Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, we want to hear from you on Obama’s Inauguration Day. Are you excited, partying, bored?
Email us your pics at worldhaveyoursay@bbc.com
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Obviously you’re welcome to contribute however you like, but we’d really like your help in shaping how we describe and analyse the whole day and these are a few areas we’re sure to want to get into.
Do you have questions about the inauguration process you’d like answered?
If you’re watching the inauguration, where and how will you be doing it? And how much interest is there in your country?
If you’re not watching, why not? Is that about Mr Obama, America or do you just have better things to do?
What would you like to hear Mr Obama emphasise in his speech?
Lots of questions and there are sure to be more once things get underway. We’ll be updating this page throughout the day. Whatever your politics it should be one to remember.
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BBC World Have Your Say 
Do you need any help?
Good to see you earlier Steve. you’re very welcome to come down. we’re pretty wellk staffed but you’re still very welcome to come down. am sure there will be things for you to do. and if not it’s a good vantage point anyway. but you’ll need a ticket to get in…
Oh well, I’m not special. 😦
I’m going to email my friend Jen whose father works at either the Senate or Congressional office of ethics, i’m sure I’m going to be watching this on TV, but if my dad didn’t leave his old job, I would have been watching this from the Rotunda. Either way, most likely I will be watching this on TV. Keep warm.
What am I doing today?
Working…. Laaaaaame.
Re: If you’re not watching, why not? Is that about Mr Obama, America or do you just have better things to do?
It’s about Obama, America, and I do have better things to do.
Re: Obviously you’re welcome to contribute however you like, but we’d really like your help in shaping how we describe and analyse the whole day and these are a few areas we’re sure to want to get into.
If Obama mentions Sarah Palin or you see her, please let me know! 🙂
Hey Ros… Well, today I am actually xtremely busy studying Haematology, but of course I’ll be watching the ceremonies on TV if electricity is available, Inshallah… In Iraq, Iraqi media so far have shown a considerable interest in the event, but in general the upcoming Iraqi regional elections is still the predominant issue in Iraq on which all lights are being shed… I plan to drink my favourite drink while watching the event, hot milk with chocolate flavour… With my love… Yours forever, Lubna in Baghdad…
I am not really excited. I am in the office and working. I dont even want o see the telly. I am only thinking about Man. United beating Derby tonite to reach the Carling cup Final.
Well what am I doing?I am waiting to participate on any Obama ceremonies!!But no one has invited me which makes me really sad.I wish Barrack Obama all the best!
Good for America.
Every Channel Has It!
Is this an all-black affair? When will the epic end and hard talk begin?
Poor understanding of English language is our other problem in Iran. We feel left out.
I will be toasty and warm in my apartment watching the festivities on TV.
While watching this historic event I will be searching the internet, looking for a job.
Later this evening I do get to go to an inaugural party.
What a fantastic day for the US of A. This brings true hope to every American. Let’s just hope that we give him and his team the time to meet the challenges of this momentous occasion and all the potential.
I’ll be teaching today’s chemistry classes as usual, not watching all the hoopla, and only caring the man actually does what he will swear to do at noon today.
g
I’m an Obamaniac from the start, but not a fan of huge crowds or bitter cold, so I’ll be in San Francisco during the big event, which is at 9:00 a.m. our time.
I see the World Have Your Say slant continues to be relentlessly, consistently downbeat and cynical and deprecatory towards Obama, as it was for the months of the campaign. Just in the last few days, I see “Are we expecting too much?” and “Is change really coming?” and I remember a drumbeat of similar premises from last year. Maybe you guys can give the guy a break today?
HI everyone,
Since erratic power supply is the norm in Nigeria nay Lagos, I would have to switch on a generator to watch the inauguration. Also I would be listening to the BBC’s coverage. The interest in Nigeria is quite huge. People especially young educated people seem to be inspired about Obama’s ascendancy. But I see it like this Africans and other third world countries are inspired by Obama while African Americans have HOPE intertwined with the inspiration. I think it is because of the slavery et al.
Why wouldn’t anyone love to see this?
President Obama should emphasize on the American economy, foreign policy and smart diplomacy. He should have figured out that every country wants to associate her self with him, even the so-called “AXIS OF EVIL” and surprisingly, Israel. The Israelis know that there is that possibility that Obama wouldn’t give them that biased support they got from Bush. That is why they finished their bombardment of Gaza and left in record time. Obama without saying much has a lot of political strength on his side due to his no nonsense and impartial stance on issues.
