Obama formally inaugurated to lead US

January 20, 2009 (WASHINGTON) — Barack Hussein Obama became president of the United States of America today at noon, in a peaceful transition of power marking the beginning of a four year term in office.

With more than a million people watching from the National Mall, Obama took the oath of office on the Bible used by Abraham Lincoln, the embattled president who in 1863 declared freedom for some four million black slaves.

In an 19-minute address to the nation, Obama said, “because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”

The incoming president drew massive crowds to the U.S. capital, jamming streets, straining transportation grids and prompting unusually intense security measures.

Throughout the cold morning, people filled the open space from the soaring Capitol building to the Washington Monument, as far as the eye can see.

Obama at first struck a somber tone in his address, telling his fellow Americans “we are in the midst of crisis,” referring to the wars and economic downturn facing the nation.

He encouraged citizens to unite to face these troubles, but also turned his attention to foreign affairs, declaring, “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,” he said.

“To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.”

Obama had spent the morning at a customary church service at St. John’s church near the White House. He and his wife, Michelle Obama, then joined George and Laura Bush at the White House for coffee before proceeding to the Capitol in an armored motorcade.

At the end of the inaugural speech, Obama’s oratory drew on the history of the American war for independence against the British. “In the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by nine campfires on the shores of an icy river.”

“The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood.
At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation (George Washington) ordered these words be read to the people: ‘Let it be told to the future world that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it.’

“America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words; with hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come; 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; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”

After the ceremony George W. Bush left Washington immediately, as customary, while Obama led a parade to the White House by car, driving and walking slowly by cheering crowds lining the route.

There were 13,000 participants in the parade alone, while spectators along the route between the Capitol and the White House numbered hundreds of thousands more.

Members of Obama’s extended family traveled from Kenya, the home of Obama’s late father, to witness the swearing-in ceremony.

Obama is known for his strong criticism of the Khartoum government and for his early involvement in the Darfur activism movement in the U.S.

During the campaign he demanded that the “genocide and violence in Darfur be brought to an end and that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement be fully implemented.” The president has also suggested he will provide support to the peacekeeping operation in Darfur with equipment and transportation.

Vice President Joseph Biden, who was also sworn in today, has made even more forceful remarks on Sudan. “I would use American force now,” he said in the Senate in April 2007.

Obama is the 44th president of the United States.

(ST)