Tomorrow Mostly Park City sunny, warmer. TUESDAY 41/25 JANUARY 20, 2009 Details, Page 2A DAILY NEWS Year 154 – No. 20, 38 Pages, 5 Sections www.bgdailynews.com Bowling Green, CHANGE in AMERICA BECOMES 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE

Jae C. Hong/AP

History unfolds Index Online Classifieds ...... 5C See link to Associated Press ¥Obama takes office in historic event. Comics ...... 7C ¥Local residents witness history. Crossword ...... 7C video of the inauguration ¥Move over, boomer presidents. Deaths ...... 5A and the parade scene at Money ...... 1B 75¢ Newsstand ¥Capitol scene frenetic. Sports ...... 1C 33¢ Daily Home Delivery www.bgdailynews.com ¥Letters to Michelle Obama. Sudoku ...... 6C These stories and more, Pages 1-4D TV ...... 4C $20$20 DAILY NEWS, BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY Inauguration TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009 - PAGE 1D

Mark Wilson/AP Barack Obama is sworn in today by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts as the 44th president of the United States on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington. Obama’s wife, Michelle, holds the Bible. PRESIDENT OBAMA After whirlwind rise from Illinois Senate, nation’s 44th president takes his place in history amid economic turmoil, ongoing wars By TERENCE HUNT “There is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Stepping into history, of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.” Barack Hussein Obama grasped the reins of President Barack Obama power as America’s first black president today, Giving inaugural address saying the nation must choose “hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord” to “Our time of standing pat, of protecting nar- many Americans’ jobs, savings and homes. overcome the worst economic crisis since the row interests and putting off unpleasant deci- Obama’s election was cheered around the Great Depression. sions – that time has surely passed,” Obama world as a sign that America will be more In frigid temperatures, an exuberant crowd said in an undisguised shot at Bush adminis- embracing, more open to change. “To the of more than a million packed the National tration policies. “Starting today, we must pick Muslim world,” Obama said, “we seek a new Mall and parade route to celebrate Obama’s ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin the way forward, based on mutual interest and inauguration in a high-noon ceremony. They work of remaking America.” mutual respect.” filled the National Mall, stretching from the The dawn of the new Democratic era Ð with Still, he bluntly warned, “To those leaders inaugural platform at the U.S. Capitol to the Obama allies in charge of both houses of Con- around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or Lincoln Memorial in the distance. gress Ð ends eight years of Republican control blame their society’s ills on the West Ð know With 11 million Americans out of work and of the by Bush, who leaves that your people will judge you on what you Charles Dharapak/AP trillions of dollars lost in the stock market’s Washington as one of the nation’s most unpop- can build, not what you destroy.” The presidential seal is affixed on the door of the new presiden- tumble, Obama emphasized that his biggest ular and divisive presidents, the architect of “To those who cling to power through cor- tial limousine that took President George W. Bush and Presi- challenge is to repair the tattered economy left two unfinished wars and the man in charge at ruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, dent-elect Barack Obama from the White House to the inaugu- behind by outgoing President George W. Bush. a time of economic calamity that swept away See OBAMA, 4D ration ceremony at the Capitol in Washington. Kentuckians gather in D.C. to celebrate at Bluegrass Ball By JIM GAINES The Daily News [email protected]/783-3242 On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the impending inauguration of Barack Obama as president brought out a spirit of unity among the crowds thronging Washington, D.C., including more than 1,000 Ken- tuckians attending the Bluegrass Ball on Monday night. At that event in the Marriott Ward- man Park, co-spon- Daily News reporter sored by the nonprof- Miranda Pederson/Daily News it Kentucky Society Sheila Briscow of Franklin applauds today as President-elect Barack Obama appears Jim Gaines is reporting of Washington, the onscreen during an inauguration watch party at Shake Rag Reed’s Restaurant. from Washington, D.C. crowd applauded Republicans and Democrats alike as they made grand entrances: Gov. and Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo, Locals celebrate inauguration Jim Gaines/Daily News Democrats; U.S. senators Mitch McConnell and Jim Democratic activists Shailen Bhatt (center) and Kerry By ROBYN L. MINOR “I was hoping to see a day Bunning, Republicans; U.S. representatives Ben Morgan (right), both of Bowling Green, chat with The Daily News Chandler and John Yarmuth, Democrats; and reps. Bhatt’s date, Hepa Patel of Washington, D.C., on Mon- [email protected]/783-3249 like today ... now that it’s Geoff Davis and newly elected Brett Guthrie of Bowl- day night in Washington during the Bluegrass Ball. The excitement was palpable this morning here, it’s very overwhelming.” ing Green, Republicans. as Bowling Green residents gathered at Before the ball, bourbon flowed at the “Walk Along “It’s always wonderful to be honored by your own,” Shake Rag Reed’s Restaurant to watch Jim McDaniels the Kentucky Bourbon Trail” reception, at which all she said. He hasn’t lived in Louisville since age 18, Barack Obama being sworn in as the Watching inauguration today the major manufacturers had samples ready. Inside, but it’s always been recognized as his hometown, she nation’s 44th president. guests ate Kentucky food, danced to Kentucky bands said. About 175 people gathered for the event, applause