Obama vows 'celebration' of American spirit

[cal04]

Source: Associated Press

President-elect: Peaceful power transfers shouldn't be taken for granted


President-elect Barack Obama said Saturday his inauguration will be more than simply a transfer of power; it should be a celebration of the American spirit.

Obama said his swearing-in Tuesday is a rite of passage that the country marks every four years as a testament to its democratic ideals. He cautioned that its tradition should not be taken for granted.

"We must remember that our nation was founded at a time of kings and queens, and even today billions of people around the world cannot imagine their leaders giving up power without strife or bloodshed," Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address.

(snip)
"Inaugurations have taken place during times of war and peace; in Depression and prosperity," Obama said. "Our democracy has undergone many changes, and our people have taken many steps in pursuit of a more perfect union. What has always endured is this peaceful and orderly transition of power."

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28704760/

[Deja Q]

1. I agree. Remember the past. Do people want to re-live it? I highly doubt it.

Given all the hype around Bush wanting to steal power, President Obama's comments are a good reminder.

He did forget to mention resignations and assassinations; people didn't throw violent tantrums for the bringing in of Lyndon Johnson, Gerald Ford, Andrew Johnson, and others I'm not recalling?

[FredStembottom]

2. Interesting that he wants to remind us of all that........

...in conjunction with his "let's not look back" meme.

Is "not looking back" essentially making all that "peaceful transition" stuff possible?

Just thinking out loud........

[humbled_opinion]

3. He only doesn't want to look back

In the divisive sense. He certainly will look back to MLK and others that made his journey possible.