BellaOnline Forums News and Politics Democratic Party A moving experience.....today

The whole thing was completely an overwhelming of emotions. I have never been an advocate of politics, never found the news interesting as a teenager and never took our government serious until President Clinton won, then slowly, I lost the interest in our political system again, after President Bush Sr. won.

After this election and during several years before as I watched this young man names Barack Obama, I became once again interested in our country but today, something struck me quite odd.

I found, the way the new VP and wife and P and wife said goodbye to the old VP and P intriguing. As Chaney left in the car, I thought, this is quite classy to wave bon voyage as the old staff departs but when Pres. Bush took off in the helicopter, get this....I cried. I actually shed a tear and as I did, my hubbie said, "honey, ya' know, they weren't bad people, just misguided" and I shook my head in agreement.

What was your take as it all ended with the former staff of our head governmental staff? Was it truly former Pres. Bush's fault? What would you do being over 50 states and the world expecting all kinds decisions from you.

I am grateful for our new President and am honored to have been a part of this wonderful event. However, that tear shed for Bush, kinda' got to me today...maybe I felt sorry for him. Chime in and let us know how you felt.

I think they should have picked Beyonce rather than Erethra to sing Oh beautiful. She could barely sing it and did she make up the words as she went along. I think Eretha was the Queen of Soul but not anymore. Pass the crown.

Kimmie, I can honestly say that I shed no tears for the exit of Pres. Bush and Chaney. I feel that their approach to leading the country was not with an educated and open view of our country and of the world. I would hope that the end take-away for the country is that we need to stay alert and cognisant of whom we elect to represent and guide us. It ought not be based upon whether they would make a good barbecue buddy, but where their spirit and intentions lie. A self-centered spirit will only take care of their own best interests, and trample over what they don't understand. I feel that this is the lesson Bush has given to all of us, and we are blessed to have received it - as it has given us a chance to achieve awareness and understand the value of the calm, thoughtful and receptive spirit that Obama is.

Shay

I wasn't a Bush fan either, but today it was more a personal level that I shed a tear for the Bushs as a family, just from the emotions of it all. So for me it wasn't about who ruined what and who could or will fix what, it was about all of the changes all of the families taking or leaving office will make.
This is just MY opinion. We all react to things differently for different reasons and I'll leave it at that.

One other thought on the choice for Aretha Franklin to sing. I was actually quite moved by her "rendition" of the song...I was in tears and it sent shivers down my spine. To be honest and I'm embarrased to admit, I don't even know that I know all the words ( I definitely would not do well on the show "are you smarter then a 5th grader if I had to sing it...lol...)
It's just MY opinion with a smile that Beyonce would have been a little too commercial for me. Beyonce can sing, but I think going a little more traditional was better for this occassion.

Hm...I do understand where you're coming from. I guess for me Bush always felt like a blanket of oppression over the nation - he never did get to my heart. To see him leave feels like that blanket has been lifted - I look upon his affect on the world now, as a lesson to be learned, no sentiments attached. I tend to see things not in terms of blame, but of lessons and opportunities for growth. I don't worry about his family. They have a very comfortable home to go to, and they will never have to worry about money or security, like so many people do.

I did shed many tears throughout the day out of joy for the Obamas and for the nation, though. They are in my heart and soul and feel like a miraculous blessing.

Shay

I thought it was classy how Obama escorted him to the hellicopter. I have never seen an outgoing president excorted by the new president to the hellicopter like that. Very classy and beautiful.

Schools in our area (Tampa, FL) made the children watch it - hurray for them! This was history, whether people like it or not.

I feel "safe" like I did when I saw Reagan sworn in. I really hope this will be the change we have been looking for.

Positively,

I actually think Bush was probably glad to be leaving -- the problems are monumental, and the job takes its toll on the president. I think every president has wanted to leave the country better -- but Bush, imo, didn't really understand what was good for it.

When I saw Joe Biden sworn in, I remember thinking, "Phew! At least if something happens, we won't have Pres. Cheney!" Of course, fortunately, nothing happened, and we have President Obama! He has a LOT of work ahead of him.

Over all, I don't think Bush did a good job, and I think he chose to cherry-pick intel. to support his predetermined direction, but I will give him this -- he was classy at the transition, made sure it went smoothly from his end.

I didn't get to see anything after Obama's speech, because I had an appointment, but I was glad to be able to see as much as I did. My son had to miss it because he was in class (college.)

youtube it ;0) The whole speech is on there