when Obama first appeared on tele- and rose to honor a famous Kentucky native who They recently bought a house in Kentucky, and are which was sponsored by the Warren County vision, many wiping tears from their eyes. made a brief appearance Ð Muhammad Ali. spending much more time there Ð in Louisville and at Democratic Committee and served as a Prior to the 11 a.m. swearing-in, residents Beshear presented him with a sculpture of Abraham the Muhammad Ali Center, the cultural center he chance to meet state Senate candidate Mike reflected on what it means to see the first Lincoln and one of a pair of paintings showing Ali and established, Lonnie Ali said. Reynolds, a Bowling Green attorney. black man take the oath of office. Obama; the other will go to the new president. She said Muhammad Ali has only met Obama a The crowd in the restaurant erupted into See RESIDENTS, 4D Ali’s wife, Lonnie, met with reporters afterward. See KENTUCKIANS, 4D PAGE 2D - TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009 Inauguration DAILY NEWS, BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY Bushes welcome the Obamas By DEB RIECHMANN House press secretary Dana He hasn’t changed. He gave ed a copy of the message he The Associated Press Perino said today. me a big kiss on the forehead.” had received from Bush’s WASHINGTON — Presi- She said the two-term She said Bush took one last father. dent George W. Bush wel- Republican incumbent wrote stroll around the south Bush’s final half-day as comed President-elect Barack the message to his Democratic grounds of the White House president included a goodbye Obama at the White House successor on Monday and left and spent the rest of his final to Washington and a hello today with a few hearty pats Jill, and leaders of the Joint it in the top drawer of his desk, morning there with his wife, from fellow Texans. on the arm, a symbolic gesture Congressional Committee on which was crafted from tim- their daughters, Barbara and After the swearing-in cere- to the transfer of power soon Inaugural Ceremonies. bers from the H.M.S. Resolute Jenna; and his father and mony at the Capitol, Bush was to take place. Keeping with a White and given to the U.S. by Great mother, former President scheduled to take a helicopter Obama and his wife, House ritual, Bush left a note Britain in 1879. George H.W. Bush and former to Andrews Air Force Base, Michelle, walked up the steps for Obama in his desk in the Bush was in the office first lady Barbara Bush. where he was to make private of the North Portico and Oval Office, wishing him well before 7 a.m. EST. He spoke During his last moments at remarks inside a hangar. exchanged handshakes, smiles as he takes the reins of power. on the phone with Secretary of the White House, former Pres- The Bushes were then plan- and pecks on the cheeks with “I won’t provide any State Condoleezza Rice, ident Ronald Reagan scrib- ning to fly to Midland, Texas, the outgoing president and details, but the theme is simi- National Security Adviser bled a note for his successor on the familiar blue-and-white first lady Laura Bush. lar to what he’s said since Stephen Hadley, former White on a notepad with a turkey presidential aircraft, although After posing for a photo- election night about the fabu- House chief of staff Andy insignia that said, “Don’t let it will be called Special Air graph, the foursome went lous new chapter President- Card and T.D. Jakes, the pas- the turkeys get you down.” Mission 28000 instead of Air inside to have coffee in the elect Obama is about to start, tor of a megachurch in Dallas He, too, slipped the note in the Force One because Bush will Blue Room with Vice Presi- and that he wishes him the who spoke at a private church presidential desk for his suc- no longer be president. dent-elect , his wife, very best,” outgoing White service that Obama attended cessor, the elder Bush. While the inauguration before the inauguration. Four years after that, Bush frenzy continues in Washing- President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush wait “He’s good,” Perino said of left a note for President Bill ton, thousands of well-wishers to welcome President-elect Barack Obama today on the president’s mood. “He’s Clinton. And eight years after were expected to greet the the North Portico of the White House in Washington. the president of the United that, Clinton wrote a note for Bushes at Centennial Plaza in Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP States, the way he always is. the younger Bush, and includ- Midland. A day many didn’t think they would ever witness By WILLIAM DOUGLAS McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON — For Josie Johnson, histo- ry will come full circle when she stands in the crowd at the foot of the U.S. Capitol and sees Barack Obama sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. Johnson, a retired University of Minnesota professor, was in another crowd on Washing- ton’s National Mall on a sweltering day in August 1963, mesmerized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech about dreaming that someday his children would be “Never in my judged by the content of their character, not life did I think I by the color of their would see this skin. day. To see “I keep thinking that Obama was the Martin Luther child he was talking King and now about, that America and the world would Barack Obama, see his character,” said it’s a full circle, Johnson, who’s 77. “Never in my life did I a wonderful, think I would see this complete, full day. To see Martin Luther King and now Riccardo Gangale/AP circle. I pinch Barack Obama, it’s a Kenyans gather today in Kisumu, Kenya, to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States. Across Kenya, myself once a full circle, a wonder- neighbors engulfed in political violence only a year ago came together to celebrate the U.S. presidential inauguration of Kenya’s favorite son. ful, complete, full cir- day