So we have a new President. Barack Hussein Obama took over as Commander in Chief at noon yesterday (7 am Hawaii time) before a cheering crowd of at least a million people in Washington DC and countless numbers on TV. The essence of his inaugural speech outlined responsibility and the theme of "we're in this together" as well as change.
After the formal ceremonies of the inaugural* were over, the Obamas got to party along with their millions of friends for the rest of the day. The parties were covered on various TV networks including the usual suspects as well as MTV of all places. President Obama has probably connected the most with young people like no other since at least John F. Kennedy. It is scary as this signals a generational change in America's direction, tradition and values to a left leaning social and fiscal agenda.
Already right to life supporters are afraid that the Obama administration will erode some of the small gains made during the previous administration. Gains made in prohibiting partial birth abortion, prohibiting marriage rights to same sex couples, loosening conditions on stem cell research and repealing tax cuts made by President Bush are all at peril under the new regime.
I was probably one of the few people to feel sad on seeing the departure of George W. Bush and his wife Laura yesterday afternoon. The former first couple departed Washington D.C. in a U.S. Marine helicopter and later one of the Boeing 747s designated as Air Force 1 when the current president is on board. Yesterday that 747 flew under a different call sign. The Bush's were flown to their home in Texas where they were greeted by country music performers and 20,000 hometown supporters.
Today the new President seriously tackles the nation's problems as he begins his real work. Many of his cabinet nominees still await final Senate confirmation and today his Secretary of State designee, former rival, Senator Hillary Clinton undergoes further questioning and debate in the Senate. Good luck to them all.
HAWAII STATE LEGISLATURE RETURNS
Here in the islands, the 25th Legislative session of the Hawaii State Legislature is slated to begin at 10:00 a.m. Thousands of people will flock to the State Capitol today to view the pomp and circumstance of opening day ceremonies that include colorful, promising speeches and musical entertainment. After that it's a free for all food fest as many legislative offices entertain constituents and citizens in their offices.
The real business starts tomorrow as the Legislature gets bogged down tackling the budget crisis, the education system, economy, tourism, energy and divisive Hawaiian issues among many other things. Taxes will be a battleground as the overwhelmingly liberal body considers ways of "enhancing revenue" while continuing with various government programs. Revenue enhancement on any governmental level always means taking more money out of our pockets. Hold on to your wallets!
NOTES
* President Obama may have to retake the oath of office since the lines were flubbed by Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Photo: Screen capture of the new president pulled from Fox News Channel.
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