Dolapo Aina,
Lagos, Nigeria
Lol, What I am doing in the midst of all of this is wondering. What does GW think of all of this. This is like on giant celebration that he is leaving. I mean every time I have to go away for a lengthy period of time my “family” and “friends” at least wait till I am gone before throwing the big party. This one is going on in George’s front lawn while he is trying to get the moving trucks up to the door to be loaded. I hope somebody at least sent him a thank you card.
“Mr. Bush, with out your failed policies and horrible adminstration skills, this day would not have been possible. They were truely an inspiration for millions to seek something different.”
New dawn for America!
This is Bernard from Kenya. Today in the Morning, at the work place, i was excited to see how people could really be interested in this inauguration thing. My friend, was leaving early and i asked, “Is anything wrong, you leave early today?” “Which Kenya are you living in?”, he asked. I thought and i smiled when i remembered hearing on radio there would be free live entertainments in several places here in Nairobi, screening the inauguration live. But the major joint will be at the international conference center where a major TV station is doing the same.
While i could not have been so much concerned, i realized people here in Kenya and Nairobi in particular are leaving their routines to watch the big event.
I know a lot of beer will be consumed (especially a common beer that used to be nicknamed “obama” – its actual name was “senator” but now known as “president” since the election of Obama), animals killed and dancing will take place.
Due to this, i believe even a less concerned person will want to ask “Whats really going on here?”
Bernard from Nairobi.
I’m at work as usual. They set up a live link to our desktops (how nice), however it hardly works! Too bad. Oh well, back to work. Today’s activity as we say in Jamaica “won’t affect the price of fish”.
I’ll be sitting here at my lab bench in Lake Oswego, Oregon, carving teeth and watching it all on tv.
I feel confident that Obama’s speech will be one of the most memorable in American history. Whatever else you may think of him he is an articulate visionary above all and I’m sure he won’t disappoint.
And one thought – Today marks the moment that the 233 year old promise of our nation’s founders is finally being met. Our grandchildren will never know a country that bars the achievement of our highest office on the basis of race.
Come what may, our culture is being profoundly changed by this day.
Today I will work, then go home and watch American Idol. I can’t wait for this inauguration to be over. The over-the-top exuberance and abundance of giddiness on display is making me quite nauseous.
James the Kenyan here
I am going to be listening to BBC radio proceeding so no commercials interference. In addition I take hot tea and listen to the speech and proceedings. I am hoping also that Bush gives the WORLD last HURRAY almighty GAFFE it will warm things up on a cold night here in Nairobi.
James the Kenyan here
I am going to be listening to BBC radio proceeding so no commercials interference. In addition I take hot tea and listen to the speech and proceedings. I am hoping also that Bush gives the WORLD last HURRAY almighty GAFFE it will warm things up on a cold night here in Nairobi. And SUM up his whole 8 years.
I am really exited and anticipating the greatest speech ever to be made in history.
Few minutes from Now, that angel sent by God amongst man will perform the political and intellectual ritual today.
Liberia is at a stand still for once since the turning over of former President Charles Taylor to the UN backed Court
Monrovia-Liberia
Sick and tired of Obama menia. If the people in Britain want Obama so much, take him, we don’t need him here to ruin our country.
He is not qualified to be a President, and the idiots voted for him just because he is black. He has no achievements in his political life, and he bought the white house with the money of his radical left friends. He is going to implement his radical left agenda, no good wishes for him.
Blogging, watching an event that could possibly change the whole world, taking in the history of the day.
I certainly feel different – its like someone is lifting a weight from you shoulders but you are anticipating them dropping it at the last second.
And, to be 100% honest, waiting for them playing the last hail to the chief for Bush, longing that in his last words he drops a bollock. Then the world can say “Bye – make sure the door hits you hard on the way out!”
I just don’t have the word to say how much I detest Bush & Cheney.
In less than an hour – he will be gone!
Hello Ros !
Good to have you.
I’m watching and listening.
The man is not the 2nd coming.
Nevertheless I do like the MAN.
The fact of the matter is, that change is the only constant of biological and political history.
This abhorrence of change becomes stronger as people growing older-politicians.
Americans, are you ready to a metaphorical ‘Machivavellien’ change ?
