Relevant Link

Henry Champ, a longtime reporter for various networks, and fellow Manitoban, gives a really good commentary on the inauguration of Obama.  He discusses how his victory was created by embracing the new media in the Internet, much the same way FDR embraced radio, and JFK with television.  As well as those two leaders, Obama comes in with America in crisis (FDR with the Great Depression, and JFK with the Cold War and space race).

The inauguration ceremony has turned into a huge event, none that has been seen in Washington since the civil rights era.  It is rather interesting to see this spectacle.  In Canada, the start of a new government is a rather tepid affair, and begins immediately after the election.  The only thing close is speech from the throne, which will happen for the second time in two months next week.  Still, the excessiveness of the inauguration seems rather odd considering the times we are in.  I guess the people in America who are very tired of the failed presidency of Bush are just excited and optimistic.  Having optimism may be key to get out of the financial crisis and failed military ventures.  Millions are descending on Washington, and aside from security (which will cost millions), this is totally funded by donations.

Still, it seems almost ironic to me that this is even going on, considering how the country was founded to escape the rule of a king.  The president is the king of the US, which might make George Washington put his nose up if he was alive.  If Obama were to reduce some of the powers that the president has, it would certainly undo some of the damage that the Bush presidency did to the democratic institution.