In 3 days, Barack Hussein Obama will serve up his much anticipated inaugural speech and set up camp at his new White House crib.
An historic day, for sure. The first Black President in our country's young history will be sworn into office, a huge important milestone, and yet, for all the hoopla, it just doesn't seem that exciting.
Yeah, I know, I didn't vote for the guy, but, the day-in, day-out media saturation of this man for the past four years has made it feel as though he's been at this since I was unloading in my Pampers.
These past couple days especially, from all the talk of which "celebrities" will be where (in a city which they have avoided like the plague since Clinton and his Blue Dress), to today's "symbolic" train ride, and all the goofy baubles one can purchase, it's all seemed to be, well, a bit hokey to me.
Here's just a few examples of merchandise that can be purchased thanks to the inspiration of Obama Corp:
We have Obama bobble heads, Obama Metro Cards, Obama tee-shirts of every kind, Obama calenders, pins of Barack and Michelle, Obama condoms, Obama commemorative plates, Obama One Dollar coins (which sell for $19.99), a Barack-in-the-box, Obama Hot Sauce, Obama soap-on-a-rope (?), Obama trading cards, an Obama/Biden thong (eww), Obama Andy Warhol "Pop" sneakers, a Marvel Comic book "Spiderman Meets Obama" issue, Obama stamps, "Obama Momma" trading cards, an "Obama Wins" $200 pocket book, Obama aprons, Ben & Jerry's "Yes Pe-Can" ice cream, Obama "Bling", and "First Obama Dog" trading cards, just to name a few things.
We also have a gaggle of "celebrities" who will be performing including:
Beyonce, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, U2, Garth Brooks, Herbie Hancock, Sheryl Crow, John Mellencamp, Usher, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, Will.i.am, Stevie Wonder, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Denzel Washington, and many more I don't care to write about.
Many "celebrities" have also donated large amounts of money for the festivities, some up to $50,000 each, including:
George Soros, Will Smith, Steven Spielberg, Kate Spielberg, Jeffery Katzenberger, Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Ron Howard, Samuel Jackson, Sharon Stone, Robert Zemeckis, and many more I don't care to write about.
(You can see a list of all the people who contributed at least $200 and up at the Inaugural Committee Donors page.)
I've always viewed the inauguration of the President of the United States as an especially solemn, truly unique American tradition.
Perhaps that's why I get the feeling that this one is more like a big, expensive, cheesy telethon.
What a shame.
(Edited after first posting)
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Barack Obama
Comments (32)
That $200 pocketbook should... (Below threshold)1. Posted by LaMedusa | January 17, 2009 10:24 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
That $200 pocketbook should say, "Obama wins again", especially with a one dollar coin that's selling for $20.
What? No checker boards?
1. Posted by LaMedusa | January 17, 2009 10:24 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 22:24
2. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 10:27 PM | Score: -19 (23 votes cast)
An historic day, for sure. The first Black President in our country's young history will be sworn into office, and yet, for all the hoopla, it just doesn't seem that exciting.
No one would expect someone like you to get excited, Shawn. You really don't matter either. Eat your sour grapes and go sit down!
But there are millions of people that are excited about this historical event. I will be weeping many wonderful joyous tears and thanking God that he answered our prayers. We now seek a better world. President Barack Obama has given us hope!
God Is Good!
2. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 10:27 PM |
Score: -19 (23 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 22:27
3. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 10:38 PM | Score: -18 (20 votes cast)
It will be most beautiful to see President Barack Obama & First Lady Michelle dance to "At Last" sung by Beyonce.
Awesome, baby!
3. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 10:38 PM |
Score: -18 (20 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 22:38
4. Posted by Les Nessman | January 17, 2009 10:39 PM | Score: 7 (13 votes cast)
The first Black President in our country's young history will be sworn into office, a huge important milestone, and yet, for all the hoopla, it just doesn't seem that exciting.
Actually, he's half black, half white.
Or do real facts don't matter anymore? Just emotion matters now?
4. Posted by Les Nessman | January 17, 2009 10:39 PM |
Score: 7 (13 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 22:39
5. Posted by Shawn | January 17, 2009 10:41 PM | Score: 11 (13 votes cast)
"It will be most beautiful to see President Barack Obama & First Lady Michelle dance to "At Last" sung by Beyonce."
