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Barracking for Obama
What must they be thinking now, those southern folk? When an intelligent and charismatic, but coloured, man is inaugurated as President of the United States to replace their jester, a man who was, in his own words, so misunderestimated.
Just prior to the election I heard a southern man interviewed, asked for his opinion on the possibility of an Afro-American as president. His response that it was unthinkable, the only black man ever allowed in his house a servant.
I am sure that Obama’s inauguration speech will be analysed to death, so I won’t start but to say that probably never has an incoming president delivered such condemnation of their predecessor. Few too would have been capable of such superb oratory, a clear and powerful message, and to offer hope for a better world. Can it be presumed that Bush understood some of it? No doubt Chaney did.
The pity is that, at the same time, New Zealanders have voted in a vacuous prime minister and a government that stands for nothing enlightened or progressive.
Obama has got off to a good start with the media. His faltering during his inauguration oath been edited within moments, the television replays showing a perfect performance. Let’s hope it lasts.