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Obama's pledge
Barack Obama is sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts as the 44th president of the United States of America on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington, on Tuesday. Obama became the first African-American to be elected to the office of President in the history of the United States. PHOTO/ REUTERS
In Summary
- President offers fresh start to poor nations and the Muslim world
Barack Obama made history last night when he was sworn in as the first black president of America.
Mr Obama, the son of a Kenyan father and a white mother from Kansas, took the oath of office at 8pm Kenyan time on the steps of the US Capitol, his hand placed on a Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration in 1861.
In his speech, President Obama said: “On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”
He promised a new start with the Muslim world “based on mutual interest and mutual respect”.
Mr Obama promised bold, swift action to meet what he called the crisis of two wars and a badly weakened economy.
“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many,” president Obama said in a prepared text of his inaugural speech. “They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met!”
Mr Obama, a Democrat taking over the presidency from Republican George W. Bush, said the economic crisis buffeting the country was the result of “greed and irresponsibility on the part of some” and promised to keep a watchful eye to ensure that the market does not spin out of control.
“The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act,” he said.
He also vowed to responsibly pull US forces out of Iraq and forge peace in Afghanistan, while pledging to find a new way forward in relations with the Muslim world.
But he warned those who wage terrorism around the world that America’s resolve remained strong.
“We say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”
Mr Obama’s inauguration as the 44th president caps hopes and dreams of, among others, generations of African-Americans who suffered slavery and then racial segregation that made them second-class citizens.
Kenyans joined the world in celebrating as Mr Obama made history.
Gathering in pubs, restaurants and watching from giant screens erected in public places in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Eldoret, and other major towns, they cheered and ululated as Obama took the oath.
There had been excitement throughout the day as many remained glued to their television sets, following events from Washington.
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A society will be judged by how it treats the least fortunate amongst it's people. Obama, though he is a great man, is not Jesus. You will be judged by your actions and not you words; Yes ..I am my brother's keeper. YOU SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE LEAST FORTUNATE AMONGST YOU. Yes..you are your brother's keeper. Judgement day is nigh...
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ConspiracyTheorist, there are many of Obama's achievement but being president overshadows all of them. Coming from a poor family on American standards, he was able to attend Columus University and Harvard Law School - these being Ivy league schools where social elitism is highly practised. At Harvard, he became the first African-American president of Harvard Law Review. This man got it, we have to give him that.
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Jangerboy, I do not know what you term to be achievement but this is what the dictionary says: something accomplished, esp. by superior ability, special effort, great courage, etc.; a great or heroic deed: his remarkable achievements in art. In that respect what you said about PRE. Obama already qualify him as an achiever.
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