Well, that's qualification enough for me!
5. Posted by Shawn | January 17, 2009 10:41 PM |
Score: 11 (13 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 22:41
6. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 11:08 PM | Score: -20 (22 votes cast)
Well, that's qualification enough for me!
You don't matter, Shawn
6. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 11:08 PM |
Score: -20 (22 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 23:08
7. Posted by LaMedusa | January 17, 2009 11:16 PM | Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
I heard the tooth fairy was going to be there! You use three comments on Shawn's blog to show how much he "doesn't matter". Keep (scrambling) running back here to try to convince him! Sounds like nervous desperation trying to cover up a mirage to me!
7. Posted by LaMedusa | January 17, 2009 11:16 PM |
Score: 10 (12 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 23:16
8. Posted by broadsword | January 17, 2009 11:26 PM | Score: -9 (9 votes cast)
Ww. S ths brd s whr th lsrs hv cm t slk.
Mk n mstk bt t. Tht's xctl wht gs r:
Lsrs.
Bnkrpt phlsph, nd n sht f vr gttng lctd gn.
And you just lost your vowels .
8. Posted by broadsword | January 17, 2009 11:26 PM |
Score: -9 (9 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 23:26
9. Posted by Shawn | January 17, 2009 11:33 PM | Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
"You don't matter, Shawn"
Gotta love the tolerant left.
Keep up that philosophy, justice (BWAHAHAHA), and you won't matter soon.
9. Posted by Shawn | January 17, 2009 11:33 PM |
Score: 8 (10 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 23:33
10. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 11:40 PM | Score: -16 (16 votes cast)
I heard the tooth fairy was going to be there! You use three comments on Shawn's blog to show how much he "doesn't matter". Keep (scrambling) running back here to try to convince him! Sounds like nervous desperation trying to cover up a mirage to me!
LOL!
Well, what's your excuse? You're scrambling back here to see what I'm gonna say!
If you don't like it, then don't look! Geez!
10. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 11:40 PM |
Score: -16 (16 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 23:40
11. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 11:43 PM | Score: -16 (16 votes cast)
Keep up that philosophy, justice (BWAHAHAHA), and you won't matter soon.
Blah Blah...
Sticks & Stones!
11. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 11:43 PM |
Score: -16 (16 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 23:43
12. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 11:45 PM | Score: -14 (14 votes cast)
Losers.
Bankrupt philosophy, and no shot of ever getting elected again.
OUCH!
12. Posted by Justice58 | January 17, 2009 11:45 PM |
Score: -14 (14 votes cast)
Posted on January 17, 2009 23:45
13. Posted by Knightbrigade | January 18, 2009 1:40 AM | Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
I'm getting movies to watch from around 12:00pm to midnight. Could call it an Obama moviethon. Will NOT turn on a news station until Wed night.
NOW I KNOW I won't miss much, but in the off chance something UNIQUE happens it will still be news way past the weekend.
Amazing choices with all the different kinds of wonderful memorabilia, I'll take some of that Obama toilet paper...lol
13. Posted by Knightbrigade | January 18, 2009 1:40 AM |
Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 01:40
14. Posted by Donna B. | January 18, 2009 3:38 AM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
The last presidential inauguration I watched was JFK's. I like to read the speeches afterwards.
I don't get all the hoopla celebration stuff. Never have, likely never will.
14. Posted by Donna B. | January 18, 2009 3:38 AM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 03:38
15. Posted by Bob | January 18, 2009 6:44 AM | Score: 11 (11 votes cast)
"The first Black President in our country's young history will be sworn into office, a huge important milestone [sic]...."
The word is "millstone" (a burden or large inconvenience one has to endure).
15. Posted by Bob | January 18, 2009 6:44 AM |
Score: 11 (11 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 06:44
16. Posted by MichaelC | January 18, 2009 7:32 AM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
I have never been more sure than this week at Wizbang that there is a 12 year loose on the board. It is simply embarrassing to watch J58 display his lack of maturity and common sense. A total stranger, this noob just shows up out of no where and without any pause starts shitting on everyone at will.
