Changing history: One of two "magic" Obama flags my Canadian friend Gillian bought last month during our whirlwind trip to New York. The flag is perched on an architectural model. I wanted to photograph the Obama flag in various locations around Paris, but it rained. Come back soon for the story of the magic flags and more.
For most Americans, this is a momentous day. I am overcome with emotion: bursting with pride and alternately weeping with joy or laughing out loud because today BARACK OBAMA IS OUR PRESIDENT! It was a long, hard road, but together, we worked hard and made it happen.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all who took this restless -and at times harrowing - journey; to those who supported and encouraged my political posts and reminded me that every voice matters. I wish we were all together in one big room, drinking toasts to our new president! Tonight, when we pop the champagne corks, I will be thinking of you, with awe and amazement at what we've accomplished.
But after the champagne's gone flat and the fireworks fizzle, our real work begins. We can't afford to be complacent. If we learned anything during the last eight years of Bush-Cheney and one disaster after another, it is that we cannot take our eye off the ball or lose sight of our moral compass, beliefs and principles. We cannot just sleepwalk amidst our personal comfort zones, while things fall apart around us. We cannot expect our government to solve all our problems; as citizens we share responsibilities for our nation's welfare.
It's important that we get involved and make a difference in our communities. We need to volunteer in local government; in our schools; hospitals; civic organisations; human rights groups; charities. We need to write our Congressmen and women and question their choices. We need to speak out when we witness injustices. Silence is no longer an option.
We are all in this together - and that's evidenced - especially on this bright, auspicious day - by the shining eyes and smiling faces of my fellow Americans, rich in our diversity. What unites us is stronger than what divides us. So let's celebrate - we deserve it! Tomorrow, we start to heal the gaping wounds of our country.
Le Monde, Paris. "The era of Obama: Patriotism, but without nationalism."
Le Parisien. "The 44th President. Everything follows the inauguration of Obama."
Le Figaro.
Le Figaro's special section about the US presidential inauguration. Note the way the American flag wraps around their banner.
France Soir. "Remember our history and the lessons of Martin Luther King."
Liberation.
Les Echos. "The new America."
The International Herald Tribune.
Tammy, hope you're feeling much better! I hope and pray that stem cell research will bring the cure you and so many others need. You weren't the only one weeping for joy on inauguration day! Love to you, my dear friend. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 27 January 2009 at 10:49
Hi Tara, I have had a slow recovery from this bug. Barack brings hope to our country but especially to those of us who need cures. Stem cell research will bring me the cure of my dreams. This day meant the world to me as I wept in joy. HUGS
Posted by: Tammy | 26 January 2009 at 22:57
It's a wonderful phrase to be savored, after such a long tough campaign.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 23 January 2009 at 12:07
Thanks for showing all those newspapers. President Barack Obama ... I love saying that!
Posted by: January | 23 January 2009 at 01:33
Thank you! I'm proud of the voters too. Today I was in a taxi and the cab driver had been reading an article about Obama. He said "the whole world" is relieved and happy that Obama was our choice. He said that Obama has already made a "big impact" in his first two days of office. C'est vrai!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 January 2009 at 20:20
During our inauguration breakfast, someone said that Cheney probably threw out his back on purpose just so he wouldn't have to stand when Obama was being sworn in :)
I love how you tell your story so effectively with photos. Those unanimous front pages are a sight to behold.
I am so proud of all the Americans who voted Obama president!
