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

I think Aretha Franklin's redition was moving..I had to work yesterday..so I watched it on the computer. We own and operate a small fishing and hunting store; so I put the speech over the speakers so our customers could hear it. At one point, there were several of us standing together just listening. It was interesting to see people stop an listen. Since, I am originally from De, I was happy to see Joe Biden become our Vice-President. When you live in a small state that doesn't happen very often.
Sundancer
www.mikessportinggoodsonline.com

Diane, you are so right about Areth doing a wonderful rendition of the song in how "she" felt. When you sing like Aretha sings, and if you know anything about her, she sings from the soul. It's not about the quoting of exact wording, but what the words represent. I still feel chills from her singing yesterday.

Did anyone see what Good MOrning America did this morning with that song? It was quite beautiful and stirred up emotions all over again. Yes, Aretha will always be the queen of soul. Can't take her crown for a change of words in a song. Thanks for chiming in everyone. Anyone else?

Very classy. They could have stayed in the car and rode all the way to the white house, but they didn't.

They could have left early to rest a bit before the inaugural balls (all of 'em) that night, but instead, they stayed to see ALL of the parade, because of the many people that were a part of that parade and their wanting to see the President.

It's always classy how you treat others rather than how they treat you. Always. Good point Jase.

As soon as President Obama remembered the Viet Nam veterans I started to cry and the tears flowed down my face through the rest of the speech. It was very moving and inspiring.

As for Bush, I shed NO tears for him. As the saying goes, don't let the door hit you.....

I understand Helen. I guess the Christian side came out and I had to even find compassion for him.

I am writing this...as the Republicans have some big get together....and are literally throwing Bush under the bus. Blame Bush....hey whatever I think of Bush....any bad was NOT caused by him alone. Watching the Republicans eat one of their own....makes me feel sorry for Bush. Almost. Why can't the politicos put country first and party second? And that means almost all of them of both parties.....And yes, I know, they do NOT ever take blame for anything....

Shay, You are right on with your answer to Kimmie. And you are absolutely correct about the last 8 years being a chance for us to all learn from our mistakes. And Mr. Bush gave us a lot of to chew on. I don't understand where republican's heads are with regards to people. People are what make up this and any other country. But republicans see the ordinary people as 'commoners'. They truly see them as expendible, something to use and get rid of, something to ignore and let them waste away. I really have a hard time understanding how these people can call themselves Christian and still treat the common people the way they do.