Is this your style everywhere, little guy or just where you're sure that you're not welcome?
16. Posted by MichaelC | January 18, 2009 7:32 AM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 07:32
17. Posted by Jason | January 18, 2009 8:05 AM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
I am SO looking for this to finally blow over.
http://www.rightklik.net/
17. Posted by Jason | January 18, 2009 8:05 AM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 08:05
18. Posted by AJ | January 18, 2009 8:08 AM | Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
This whole event is a bunch of crap, honestly. From making Obama's letter to his daughters a public spectacle, to the unbelievable $150 million festivities (remember Bush being hated on when his inaguration costs were tens of millions? But not one Democrat is complaining of the excessive cost of Obama's party... ) The whole Obama craze is unreal, and what makes it worse is that it's based on a blank slate. It's a shame the $150 mil couldn't be used for the good of the people. It's a shame all these celebs couldn't donate to worthy causes instead of a glorified party. But such is the world we live in.
18. Posted by AJ | January 18, 2009 8:08 AM |
Score: 10 (10 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 08:08
19. Posted by Bruce Henry | January 18, 2009 9:23 AM | Score: -4 (6 votes cast)
Just out of curiosity, what was so offensive about comment # 8 that it had to be disemvowelled? From what I can decipher it seems pretty mild in comparison to some I've seen here.
Just wanna make sure I don't cross the line one day. Is there a line, or is it at the whim of the moderator?
19. Posted by Bruce Henry | January 18, 2009 9:23 AM |
Score: -4 (6 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 09:23
20. Posted by WildWillie | January 18, 2009 9:34 AM | Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Remember, to be a "star" in hollywood, you have to be totally self absorbed and always aware of how you are perceived. No wonder they relate to Barry so well. Symbolism over substance.
Justice, for the record: When it comes to liberals and lefties, you don't matter. Your childishness is not only noticed, but expected. ww
20. Posted by WildWillie | January 18, 2009 9:34 AM |
Score: 5 (7 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 09:34
21. Posted by DSL | January 18, 2009 9:49 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Attention Good Citizens:
Do not be alarmed on Jan.20 2009 this is NOT the "Great Shaking", the Messiah is NOT returning. This is only our founding father's rolling over in their graves due to the "hollywood circus". I imagine they envisioned something a little different. I have to go now an register my gown online. I would not want to be caught wearing the same gown as our future first lady. How unpatriotic of me!
21. Posted by DSL | January 18, 2009 9:49 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 09:49
22. Posted by LaMedusa | January 18, 2009 10:34 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
No, Shawn just picked yours up and threw them back at you.
22. Posted by LaMedusa | January 18, 2009 10:34 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 10:34
23. Posted by Dave Noble | January 18, 2009 4:16 PM | Score: -4 (6 votes cast)
"The first Black President in our country's young history will be sworn into office, a huge important milestone [sic]...."
The word is "millstone" (a burden or large inconvenience one has to endure)."
Unfortunately, this voice has been heard throughout American history.
During our Revolution there were Tories.
There were those who fought to preserve and spread slavery.
There were those who looked on the signing of the Voting Rights Act as a calamitous event. Many left the Democratic Party in protest.
There were those who mourned the end of apartheid in South Africa. William Buckley predicted it would result in a bloodbath.
Earlier he had spoken out against the Voting Rights Act, agreeing with segregationists that Southern blacks were not ready for enfranchisement.
It was Mr. Buckley who advocated standing athwart the progress of history and yelling "Stop."
There will always be those whom history passes by, as they yell "Stop."
But hsitory doesn't stop. It moves on and leaves them behind.
It's not kool-aid you are drinking. it is bitter wine wrung from sour grapes. And it has induced hallucinations of dread times to come.
President-Elect Obama has called for unity. He welcomes you to join in the work that awaits us as a nation.
Come as loyal opposition. Come as responsible critics. But don't stand in the rain and curse the tent. There is too much to do.
23. Posted by Dave Noble | January 18, 2009 4:16 PM |
Score: -4 (6 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 16:16
24. Posted by WildWillie | January 18, 2009 5:50 PM | Score: 0 (4 votes cast)
Davy, are you aware of how many current democratic leaders are in congress right now that were proactive in segragation AND violence against blacks? Do you have a clue?
