Obama Day Two

Not bad for day two on the job. Can we forget everything else that happened in those years?

The Order also prohibits reliance on any Department of Justice or other legal advice concerning interrogation that was issued between September 11, 2001 and January 20, 2009.

The Roof of All Evil

From the AP on Bush's last press conference today:

"Bush said he disagrees with those who say the federal response to Hurricane Katrina was slow.

'Don't tell me the federal response was slow when there was *30,000 people pulled off roofs right after the storm passed. ... Could things been done better? Absolutely. But when I hear people say the federal response was slow, what are they going to say to those chopper drivers or the 30,000 who got pulled off the roof?'"

Really? Really? 30,000 people were ON ROOFS, for the love of sweet Jesus.

The Coast Guard arrived two days later; people sweltered in the Super Dome for a week. I can't go on. Read their own assessment.

* He said 'was'. The AP says 'were'. He said 'was'. He also calls them "helicopter drivers." I can't even....

Grandson of Slaves

"The important thing in life is to try to live and do the best you can. We done had it bad. Let us help give our children a better life, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren. Let's try to give them a better life than we had. But anyway, just keep the good work going, is all I say."

As you pick out your dress and get out the long johns for next week, please watch this video. How much more poignant can this inauguration be?

Give Pete A Chance

"So smart, so good-looking, so intelligent, everyone was talking about Barack. I’m more of the skeptical kind, I was thinking, 'Yeah, he’s probably an idiot, whatever.'" Michelle Obama on hearing about Barack before meeting him

Ladies -- and you know who you are --just because he's so good looking, intelligent and everyone is talking about him, give the poor guy a chance!

Quote of the Day

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things. Mary Oliver

I Swear

I just saw for the very first time George W. Bush taking the oath of office (on CBS Sunday Morning). On January 20, 2001 at noon, I was in Pittsburgh at the movies with my sister Ellen. I couldn't bear to hear him say those words that day. I still can't stand it.

I will save Obama's swearing and watch it every morning.

Barack at Ben's

Ben's Chili bowl has been at the epicenter of black life in Washington for 50 years. It was only a matter of time until Barack Obama stopped in for a half-smoke.

This video says as much about him as his ability to give an inspirational speech, face press questions or converse with world leaders. See how relaxed he is, chatting with the people sitting next to him, speaking to the staff. Just ten days before he takes on the most difficult, pressure-filled job in the world, he seems so at ease with himself.

Note that his BFF Adrian Fenty calls him Barack at the end. On the 20th we'll all have to start calling him Mr. President. I cannot wait.