Barack Obama inauguration thread - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

the_only_turek_fan · 01-20-2009, 05:06 AM

History is made today as Barack Obama becomes the 44th president of the United States at 10 am MST.

Displaced Flames fan · 01-20-2009, 05:42 AM

Well, I have to admit that while I very much appreciate the history of the moment, I find the commercialism of the event rather disgusting. I don't know that you folks have been exposed to it up there, but it's really Elvis-like in its mania.

I'll be glad when it's over because it has become a circus and it shouldn't be.

bigtmac19 · 01-20-2009, 05:45 AM

We had a firm wide email go out yesterday telling us we aren't allowed to watch on streaming video.
Last time that happened over a hockey game, it crippled the firms computers, boy they were not impressed.

metallicat · 01-20-2009, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

Well, I have to admit that while I very much appreciate the history of the moment, I find the commercialism of the event rather disgusting. I don't know that you folks have been exposed to it up there, but it's really Elvis-like in its mania.

I'll be glad when it's over because it has become a circus and it shouldn't be.

I'm sure the level of exposure up here is significantly lower than down there, but it is still being crammed down our throats (or at least mine) at a level I find unacceptable.

shane_c · 01-20-2009, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oilers_fan

I'm sure the level of exposure up here is significantly lower than down there, but it is still being crammed down our throats (or at least mine) at a level I find unacceptable.

Likewise. I appreciate that history is being made and I think it is a wonderful moment for both the US and the world but last time I checked I still live in Canada. I would like to watch some news about my country and not have most of it be about the US. I could swear our news media is obsessed with the states.

loob job · 01-20-2009, 06:34 AM

I find it sad that most Canadians pay more attention to this then our own election and what's going on in our own government.

Daradon · 01-20-2009, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shane_c

Likewise. I appreciate that history is being made and I think it is a wonderful moment for both the US and the world but last time I checked I still live in Canada. I would like to watch some news about my country and not have most of it be about the US. I could swear our news media is obsessed with the states.

What else is new? That's not just because of Obama or anything current.

Plus you have to remember, the majority of our channels are form the US anyway. Even if there is some Canadian content stapled on somewhere we still get more US stuff than anything.

As far as the commercialization goes. It's definitely over the top, but I am also not surprised. A lot of people have been waiting for a moment like this for a long time, and the biggest way the US celebrates anything is by buying stuff and releasing 'limited edition' type souveniers. It was bound to happen the first time a colored person became president, be it Obama or someone else. I'm not sure it's really anything for or against this particular administration.

I agree though, it'll be nice when the hype dies down a bit.

the_only_turek_fan · 01-20-2009, 06:57 AM

I am going to a pub at 10 to watch it with some friends......a whole bunch of flex hours may follow.

Even as a Conservative/Republican I can't be more happy for Americans and for African-American's around the country.

This is a huge day. A historic day. Hopefully we can see a PM of color up here one day! (Vote for me!

)

SportsJunky · 01-20-2009, 07:00 AM

I'll be watching for sure. I know it may sound silly or overly sentimental but it makes me proud as an American that this moment has come. Obama taking office is bigger than the individual issues that are happening in the country right now and it gives people an opportunity to focus on what can happen as opposed to what has been happening.

the_only_turek_fan · 01-20-2009, 07:02 AM

http://www.cnn.com/video/

Watch the "Mrs. Biden puts foot in mouth" video.

Wow.....was Hillary second choice?

KTrain · 01-20-2009, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loob job

I find it sad that most Canadians pay more attention to this then our own election and what's going on in our own government.

I think that has more to do with our uninspired choice of political figures than it does with our interest in the US government.

We haven't had a leader in a long time that has been able to inspire the Canadian people, let alone instill a general sense of trust that they have the best intentions for all Canadians in mind. Our "leaders" seem to care more about how much power they and their parties have, and don't spend enough time looking at the big picture of what's happening to Canada.

I have to admit that I'm a little jealous of the States that they have someone coming to power that is instilling this much hope in the citizens. I just feel sorry for the man because, barring some kind of miracle, he's not going to be able to live up to the hype.

JerzeeGirl · 01-20-2009, 07:08 AM

I wish I could watch/listen on streaming video today when it happens (stupid company firewall....). Like it or not, this is our generation's "Kennedy" moment - and while the hype may be over the top (like most everything in our society is these days it seems) this is the answer to many prayers and Obama is a symbol to millions that perhaps things really are changing for the better.

nickerjones · 01-20-2009, 07:08 AM

We are waist deep in a recession and it concerns me a little that they are spenidng 150 million dollars on this thing....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/200901...ws/ynews_pl204

Daradon · 01-20-2009, 07:30 AM

^^^ Most of the increase is going towards security I guess. And that's because of the massive turnout. Unlike anything ever seen or prepared for before. Other additions, like the large screens and such, also have to do with the huge turnout.

The costs do seem to be more out of necessity than just on glitz and fluff.

Daradon · 01-20-2009, 07:45 AM

Got it streaming now, sure are a bunch of people...

Table 5 · 01-20-2009, 07:51 AM

This guy better not suck.

Inferno · 01-20-2009, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loob job

I find it sad that most Canadians pay more attention to this then our own election and what's going on in our own government.

Politics as a whole bore me but I'd have to agree. My boss is only working for another hour cause she's taking the day off to watch it. I just dont get how some Canadians are getting nutty over something that doesnt even have to do with our country.

Daradon · 01-20-2009, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inferno

Politics as a whole bore me but I'd have to agree. My boss is only working for another hour cause she's taking the day off to watch it. I just dont get how some Canadians are getting nutty over something that doesnt even have to do with our country.

If you don't think American leadership has anything to do with our country than...

For better or for worse, their leader is probably as important to us as our leader is. Yeah that's not the most pleasant thing to think about, but it's true.

North East Goon · 01-20-2009, 07:57 AM

I am a white male born in Saskatchewan, raised in Calgary Alberta, but I feel the pride of the older generations of African Americans who have gone through so much in their lives. Really it's just another politician gaining power, but thr symbolism of it all has to tug your heartstring a little.

Daradon · 01-20-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by North East Goon

I am a white male born in Saskatchewan, raised in Calgary Alberta, but I feel the pride of the older generations of African Americans who have gone through so much in their lives. Really it's just another politician gaining power, but thr symbolism of it all has to tug your heartstring a little.

Agreed. It's pretty special to see everyone so excited, even if it doesn't have a lot to do with yourself personally. So much bad news and people who have lost hope nowadays, it's nice to see people come together over something.

Plus, it makes a great drinking game if you have a drink everytime they say 'historic'.