All these I know it sound ‘cornpone’, I din’t say at, I just have taken it out of content!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I do love the America, specially Jefferson and Lincon.
Bjay connotations with accent.
I am counting down the seconds until Obama is sworn in! This is as much about Obama taking office and it is about Bush leaving! Never thought this day would get here. About 1800 seconds to go…
Yay! I’m so excited I’m not sure what my name is right now.
YE
MY HART GOES OUT FOR THE MAN !!!
GOOD, GOOD, LUCK TO HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
COMES OUT FROM BOTTOM OF MY TICKERS (HART)
NO CONNOTATION. Bjay.
This is the first time, as a recent resident of USA and belong to largest democratic country like India seen such a celebritation just to transfer of power from one to the other, the festivities have surpassed the medieval festivities of crowning an emperor. In a democracy there is no room for such extravagant celebration, the elected representative just takes the oath of the office in simple ceremony that is all.
This kind of festivities do not happen in any other democratic country, the head of the state would invite the elected representative to take oath and there by the government starts functioning.
Yes, I agree Mr Obama had made history and created the change in US politics, at the same time he could have made this swearing in event more memorable with a simple ceremony with out much expenses and savings at these difficult times, by doing so he would have left his legacy of changing history as well as what an elected representative means in a democracy. Further he could have changed the history as well by keeping these events simple at the time of these difficulties faced by US as well as the world in whole.
It’s almost 3AM here in Australia and for the past few weeks I’ve been telling myself the sensible thing would be to get a good night’s sleep and watch a replay in the morning.
I couldn’t do it….this is history.
Let’s enjoy the moment. Tomorrow the hard work of re-building the world economy…and America’s severely tarnished image…will start.
When President elect Barack Obama in his victory’s speech said that changed has occurred, I translated these words into the following meanings;
That I, Obama, has inspired you and unleashed the potential within you to do the impossible or there about, and do what it takes to achieve our goals. What mans asks of life is proportional to his or her intensity of demand.
I am at work, watching the inaguration live. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else during this historic occasion.
The weight is lifted!
History made!
Welcome President Barack Hussain Obama!
Actually I am very bored about Obama´s Inaguration Day.
Here in Spain It is not an important event because Bush´s administration did not treat Spanish Goverment very well and this is the main reason because Spanish people do not spend a lot of time watching TV.
Yes you can see it on the TV but for us is most important the change than the show.
I hope that this man could give us (the rest of the world) new hopes and a new and safe world.
Let him work no less than one hundred days and later we can talk about his intentions.
Congratulations for American´s people from Spain.
Dear BBC,
I love your broadcast. I’m so sick of the horribly negative news stations in the United States that listening to your broadcast is a breath of fresh air!
In regards to Mr. Obama, I would like to say I am pleasantly surprised by the American people’s ability to look past skin color and race to choose the right man for the job. This is truly a momentous occasion.
Having lived overseas all my life, including a 9 year stay in Nairobi, Kenya, before settling in the US I have heard stories from colleagues the world over and I can honestly say this is a victory for every man, woman and child on earth.
This goes beyond the US reversing the federal deficit, beyond RE-establishing the US as the major superpower not only in military and economic strength but also in the “coolness” factor and beyond the shinning seas. This event marks the banding together of the entire world to combat planet killers like global warming and meteorites bound to destroy civilization as we know it.
I cannot stop smiling and have never been more proud to be American.
Sincerely,
Mike B.
Anaheim, California
It is more like the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in its full glory!
I have always believed that in every nation there are good people and bad ones. Watching what is going on in Washington DC right now gives me a great feeling of hope that, finally, it is the time that the good people are in position and the bad people are losing.
We in Iraq, still have deep wounds caused by the bad people of the US. The people of the US itself, obviously, have had a lot of suffering as well.
This man is definitely different; you can clearly sense the honesty, the decency and the sincerity in his voice and eyes. I really hope that, as of this moment, the good people of the US will start living the good and the happy days that they deserve.
Yes, he is all yours! Nevertheless, as few men had caused a vast mess in all over the world, it would be eligible, I would guess, for the people of this world to, at least, hope that other men of good wills is now there instead. It’s not that he is to resolve their problems, but in many cases, it might just need to not causing further injuries.
