Oh What A (Inauguration) Night!

“Oh, what a night - late December back in ’63 - What a very special time for me - As I remember what a night.” Okay, so I wasn’t even born yet, but I am sure one day there will be a song that will bring back the memories of January 21st 2009. A moment of historical proportions that will surely not be forgotten: if you haven’t already been bombarded with T.V. infomercials selling memorabilia dinner plates and minted coins (Who buys this crap?). And who could ignore; the glamour, the gowns, the carpets, the doves flying from cages, the rainbow glitter, the prancing unicorns, and that magical moment when Barack came floating into the room, as if he was walking on water. Oh, the majesty of it all. There was laughter, praise, screaming, sobbing, and at one point I am sure there was some “Obama-Nation” groupie throwing her soiled panties onto the stage. After all, with a year of solid “Rock-Star” performances, it is hard to fit in a regular laundry schedule in between tour stops. Though, I could not help but think, was this an inauguration or a “Hollywood” premiere? Of course, the typical Hollywood-Left “A-List” would be there. After voicing their passionate and desperate pleas for “Change”, you know they demanded payback by allowing them to be front row and center during this once in a lifetime event. It makes perfect sense, and for those “has-been”, should-have-been”, and “are you kidding me” actors, why not another attempt at fame and glory. The fact that celebrities think that their world is a parallel universe with politics (well, okay, maybe it is on a superficial level), is quite absurd. We are talking about a world of actors, comedians, porn stars, mimes, photographers, musicians, and birthday party clown entertainers (solid credentials). But, having money and a stage, all of a sudden the humanitarians came crawling (driving) out of “Rodeo Drive” to make the U.S. feel bad about itself; once again. As if Hollywood doesn’t do that already. Where is an earthquake when you need it?

Hhmmm, all of this glamour and “over-the-top” partying while the country is in economic turmoil: right on? Back in 1945, during a similar turbulent time, Franklin D. Roosevelt terminated his inauguration celebration in the best interests of the country (He actually had a simple ceremony in the Whitehouse). He felt that while the nation was in turmoil, the best interests would not lie in an exorbitant party. Then again, Barack Obama, is no Franklin D. Roosevelt; at least until he proves otherwise. And if you think any of his “political-jockeys” would pass up the chance at flamboyant and excessive expression, let’s get real. They feed on this! Okay, so maybe I am not being fair. This is an historical event; the first “Multi-Cultural” president of the United States. And coming at a time, when the country and global confidence is at the lowest level in years. Forget the extreme hatred on the “Left” that liken the “Bush” years to Nazi Germany (Personally, I have not seen the termination of 8 million of our own citizens). This night was about reveling in the excitement of a new direction and hope for something greater than the past 8 years. I can understand that. But, for all of the complex biological systems that comprise a human body, it is amazing that we are such simple thinking creatures. Emotion is far superior to any other bodily function. I can’t help but think; all this adoration and uncontrollable weeping over a “man”, which less than a year ago no one really knew. To think: all of this excitement that has transformed a man from a virtual unknown to a “Messiah-like” idol? Okay, so I’m a cynic and far from an “Idealist”, so I couldn’t possibly understand? Or maybe, I’m not as foolish as the rest of the flock that have harnessed all of their faith into the hands of a single human being. Regardless, did we need to go the lengths that we did, while we are dealing with billions of dollars in bailout bills, defunct mortgages, financial melt-downs, and continual layoffs. You’d think someone would have stood up, amongst the entire Democratic camp, and said, “Enough is enough; we need to send an alternate message to the people”. Why would they; surely the responsibility does not lie on the shoulders of Democrats to take any ownership? And the reality: so many of his devoted followers relished the opportunity to party along, tokin’ their way to the mystical promise land of feel-good optimism. But, maybe we needed a reason to rejoice; just maybe with all the country was going through this was a celebration that was warranted? But, did we need to have such extravagance? Back in 2005, George Bush was absolutely lambasted about spending $42 million on his inauguration, while Barack Obama spent over $120 million without the media saying “a word” (yeah no left-media bias here). Some of the headlines in 2005 included (Thanks SPAM): "Republicans spending $42 million on inauguration while troops die in unarmored Humvees" - "Bush extravagance exceeds any reason during tough economic times" - "Fat cats get their $42 million inauguration party, ordinary Americans get the shaft". If you remember, Billionaire Mark Cuban asked that Bush cancel the inauguration festivities and redirect the cost to aid Tsunami victims. He stated that there was not anything more confusing and shocking to read that the U.S. aid to these affected regions would only be $35 million, while the inauguration parties would be $42 million. According to Mr. Cuban, President Bush should set an example! Similar statements were echoed across the halls of the liberal self-conscious. Are we living in a nation of hypocrites; are these people “friggin’” kidding me. So, how is that different than what Barack staged on January 20th? Was it not an overindulgent display of insensitivity to the nation? Wouldn’t you expect Barack to have had the common sense to tailor down the celebration, given our current economic hardship? In fact, the headlines were not full of astonishment or disgust, but the following: "Historic Obama inauguration will cost only $120 million"- "Obama spends $120 million on inauguration; America needs A Big Party" - "Everyman Obama shows America how to celebrate" - "Citibank executives contribute $8 million to Obama inauguration". My personal favorite is “Everyman Obama”; would this be the same as the assumed ignorant small town “values” people that cling to their Guns and Religion…..hhmmm. Yes, oh yes, fair and balanced reporting. Was this not the same thing? Once again, we received a limited response from the “Obama-love-affair” media. Not one liberal-leaning politician makes a gripe. Not one community activist group that has their hands full of underfed homeless A.I.D.s patients made a peep. Not one Obama-voting citizen, who hasn’t complained about their quality of life, questioned it. And for all those liberals who donated to the celebration; what about "World Hunger", "Darfur", and "Tibet"? This may be hypocrisy at its highest level, but then again it is not what is fair, but who in is control. And you know the Government elitists just shrugged this off, knowing us "common-folk" just forget so easily. So, after the multitude of Black-Tie “Balls” and what seemed like awkward dancing moments, I could not help but think; was Obama whispering, “we finally got a piece of the pie”, in Michelle’s ear (Got to love the Jefferson’s). The over-indulgence of Champagne, the gorging of stomachs and the ensemble of $25,000 dresses made this a night to remember. During all the media frenzy, which did not include any questioning of the inauguration price tag, all I would hear was who would be adorning the red carpets, and what dress would Michelle be wearing (Oohhh). Who gives a crap; really! And for those who did, I certainly agree, I hope it is a step up than the “Abomination” she wore on election night. The reds and blacks and some sort of tie-dye abortion. And the best part, this was only what I heard on the news the following day. I can only imagine what actually happened in between party stops, back-rooms deals, and autographs. Of course I did not watch any of the inauguration! But it was not based on who I voted for: I have never watched an inauguration, ever! Yawn. All the “glitz”,” glam”, and “gloating”: not really worth my time. And despite the “Celebrity” of it all, I can do without the continued false hope and empty political promises to make me feel inspired. Relax America, after the hangovers, you will wake up tomorrow to the sobering reality of just another day in the life of an American taxpayer (Close your ears kids).