You try to wax eloquent yet ignore the many gestures GW put forward in the start of his presidency. He held out his hand and you all spit in it. Now you want to act all mature and say we should all join the team? Are you for real.
Barry O.'s presidency is already failed. He is going down in history as the worst president ever. ww
24. Posted by WildWillie | January 18, 2009 5:50 PM |
Score: 0 (4 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 17:50
25. Posted by Dave Noble | January 18, 2009 6:30 PM | Score: -2 (4 votes cast)
Willie,
You really don't want to go there. Do you want to compare the number of former segregationists currently serving as Democratic congressmen with the number of former segregationists who became Republicans.
Why do you think the South is now solidly Republican?
I never spit on GW's hand. The majority of the country, including the MSM, supported the Iraq War until they found out how they had been mislead and then watched as Donald Rumsfeld let the insurgency spin out of control.
God forbid you should act mature. No, Willie, I wasn't asking you to do that.
I won't dignify your last comment with a serious response. BTW, do you also know who's going to win the Super Bowl, because I want to put some money on it.
25. Posted by Dave Noble | January 18, 2009 6:30 PM |
Score: -2 (4 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 18:30
26. Posted by Bruce Henry | January 18, 2009 6:42 PM | Score: -5 (5 votes cast)
This wee willie dude has about as much cred as the "obamalala" guy. None.
26. Posted by Bruce Henry | January 18, 2009 6:42 PM |
Score: -5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on January 18, 2009 18:42
27. Posted by mag | January 19, 2009 9:20 AM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
I am rather sick already of all the worship and false praise that is handed out to Obama....with the coins and shirts etc.
I mean if you like Obama and put your hopes in all well and fine. But making him into some kind of god-like person is not good for him or us. I heard some people say he should have his own chapter in the Bible and comparing him to religous dieties. Is that healthy???
I wish him the best for the sake of the country, but honestly...I am very, very scared. I just don't think Obama is up to the job especially in these times. That is not a insult to him, it how I feel.
27. Posted by mag | January 19, 2009 9:20 AM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on January 19, 2009 09:20
28. Posted by Spurwing Plover | January 19, 2009 9:56 AM | Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
I certianly wont be watching his corination HE IS NOT MY EMPORER HE IS NOT MY TYRANT SIC SEMPTER TYRANUS OBAMA
28. Posted by Spurwing Plover | January 19, 2009 9:56 AM |
Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Posted on January 19, 2009 09:56
29. Posted by Justice58 | January 19, 2009 10:39 AM | Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
I certianly wont be watching his corination HE IS NOT MY EMPORER HE IS NOT MY TYRANT SIC SEMPTER TYRANUS OBAMA
Barack Hussein Obama is your President!
Praise God
29. Posted by Justice58 | January 19, 2009 10:39 AM |
Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Posted on January 19, 2009 10:39
30. Posted by Bruce Henry | January 19, 2009 1:20 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Wow. Quoting the traitor John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated our greatest President. You're a true patriot, Plover.
And you spelled it wrong, too, proving you're not only treasonous, but ignorant as hell. Enjoy obscurity.
30. Posted by Bruce Henry | January 19, 2009 1:20 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on January 19, 2009 13:20
31. Posted by max | January 19, 2009 2:22 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Brc, hr's n xmpl f clssc wzbng dbl stndrd.
Cllng cnsrvtvs "lsrs" s bd.
Cllng lbrls "stpd cnts" s -K.
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nd hp gt t rd ths, Brc, 'cs th rll ht bng clld n t. Ths cmmnt's lfspn s lkl bt 5 mnts r s.
Prsnll, sd t hv prblm wth t, bt hv snc rlzd tht ll tht ds s pt n ppr lmt n wzbngs lrd qstnbl crdblt.
Wizbang is not a democracy. Move on.
31. Posted by max | January 19, 2009 2:22 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on January 19, 2009 14:22
32. Posted by Spurwing Plover | February 1, 2009 10:20 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Ner ever JUSTICE 58 He could be the antichrist
32. Posted by Spurwing Plover | February 1, 2009 10:20 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2009 22:20