A turning point

The United States and the European Union agree that the inauguration of the 44th US president, Barack Obama, will be a turning point. This is how the most influential US woman senator Dianne Feinstein, head of the Inaugural Committee, commented on the fact that an Afro-American has headed the White House for the first time in US history. “We have gathered here to open a new chapter in history,” she said, emphasizing that the transfer of power to the 47-year-old Afro-American will be “the turning point for real and necessary change in our nation.”

Meanwhile, the European Commission President Jos? Manuel Barroso believes that the election of Obama as president may be a turning point for the entire world, not only the US. “What we need is new global governance and a new basis for prosperity,” he stresses in a special message.

In his 20-minute-long inaugural speech, the US president also spoke about the necessity of restoring US leadership and about challenges. “On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord... 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,” Obama said.

The president promised to address all the problems and assured the audience that they would be solved definitely. At the same time, he emphasized the necessity of getting back to the old values that had already brought success to the US, such as honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism.

“Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America,” Obama noted. He also assured Americans that the US was ready to be the leader again, emphasizing that “our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.”

The president believes that these principles can help meet the new threats that demand greater effort, cooperation, and understanding between nations.

“To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West—know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist,” the president said.

It should be noted that at the present time Americans favor Obama and the Democrats a lot. This was obvious at the inauguration ceremony. The crowd was welcoming warmly ex-Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, ex-Vice President Al Gore, Michelle Obama and her children, and Vice President Joe Biden with his wife. It was, naturally, Barack Obama whom the Americans gave the warmest welcome. A hum of discontent met George Bush Sr. and George Bush Jr., as well as Vice President Dick Cheney who arrived at the ceremony in a wheelchair because he strained his spinal muscles shortly before. Some from the crowd even advised the Bushes to go back to Texas as soon as possible. Somebody was also distributing among the spectators toilet paper with Bush Jr.’s awkward sayings.

Tellingly, all those present at the inauguration were pinning great hopes on the new Democratic president. A white-skinned Ben, who had come for the inauguration from San Francisco, confessed that he had hated politics for the past 30 years but was in raptures over Obama and expected major changes from his presidency. He admitted that the changes might be small but it was important that they should occur.

Ingrid, a black elementary school teacher, arrived for the inauguration from Toledo, Ohio, in her own car. It took her eight hours to reach the place. She thinks Obama will do his utmost to pull the US economy out of the crisis and help all people, regardless of their skin color.

Steven. a white from Boston, said he would have never missed the inauguration. In his words, the ceremony and the president’s speech were wonderful. What he drew, above all, from Obama’s speech is “a hope about the future for each one of us.” He said he was sure Obama would live up to the expectations Americans have for him.

Julian Harris. a black doctor from Georgia who had campaigned for Obama in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, called the inauguration the greatest event for his generation. In his opinion, Obama will have to face tremendous problems. But, owing to great efforts and the available resources, he will be able to bring about changes in the country—and the world will again see the US as a model country of values. Dr. Harris noted that during the presidential campaign Americans contacted foreigners much more frequently than before. “When I was in Europe, I understood that the US was being respected mostly for the way it treats its own people and builds relations with all the countries of the world,” the doctor said.

Speaking with black Americans, this writer could see clearly that this category of US citizens is thinking in world categories and is well aware of their country’s role and place on the international arena. Black Americans often compare the entire world to a human body that is suffering from an injured organ. “If America is suffering, so is the whole world. We are all tied together. If America feels better, so will the whole world. So the US must rally its strength, make changes, and improve the situation in the country. We have no other choice and cannot afford to lose this chance,” Ingrid pointed out.

As for differences between the US and Ukraine in terms of elections, rallies, and inauguration ceremonies, the first thing that catches your eye is that voters are not bought here with all kinds of sop. Americans spend their own money to buy T-shirts with the picture of Obama or little flags. Newspapers, too, are sold instead of being dished out for free. Printed ads are the only exception. Incidentally, on Inauguration Day they were selling newspapers dated Nov. 5, 2008, which reported Obama’s victory in the presidential elections on November 4. These newspapers sold at $4-20.

It is unthinkable in the US that a party, a certain moneybags, or the state could organize, as was the case in Ukraine, the busing of voters to take part in a party campaign or the inauguration. Free distribution of souvenirs with a party logo is also out of the question. If this happened, the press would immediately report it. All those who wished to come to Washington for the inauguration did it voluntarily and at their own expense. Some of them occupied the best places at night. In spite of the cold, nobody brought any alcoholic drinks to The Mall, a public avenue that leads from the George Washington Monument to the Capitol—it is forbidden to drink liquor on the streets and in public places.