But let’s just say that the timing was right and Barack deserved to celebrate. Okay, okay, I will go along with the excitement, and despite the ludicrous spending, the night was meant to inspire wishful thinking and positive embracement. That was until, there had to be one sobering moment amongst the “Mai-Tais”, “Manhattans”, and “Dry Martinis” (And guys, please do not say “Cosmos”), to bring us back to reality. One moment; that the “Black” caucus of the Democratic Party could not help but squeeze in. One moment; that had to include the sentiment of the “Oppressive White Man”. One moment; that had to please the bowels of Al Sharpton. So, in the onset of true reform, “racial” unity, and the empowerment of embracing change and progress, Barack decided shake up the dance floor. And so it was delivered, when Reverend Joseph Lowery made his final benediction after Barack took office. “Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen.” –Reverend Joseph Lowery. Just when everything was going well, people were optimistic, and for a gleaming moment the entire country could be thinking, we just might make it: he had to do it. Aahhh, a “Black” Democrat: no speech would be complete without some reference to the “Evils” of the “White Man”. And so he said, what he said. And with over 200 years of “Racial” strife, we thought we approached a new dawn of healing. A time when a “White” majority helped usher in a first “Half-Black” president. And in one fleeting moment, it was if he dragged us back 40 years. The audacity of his comments; as if everyone is suffering, and the “White” man is to blame and should do what is right. Is this guy “friggin’” kidding me? The heck with this “racist”; and this only epitomizes my protest to the selection of Obama for President. Barack’s entire past is littered with a prejudice overtones and “racist” mentors; and his apparent mistrust for ”White” America is not an aberration; especially when you allow egregious comments like this to be incorporated in the benediction. How do you feel pride at this moment in history, when you include a tone of prejudice? No one ever said things were perfect, we have progress to still achieve, but the continued guilt and oppressive thinking is only detrimental to “racial” healing. The last time I looked, “Blacks” are not in the back, and “White” HAS DONE what is right (a majority believed and voted in Obama despite “race”). This country has come a long way, but do you think the “White” man will ever get credit for any of it? But, then again, if there was nothing to complain about, activists would be out of business. Could you imagine a happy Jesse Jackson (I think we was annoyed that the “Bradley” effect was not in play, so he would still have something to complain about). Yeah, you can laugh, it was funny. So a perfect evening for some was ruined by the irresponsible speech writers that did not caution or edit this benediction. Someone should have said, “Maybe we should not include this?” Now, did he have to include this; didn’t the election itself prove that “Whites” put “race” aside, and so-called did what was right? Instead of giving “Whites” an ultimatum, he should have been thanking “Whites”, and really all people, for just the opposite. On a night of celebration and hope for anew, all this did was bring up the past and mar the celebration with bitterness. All of us can debate Obama’s attitude towards his “White” heritage, but on a night when so many wanted to move ahead and find true unity, all they received was an over-priced Hollywood party, that ended with the same-ole-same-ole that has continued to spur the “racial” divide. Talk about an anti-climatic ending.