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Inauguration's historical value merits hype, celebration

By: Kelly House Posted: 01/15/09 10:08pm

The Presidential Inauguration Committee may have cut back on expenditures for this inauguration to avoid the risk of seeming overindulgent in a tight economy — but that’s not changing the tone of what is expected to be the most widely attended and televised inaugural ceremony in history.

And rightly so.

Barack Obama’s team has promised to open the inauguration to all Americans, and has come through on that promise by opening up the National Mall for millions to attend the event and encouraging supporters to host their own inaugural balls and volunteer in their communities.

And today, the campaign announced the names of 10 Americans who received a “ticket to history” and will receive special seats at the inauguration.

On one side, it seems that Obama’s team is going a little too far with all the hype — Obama hasn’t even taken office yet, and he’s already drawing comparisons to former presidential greats Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. But on the other hand, the high anticipation fits the occasion.

All economic crises, international distress and partisan politics aside — this is an historic event.

For the first time, an African-American will hold the nation’s highest office. For many Americans, it’s a moment they’ve been waiting their entire lives to witness. It’s only fitting that special attention is paid to commemorate the event and make it accessible to all.

Moves to expand the scope of this inauguration and symbolic gestures like Obama’s oath using the historic Lincoln Bible are more than just publicity stunts.

They’re justified moves to commemorate America’s public shift to a more equal, color–blind society.

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Inauguration Blog

Current and former State News reporters blog about their preparation and coverage of President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

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Commentary:

Cameron

01/18/09 11:05pm

I grew up in a very rural community, where any race or creed were seen as nothing but a threat from the outside. At a very early age something inside of me come to realize the contradiction with my beliefs and my ultra conservative southern religious family beliefs. Out of this I became known as a “nigger lover” or a “white nigger boy”. I was the scapegoat for those who were filled with baseless hatred.

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