He is certainly all yours, so good for you, and congratulations!
my new years day this year is january 20th happy 2009 everyone, good riddans to george bush and welcome to Barack Obama. i took the day off from work today to witness history and celebrate. In those 17 minutes of his inauguration adress i bawled my eyes out.
I feel sorry for him becuase he has a huge mess to clean up thanks to george bush but i have faith that if anyone can do it, he can.
Well I have been watching it on various news channels – many people have been saying that the world should not be involved be it with their tears (ie happiness at the history in the making) or their opinions in what is “their” American president – but Obama offers so much more to the world than just being the American president. We have all studied and even been affected by many racial discrimations and this is living proof that these can be conquered for a better world…..
the world has so much to learn from what Obama has achieved to be where he is today – doesn’t matter what happens over the next 4 years he has still changed the world today….
now the rest of the world, both polticians and every day people need to learn from this and finally change how they make their views – put down the weapons and finally look to the future to the peace that the world and its people deserve….
great speech! congratulations Obama and America! now the work begins……..
well, I’m not in DC today but just watched on TV, and I am just so impressed and filled with hope. The phrase spoken, Ballots, not Bullets.. brilliant. YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!
Great speech! I especially liked the part “…we do not have to choose between our ideals and our safety”.
Oh… and one more thing.
Hey, Dubya… Buh-bye!
Today Obama has not only sworn on the same Bible used by Lincoln decades ago, but for me he is Lincoln’s incarnate.
Elected in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and preserved the Union during the American Civil War. Lincoln is well known and admired for his inner qualities such as honor, integrity, honesty, humor, faithfulness, resolve and perseverance. In 1863, Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery, and his military genius was admired during the difficult times of the Civil War. Lincoln was not only known for his great qualities, but for his skill at public speaking.
Today, Obama has become the 44th president of the United States and represents one America. He possesses inner qualities such as honor, integrity, honesty, humor, faithfulness, resolve and perseverance, and a great orator.
Thus, i can say without doubt that Obama is the same Lincoln who was assasinated, and because he deserve to accomplish his dreams and vision for the World, God has send him back to end his journey; and praise God that do not have to hide his hide identity.
From: Abdulai Sheriff, Old Road, Monrovia, Liberia
I am at work here in Portland,OR USA. It seems like our whole office has stopped to watch and hear Barack Obama’s words and they do give me great hope. And for the first time in a long time I am proud of the man leading our country. We do have great expectations for President Obama. It is a great office with huge responcibilty. One that has not been treated with the honour and weight it deserves. President Obama inherites a country with great need and he seems to be just the man to to handle it. God be with us. We have hope. I pray he can help heal the wounds of our country and the world.
Tracy, Portland OR
I just watched the inaguration at home and I am excited and hopeful. Obama hit all the high points regarding our situation today. I was wondering what Bush was thinking as he gave his inaguration speech. Other than that I am thankful that Bush/Cheney are gone.
As a non-believer, I enjoyed being addressed and acknowledged during Obama’s speech as an important sector of the country.
Well I listened to his speech and the content was pretty ambiguous . Very much the routine appeal to the heart, to the equality of all, disguising the total ambiguity and contradictory content within the message .
One thing he is promising though is hard times ahead’ ie your all paying for it .
That America will lead the world again economically and fiscally in credit is sheer unadulterated fantasy. Capitalism is now ‘check mated ‘ by its own contradictions ,
Obama can only concede to the inevitable Nationalisation and Socialisation of money and production . If he were to concede this then he will be a great man ….but then thats my fantasy.
I stayed warm and cozy here in my apartment in NYC and called my husband – he had to work today – right after President Obama (that sounds quite nice to me) took the oath of office, just to see if he got a chance to see the coverage.
I hope that those who didn’t vote for President Obama give him the chance to take care of things (both domestically & internationally). Likewise, I hope that those who did vote for him give him hell if he doesn’t.
Immediate reaction? The power of ideals has once more been demonstrated. From its origins in Scotland, especially; also from England’s Magna Carta, from Ireland, and from every place in the world where men and women think deeply about how to live in an imperfect world this power has manifested itself once more This time, in the United States.
Ideals embedded in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States are the path that led to this presidency. Now continues the difficult task–the realization of those ideals for all.
Obama appears to understand the nature of the steed he has just mounted.
@ Heather,
one of my very anti-Obama friends said he too was very very impressed and is bordering on becoming a believer. So maybe, just maybe… we can all finally stand together as a nation. It would be nice.
