadership abilities. He’s elected an excellent cabinet. I’m impressed, even though I didn’t vote for him.

Why was it important to make time to watch the inauguration and the swearing in?

I was just glad to see George Bush get out of office, really. Actually, I was born in the capitol. I’ve watched politics pretty much my whole life.

How does the inauguration rank among other historic events you’ve witnessed?

It’s one of the most historic things I’ve ever seen.

What did you think of what Obama said after getting sworn in?

I thought it was a good speech. I just hope people take it to heart and give the man a chance.

What are your feelings about the future with Obama as president?

I have good feelings. He’s got his work cut out for him but I think he’ll be alright.

Why was it important to take time out of your day to watch the Obama Inauguration?

I just wanted to watch it to be further inspired by the change in leadership. I think it’s going to bring us to a better place.

How does this rank with other historical events you’ve witnessed in your life?

This is the best one by far. Most of the historical events we remember is when something bad happened because that’s what sticks in your head. But this is all good.

Feelings about how the Obama administration is going to handle the tough tasks ahead?

I think Obama is mostly a messenger to tell us that it’s up to us to change our ways and to fix all the things that are wrong. Just don’t sit back and think he and his administration is going to fix everything for us. It’s up to us, he’s just here to lead us.

Why was it important to take time out of your day to watch the Obama Inauguration?

In my personal view it’s a matter of history here. And in particular in the world of government to watch the pass of power. Beyond that I think it’s just such an historical event that you can’t miss it.

How does this rank with other historical events you’ve witnessed in your life?

As far as inspired, it’s at the top for me. Just a time that is hopeful compared to all the other major events. Being 38-years-old so a lot of the major events have been probably more depressing than hopeful, so this is one of the greater hopeful event at least in my limited time.

Feelings about how the Obama administration is going to handle the tough tasks ahead?

Time will tell. I think that he’s got an incredible weight on his shoulders with all the facets of problems the country and the world have. If he’s true to what he talked about in his campaign then, I think he’s going to set us off with momentum in the right direction and hopefully that carries us to real results. These things are many, many years in the making and many, many years in the fixing. So, weather it can happen straight away, I doubt it. But the hope is that he will set this new tone for the country to get behind and that is what I’m hopeful for, but I think it’s going to take some time.

Why was it important to take time out of your day to watch the Obama Inauguration?

I think that there is a lot of work that needs to be done and I think this sets the stage for it.

How does this rank with other historical events you’ve witnessed in your life?

There’s been a whole lot of bad things, but this is something good.

What do you think about his speech and was there something specific that stood out?

It was obviously very good. You know, he reached out to us which is important. He set the stage for us to help him to do what he needs to do. And he also brought in the rest of the world, too.

Why was it important to take time out of your day to watch the Obama Inauguration?

I find it inspiring and working for the government and I think we are all going to make up the time somewhere else.

How does this rank with other historical events you’ve witnessed in your life?

I just feel we need something to feel optimistic about at this time and this gives us that. We hope that this optimism continues because we need it.

What do you think about his speech and was there something specific that stood out?

When I listened to his speech I heard the range of problems in the world that we need to address within the country and outside of the country. And I just thought, wow, what kind of person he must be to place all of this on his shoulders and want to take this on.


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