Whether you like him or not,his inaugeration is a huge historical milestone in our countrys history.

It may very well turn out that Obama's inaugural might be the high point of his Presidency. Indeed, his poll numbers have slipped from the high 70's back in late January to about 50% today. It is very well possible that his numbers could slip further before it's all said and done.

I tend to think that people had extremely unrealistic expectations for Obama. They expected him to go into office, turn around the economy, change the status quo, end the war, cut the corruption in Washington. But the reality is that it's business as usual. Indeed, he bears more similarities to George W. Bush than his supporters care to admit.

To me, it was obvious during the campaign that it would be business as usual by just looking at the people he was surrounding himself with, mainly Washington insiders and Clintonites.

He did give a good inaugural speech though. Too bad he can't live up to the hype and promise.

Obama's election was significant. His inauguration, on the other hand, like most ceremonies, was just a formality. The importance of such events are always inflated by those who are obsessed with such things, and those who stand to make money from them, such as television networks.

Like most instances of pomp and circumstance, it went on too long and was overproduced. And like orchestrated events, it quickly faded as more important things happened.

But I can still heard and see the highly irritating figure of Diane Feinstein acting like everyone was there for her. . .

I ducked out early and went straight to Gilligan's Island. As smart as the Professor was, why couldn't he fix that damn boat?

A pretty big deal. I think Obama is doing an okay job given what he has to deal with. I personally voted for Nader but Obama is a better choice than McCain....even though I believe Dems and Repubs are pretty much the same thing in 99% of most cases.

All decent human beings must have rejoiced at the sight of bigots frothing at the mouth as Obama ascended the throne vacated by our most glorious and magnificent fearless leader, the great white hope: Dubya.

Once the novelty has worn off however, we're all going to have to face the fact that the nation is still being led by a man who takes his orders from the corporate elite.

Did I miss something when I was at the post office? Damn invoices, they get in the way of everything...

UPDATE: Its interesting to see how everyone is reacting. True to the predictions of some, there is already a touchdown dance, shut up and sit down crowd forming and a crowd getting ready to print up a new run of "Not my President" bumper stickers. Neither will accomplish a whole lot in the long run. For the record, I really was at the post office when he was sworn in. My business stops for no man.

What a moment it must have been for black people. Obama's getting bombarded with requests (more like begging) for new cars, to kitchen updates, to anything else you can think of. THIS IS WHY YOU WON??

Opining as a conservative (small "c") it was an impressive event, belittled a bit by the rank partisanship on display. My stance is that it is a shame such a historic event is so sullied in liberal touchdown dancing and nyah-nyahs. It was OK for Bill Clinton's inauguration, that was all about partisan politics. This should have risen above, but didn't. I am proud of my country for electing a black guy. I am not proud of the rush to socialistic government that the current crop of democrats are careening toward. Marinating for 20+ years in Rev. Wright's church and the politics of Chicago, how could he be anything but a raving socialist, even though he is portrayed by a friendly press as a thoughtful moderate?

So, it is bittersweet, as most political events turn out. Every black American will not benefit from Obama's (and the democrats', and the media's) accomplishment, nor will every non-black. But, every American will be paying for the rest of our lives for the horrible ideology which has swept not only Obama, but a frighteningly unstoppable ideological cabal which has taken control of our government, into power, and I do mean power.

I wish he were more of a centrist, so that all Americans could enjoy the culmination of what many of us on both the left and the right believe in. Unfortunately, he is an over-confident Jimmy Carter on steroids and his crazy left-wing cabinet and destructive initiatives must be slowed down and, in most cases, stopped altogether, before every semblance of freedom and self-reliance are relinquished by Americans to the comfortably numb confidence that the government is now populated by good, honest guys who will take care of us. It isn't.

First President "of color" as they would say in the old days, and a Democrat who ended eight years of Republican rule. Obviously a significant event. Early on in the Obama Presidency his job performance is consistent with my predictions; so I think history will mark this as even more significant as time goes by.

Obviously any time a new president takes office it's significant. To put political opinion aside for a moment, I think most people recognize the historical significance and appreciate the opprotunity to see it happen. If we look back on it as a good thing or a bad thing for where the country is going can really only honestly be answered with more than 15 days gone by.

Well, Barack Obama is now our 44th President. Some are cheering gleefully, some are screaming and pulling out their hair, and some are indifferent. Regardless of what we may feel about him, I do know one thing. He needs prayer. All politicians do.

I choose to not discuss politics as it is such a sensitive subject to so many. Talk about making people mad. We'll see how he does. Only time will tell.

For many the big deal was the first ever Black President in The White House. England has always looked up to the United States and it's going to be interesting when and if Barrack Obama visits this side of the pond for him to see how many black politicians are in Parliament and for England to have a good look in the mirror.

For myself personally the biggest deal was that America was no longer governed by an incompetent and socially inept Republican who was quite frankly an embarressment to his country.

Yes this was a historical occassion, but we have to remember that we shouldn't place such high hopes on someone who hasn't yet proven if they can make a country that was once respected great again.

President Obama has a big job on his hands and it's going to take more than four years to repair the damage already done by the Bush administration.

I wish President Obama all the best during his four years in office. If he does well then I hope for another four years of his Presidency. Hopefully people will see more than just a Black man. They will see a well-educated man, with a big job ahead of him who made a country great and respected throughout the world again. But the man who did it just so happens to be black.

watched part of it , from when the former presidents walked in up to our new president's speech ,good for what i watched like the speech.

It's not often that you get the opportunity to consciously watch history being made. Typically the impact of events take time to sink in. Regardless of what happens during the next 48 months, today is a significant day in the course of the history of the United States.

The Inauguration of a President is an incredibly important event, no matter which party or individual is taking the Oath. However, I think the swearing in of a black President is definitely a historic moment in our country's history, and there are many Americans who are more excited than usual because of it. The attendance at this Inauguration looks to be a record, and I think there is an almost tangible feeling of excitement around this event. This is a pretty good day to be an American in my opinion, and I wish the best for Obama, our government, and our country over the next four years.

Not surprisingly, a beautifully written speech, exceptionally delivered. We knew that Obama and his team could pull that part off.

What was striking to me was the centrist tone of the speech. A nod towards the free market here, with the qualification that regulation is needed. A willingness to use force, but without forgetting diplomacy. An emphasis on wealth creation, but also on the reach of that wealth.

I thought it was pretty awesome.

I won't be alone when, 20, 30, 40 years from now, I can tell people where I was when Obama was sworn in. If you tell me that speech didn't touch you in some way, I'll call you a liar.