Response to Ibrahim, Baghdad
He is not just our president. He is the hope of a nation to do right in the world. Especially to the people of your country. Our shame at what the worst our country has to offer doing to the world what it has done is profound. I pray someday the leaders of your country seek justice in the international courts on the greedy profiteers and war mongers. Those who spit on our laws and values to commit crimes under the umbrella of their official offices, whos true motivations where greed, power and nothing more. Forgive our people we could no more stop what has went than you.
Tracy, Portland OR
I was at home watching the coverage of the ceremony on BBC…(BBC America).,…
~Dennis Junior~
RE “” What would you like to hear Mr Obama emphasise in his speech? “”
=——————————————————————————————————-
—————— Would have preferred he not flub his oath of office so badly.
He was way overanxious, not the cool, calm, collected guy we’ve been sold. A minor flub I hope, but I checked out after a few minutes of speechifyin’.
I’m finishing up my greenhouse over my backyard garden and picked up some now historically archived film footage of my 60s childhood. Great, beautiful day here and I’m blessed for now. Truly hope the best for Obama administration as we, the people can’t take much more mismanagement of government affairs and or corporate fraud.
Today I am working and really bummed I couldn’t watch the whole inauguration live. I listened on OPB for as long as possible then ran into work! I plan on watching it at home later, as I recorded it.
In general I am celebrating with most of my friends in Portland, the US, and around the world. We are hopeful at last.
as for now am glue to my TV don’t want any moment pass me by. it’s the long awaited day, the world is watching, Martin Luther King Jr. dreams has come true..and thank God am alive to see it…
Wow, they’re saying this event cost $170 Million. Wow.
Watching coverage & trying to reach to President of a local Bank, any way after two in the afternoom I suceed then proceed to meeting.
Oboma change the polical & freedom culture in USA, as every one is expecting fruit full results from his Government, may God bless him.
From election to inaugration he dosent sound like routeen exercise.
Hi Ros
Sorry you suffered the cold. Anything in it for Iran?
Hillary Clinton seemed relaxed. She took it in her stride.
President Obama is willing to come down to our level, but are
we up to the challenge.
I was NOT watching and did not want to watch and I did not vote for him and would never vote for him. It will be the fall of the american emporia.
I watched a part of his speach
I recall that Bush used some of Obamas’ words before, so for me will keep watching till I see his deeds and not words.
Avoiding watching any news channels. I’ve had up to my nose with Obama this and Obama that. Can we get some real new on the news channels please?
It so happened that, down with a January flu, I half-watched BBC’s interminable ruminations about “motorcades” and “celebrations”.
Would it really had been asking too much to have had one minute of NEWSWORTHY comment per one hour of Sopel soporific?
As for the presidential speech, it could have been pronounced by any president – as, indeed, I seem to remember it has.
Steve,
I would wonder what $170 million translated into when divided out to a “per participant” factor. Calling a participant anybody who dedicated their main focus on the inauguration. That would include people who tuned in on TV, went to the capital, and otherwise conducted their daily time expenditure to this event. Then I would also wonder how much income was taken in by people who drove to the capital, stayed there, and frequented its establishments. Not to mention income taken in by the networks showing the event. Bars and local taverns around the country whose business picked up on a Tuesday around noon, that would otherwise not have had such traffic.
All things are relative, and I think a safe bet would be that if you took into account the hard numbers, this was one of the cheapest inaugurations in history. Considering that people around the world were watching this one.
A New Dawn: The Inauguration of Obama
——————————————————–
On a bright morning of chill, to carve out history,
Emerged a new man of hope to pen his story.
Millions gathered to see his Oath
As they make the President Forty Fourth.
One hand in air and another on the Bible,
Swore honesty, prosperity and more to the believing people.
Stirred ripples of emancipation across continents;
In words, reached out for the meek and the insolvent.
Through winning their trust and ruling in their hearts;
By walking with them but levying no threats.
He promised a better change and a new epoch;
Where now, the world remains in a greater hope.
Be his deeds pay and be justice done;
My prayer goes for him in heap and ton.
****
I just watched the cermony for a while, but was bored after a while as I scanned through all news channels, pretty much all channels mirrored each other. So I check international channels on the net and some countries are showing live while others just as headline news. CNN estimated about 2 million before the day, but calcuated 1.5 with a satellite image.
Gp.
Sleepwalking.