Posted by: dutchbaby | 22 January 2009 at 18:56
P.S. I think you confuse "elite" and "globalists" with those who have educations, read and think for themselves, considering the evolving situations in the world around us and our important leadership role in the global community. Stupidity is not an asset, despite what the Bush administration - and Sarah Palin and her ilk - would have us believe.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 January 2009 at 09:28
Merci bien! Thank you for the kind and supportive remarks. We are so happy that our new president is off to a good start, already making positive changes. I hope that someday you get your wish about France's better leadership.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 January 2009 at 09:23
Isn't it a thrilling time (despite those, i.e. the commenter below, who persist in being a wet blanket and want to see our new president - and I guess our country - fail)? A happy day indeed - and better days ahead for us all.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 January 2009 at 09:20
In his first day of office, Obama has already made dramatic changes from the previous administration - beginning the steps to close Guantanamo Bay; instigating new rules for lobbyists; talking to Middle East leaders, etc. So he has already proved you wrong and will continue to do so. As Obama said in his inaugural address, the cynical politics of the past are over. Why don't you maintain an open mind and wait and see what his administration accomplishes, before making snap judgments? Why don't you see what you can do to help our country succeed, rather than dwell in negative thinking? Negative thinking never accomplishes anything; there's simply no room for that anymore.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 22 January 2009 at 09:17
Regarding Obama. "It did not matter who won the election." The handlers around Obama are, for the most part, members of the Council on Foreign Relations. "The elite." "The globalists." They are essentially the same people who ran the Clinton administration and both Bush Administrations. There will be absolutely no change in either our domestic or foreign policy. The people who have looted this country will continue to loot this country. Obama will follow orders and will take the fall for the economic calamity that is about to unfold. Obama is another feckless, empty suit, who was selected, trained, groomed, packaged and sold to a gullible, and naive American public
Posted by: bill | 22 January 2009 at 05:16
Tara, THANK YOU for sharing those newspaper covers! I've been dying to know what they were saying in France and now I can see for myself!
I can't quit singing O Happy Day!
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | 22 January 2009 at 05:15
It was indeed magical! And we have to keep the positive momentum going - now that we've emerged from eight years of darkness, there can be no going back. Yes, cheers, cheers and more cheers! xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 23:50
I loved that day! I wish we could find someone even a little bit like him for our French country... I thought about you yesterday watching the show on TV with the girls. C'était tellement émouvant pour tous ces gens enfin libres d'être ce qu'ils sont, juste des gens biens.
Posted by: Nelly d'ici et d'ailleurs | 21 January 2009 at 22:09
What a day indeed! I am so proud of our country and hope we can keep this wonderful, positive momentum going. Cheers!!
Posted by: Rosa | 21 January 2009 at 22:01
I was thinking about you too, Steph. What an amazing, incredible moment in our history. So good to be a part of something wonderful and positive! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 21:14
I think you'll be pleased with the "trust" cards. And yes, what a thrill that change has come at last - out of the darkness, into the light!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 21:13
Isn't this a wonderful time??!! I'm so happy! Haven't come down off Cloud 9 yet...
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 21:12
Tara,
What a TREAT! to see this beautiful face(s) splashed all over the world!! I was GLUED to the events yesterday, happy tears flowing. AND yes, our work has just begun....I'm up for it!!! Popped champagne with friends and neighbors but raised a glass to you and my blog friends as well!!
A New Day has Dawned...
x..x
steph
Posted by: stephanie | 21 January 2009 at 20:24
Thank you for the wonderful images! I loved seeing all the different papers. I am so excited for us and for the world...beautiful change has come. :-)
And thanks for your previous post with the Trust Cards---I am going to go order a set!
Posted by: Cyberdelia | 21 January 2009 at 17:45
Thank you, Philip. Let's hope our new president can help regain our standing in the world, with positive action and wise decisions.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 17:36
Lala, it is hoped that like your family, much of the world views our new president with optimism! He will need all our prayers. xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 17:15
This is a great day for the manking in that there is a new hope! I join you in congratulating the new president of USA and sharing with you your joy and hope!
Posted by: Philip | 21 January 2009 at 15:38
oh YES !!! this is such a happy time for the world...i called my family in Madagascar and everybody was so happy and emotional. We need to pray for the new US president to be wisely guided and strong...
love, love to see all these front pages Tara!
:-)
Posted by: my castle in Spain | 21 January 2009 at 14:55
Yes - I was out much of the day, but from just before 5 p.m., I was watching the inaugural events on television until 2 a.m. In between, there was a celebratory dinner and champagne, of course! Such a wonderful day in our history - now to get busy righting some wrongs!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 11:53
Didn't you just love every minute of it? I was curled up on the sofa all day glued to the TV.
Posted by: Di Overton | 21 January 2009 at 11:23
I think much of the world is celebrating with us - and as Americans in all our diversity, we look like much of the world. It's a brilliant moment in our history. Onwards and upwards. Ad aspera per astrada. (To the stars, through difficulty).
