My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end.. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter' s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive…that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

I typed this on my iPhone standing in line at the polls, 6:30 a.m. - 11.4.08
I am standing in an extremely long line right now, about 200+ people in front of me, but I couldn't be more proud. This will be my third time voting in a presidential election and I've never seen such a turnout, and so many different people- blacks, whites, old, young, blue collar workers in uniforms, white collar workers, military men and women... The hip-hop generation, the evening paper readers, and one little girl with her orange fuzzy.

As I stand in line at Robinson Presbyterian church I can't help but notice the cemetery behind me, and although it's occupants are probably the fallen members of this church, it brings to mind the thought of the fallen soldiers from a different battlefield. The ones who fight so I can stand here and do this - and today I get the chance to fight for them.

I think about the kids in this line with their parents, restless and tired of waiting... The same restlessness that called their parents out of bed to vote today. They don't realize how much this election means, too young to understand. But when those kids, like that little girl a few feet from me, put down their orange fuzzys and pick up the issues of the world they'll be grateful for what we do today.

CNN has just announced his win.
I thank God for visions, I thank God for change, I thank God for blessings, and I thank Him for hope. As a kid growing up, I was always told I could be the first Black President, but that wasn't my destiny; my destiny was to be inspired by the first black president. I just thank God, that there is a Barack Obama to renew and restore the hope that anyone with an unlimited amount of determination and a vision can bring about change to an unlimited amount of lives. Yes we can, yes we did, and yes we will. Barack Obama's eyes may never read these words, but my fingers shake over the keys right now with an uncontrollable amount of pride. As a Black Man in America, I was proud of his journey, but now I am proud of his victory also. Tears well up from the blessings that are ready to rain down, thank you Obama for your vision, but thank you even more for your inspiration and renewal of hope. Yes we can because yes... you did!

Can somebody say, AMEN! Never in a million years would I have envisioned this. Its because of the blood, sweat & tears of our ancestors & civil leaders that we are able to call this a TRIUMPHANT VICTORY!

They say he couldn't & wouldn't do it, but he proved ALL naysayers wrong.Only thing in life that is constant is change; either embrace or reject it. I'm embracing every moment of it. I was always a proud American, but today, I stand as a PROUD AFRO-AMERICAN. Obama, despite his interracial upbringing, has proven through adversity, character is developed. Campaigning, I'm sure took its toll on his physical & mental state, but he never let the competition see him sweat.

The revolution has begun. He definitely has a full plate when it comes to his new duties. He won't be doing it alone, with the help of his VP Joe Biden, & FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA, he will get it done.President Barack & family, WELCOME HOME!!!

Might I add, it was a LANDSLIDE VICTORY!!!!

-Mello-

Ya know, I watched the latest Diddy Blog the other day, and it got me thinking: Is there a conspiracy amongst celebrities to hurt Barack Obama's chances at winning the presidency? I mean, it doesn't seem too far-fetched when you give it some thought and how else do you explain this nonsense? Some of the stars who have taken advantage of their own celebrity voice and their first amendment right have loaded up with some pretty powerful words lately in what they consider "support" of our democratic presidential nominee. But when they set their sights and fire their biased bullets, they all seem to hit our candidate right in the foot. It made me wonder if they're being paid to do things like this: act as if they're in 'support' of Obama, but showing 'support' in a way that sheds negativity on his campaign. Is there a payoff going on between the GOP and some infamous celebs to do things like this to hurt the Obama campaign? I don't want to speculate, but something's not quite right here...

When Politics As Usual surfaced about a month ago, I understood Ludacris' feelings, and I could feel his frustration, and to be real I LIKE THE SONG. But the timing and the method he used to voice his opinions was disrespectful and did not help the campaign. Rather, it only pointed more eyes and critical fingers at Obama - the man who publicly endorsed Ludacris earlier this year. Music is about expression, but politics are about tact and strategy and when you jump from one game to the other, the rules are not the same.

And then Diddy comes with his blog about McCain's VP choice. What was that about?!?!? No black people in Alaska? Part of me thought that this was Diddy's attempt at humor, which it probably was, but let's be real for a second: Diddy is very intelligent, and that video was just plain ignorant. Diddy, come on man... what's really good?? You couldn't think of anything more intelligent to say? You called to action the young voters of today's generation, but what kind of example are you setting?

Being a star with an opinion doesn't automatically make you a helping hand to the cause, especially if you can't express your opinions tactfully. If you haven't noticed, Obama hasn't spent his campaign bashing his opponents, he's strategized, and reacted tactfully. If you support him, shouldn't you do the same? Off the cuff lyrics, and viral videos aren't helping the cause. If you really want to help, donate more money to the campaign. If you want to do something visible, throw a concert where the attendees can drop $5 admission donations in an Obama envelope so everyone can be an individually counted contributor to the Obama campaign. But if all you can do is make ill-aimed comments that take away from the upward mobility of the Obama campaign, here's a news flash: YOU'RE NOT HELPING. And this isn't an attack on anyone, I'm a huge fan of both Ludacris and Diddy, but I'm an even bigger fan of bringing about change in this country. I don't want 4 more years like the last 8.

-Mack-