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 10:14
Absolutely! It's up to us to pitch in and help change things for the better.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 10:11
Amen, sistah, amen!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 10:09
YES!!!!! That's you and me and everyone else, doing what we can to affect change. Yes we can! xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 10:08
He has a rare talent for bringing people together from opposite sides of the political spectrum. I think he can make things happen that no leader in recent memory can - it all begins with dialogue. And he's proved over and over again that he wants to be inclusive, i.e. by reaching out to McCain and even having dinner with the conservative and right-wing columnists. I think President Obama will be very effective - but he'll need the help of all of us. The time has long past that we can sit back and be taken care of, doing nothing in return.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 10:06
I thought the same thing. :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 10:02
I'm doing a happy dance here in Provence!!!
Posted by: poppy fields | 21 January 2009 at 09:35
I could hardly sleep last night... neither could anyone I know... It was a glorious day... lets keep the spirit going.
Posted by: diane Bronstein | 21 January 2009 at 08:32
"We cannot expect our government to solve all our problems; as citizens we share responsibilities for our nation's welfare."--
AAAAAMANN! ;)
BE the change you wish to see in the world!
:)
Posted by: amber | 21 January 2009 at 04:34
And I thought the symbolsim of them wheeling Cheney away was a sight to behold!!!
Posted by: My Melange | 21 January 2009 at 04:10
Great day, huh Tara/??!!! One thing I notice about him- his smile and laugh are infectous. He puts people at ease with them. I hope we are lucky enough to have him for 8 years!!!
Posted by: My Melange | 21 January 2009 at 04:09
Free (of Bush) at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last~"
Posted by: Joyce Ellen Davis | 21 January 2009 at 03:53
Oh, this is AWESOME! I love seeing all of these wonderful front pages! Obama is someone that the world admires and that is going to make it so much easier for him to do the work he needs to. I still think I'm in a little bit of shock. After so much waiting, it's really happened. And now the things he spoke of in his speech can start to happen to turn things around.
I was in a very large crowd today of every kind of person: age, color, background. But today we truly truly felt like Americans. All together, all equal, all happy.
Posted by: tangobaby | 21 January 2009 at 03:03
Yes to the champers in Philadelphia. And you're right, we've only just begun - and the future is looking much brighter! xo
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 21 January 2009 at 01:01
POP.....goes my cork. A toast to you Tara. Thanks for all of your commentary. We'll definitely have a drink when I see you again.
We've only just begun.
Posted by: Karen Cole | 21 January 2009 at 00:26
Thank YOU, Chris. I think we are all very lucky to have a fresh start with a smart leader. Better days ahead, but we'll have to work to realise our goals. We'll have to remember who we are as Americans and what we want as our lasting legacy.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 20 January 2009 at 22:58
Absolutely! Doesn't "President Obama" sound wonderful??!!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 20 January 2009 at 22:56
I agree with you, Constance. One of my happiest days too. I am beyond thrilled at this new dawn in our history. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 20 January 2009 at 22:56
To me it feels like my birthday, Christmas and Thanksgiving all rolled into one! :) Happy day, indeed!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 20 January 2009 at 22:48
it truly is a happy happy day. :)
Posted by: elizabeth | 20 January 2009 at 22:45
I have been lucky enough to have been following every minute of the day's festivities while at work. I've been happy, excited, touched, saddened, grateful, amazed, just about every emotion. I wish we were all in a room toasting and talking about our dream of the day when many of these bigger challenges will have been overcome and we can move forward even more toward peace and equality and the freedom to achieve each of our highest potentials.
Thank you so much for your honesty and passion, and I look forward to more. Rock on!
Posted by: Chris | 20 January 2009 at 22:04
It is one of the happiest days of my life! ALL I CAN DO IS SMILE TARA!!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING IN THIS Amazing JOY!!!!!!!!!!!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 20 January 2009 at 21:59
I still can't believe we are here and Obama is president. Wonderful, happy day!!
Posted by: kris | 20 January 2009 at 21:42
Thank you, dearest Gill. I'll always remember our time in New York - and the symbolic flags and the magic that unfolded after the flags appeared! We have high hopes for our new president and his administration. And we'll do our part to help the country recover from eight years of neglect. Thank you for being such a wonderful, supportive friend and cheerleader! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 20 January 2009 at 21:08