now.” cle. I pinch myself Josie Johnson once a day now.” Retired professor Obama’s election and his inauguration Worldwide hopes soar for Obama have triggered euphoria, disbelief, a restoration of faith in an American system that hasn’t always By GREGORY KATZ of Obama on the wrapping. giant block letters in the snow. I think what he stands for needs to be been worthy of it, a feeling that all things are The Associated Press In Kenya, feasts were being pre- U.N. workers peered down at the celebrated.” possible no matter who, or what, you are. LONDON — A world made pared, beer with Obama’s name on it message from their office windows. In London, Americans could get It’s been two months since Obama became weary by war, recession, joblessness put out and movie screens erected so “It’s a mystery who did it,” said free admission to Madame Tussaud’s the first black to be elected president, but the and fear shed its collective burden neighbors Melissa Flem- waxworks to see the new figure of emotions among African-Americans, especially today to celebrate the arrival of a new could join ing, a spokes- Obama, and Queen Elizabeth II sent the elderly, are as vivid and fresh as if it were still American president. Bulls and goats together for the woman for the the new president a personal message Nov. 4 with the results from California just com- were slaughtered for feasts in Kenya moment, a year International of support. Parties were scheduled in ing in. and caterers prepared for black-tie after their own Atomic Energy dozens of venues, from ritzy hotels to Today was just as emotional Ð perhaps more balls in the capitals of Europe. elections were Agency. local sports bars. so Ð when Obama put his hand on a Bible, stat- From Kenya and Indonesia, where marred by eth- It was a day Louise Darko from Atlanta was ed his full name and took the oath of office Barack Obama has family ties, to nic violence. when Ameri- standing on line to be photographed before what was expected to be the largest Inau- areas around the world, Obama repre- “Our elec- ca’s rich musi- with the Obama waxwork. She was guration Day crowd in history. sented a volcanic explosion of hope tion in Kenya cal heritage, thrilled with Obama’s inauguration “This is an incredible public racial moment, a for better days ahead. really had often reflecting because of the difficulties her great- positive one,” said Katheryn Russell-Brown, the The ascendance of the first problems with the freedom grandfather faced when he was one of director of the University of Florida’s Center for African-American to the presidency ethnicity ... struggle of the first blacks to attend university in the Study of Race and Race Relations. “And it’s of the United States was heralded as America has African-Amer- the American south. wonderful to see this through the eyes of citizens marking a new era of tolerance and shown that this icans, was “Now when I tell my children you older than me, through my parents. There was no possibility. doesn’t have to embraced can grow up to be anything, I really reason for them to imagine something like this in It was a reflection of Obama’s be that big a worldwide. mean it,” said Darko, 44. “ their lifetime.” sprawling, complex family tree that problem,” said In Sweden, In the Indonesian capital of Jakar- Ernie Green couldn’t imagine there being an villages in places as diverse as Ireland Dr. Joseph African-Amer- ta, where Obama spent four years as a African-American president as he grew up in and Kenya held special parties to cel- Osoo, who ican singer young boy, students from his former Little Rock, Ark., where he and eight other black ebrate their link to the new president. runs a clinic in Mahesh Kumar/AP Cyndee Peters school swayed and spun in bright, tra- students were taunted by whites and required An Irish village called Moneygall protection by armed National Guardsmen as one of Kenya’s Artist Darla Nageswara Rao gives fin- was hosting a ditional costumes representing covered itself in red, white and blue biggest slums. ishing touches today to a portrait of show named Indonesia’s ethnically diverse tropical they integrated Little Rock Central High School bunting today in honor of Obama’s in 1957. “Kenyan are President Barack Obama in Hyder- “A Gala for islands. connections, via a great-great-great very happy abad, India. Obama,” fea- Old classmates gathered to watch Green and other members of the Little Rock grandfather named Fulmouth Kear- Nine attended Obama’s swearing-in ceremony because their turing dozens his speech at the Menteng 1 elemen- as guests of the Joint Congressional Committee ney who emigrated to the United son is going to be the leader of Amer- of Swedish soul, jazz, hip-hop, tary school, where he is fondly on Inaugural Ceremonies. They joined the sur- States in 1850. Road signs read ica,” he said. gospel, folk and blues artists. remembered as a chubby kid called viving Tuskegee Airmen, the famed African- “Moneygall welcomes our President, Obama’s themes were echoed “Obama fever is all over the whole Barry. American aviators of World War II, as special Barack Obama.” throughout the world. At the United world, “ said Peters, 62, who grew up “I’m proud that the next president inaugural guests. They also baked a special round Nations complex overlooking the in North Carolina and New York. “I is someone who I have shared time “I didn’t think it would happen in my life- fruitcake, locally called a “brack,” to Danube River in Vienna, Austria, was congratulated by I don’t know with,” said Rully Dasaad, a fellow time,” said Green, 67, who lives in suburban sell for the occasion Ð and put pictures someone wrote “YES, WE CAN!” in how many Swedes after the election. Boy Scout with Obama. Washington. “To me, personally, it makes me feel that the choice I made in Little Rock 51 years ago came to fruition.” Roscoe Brown, a Tuskegee Airman who accepted the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush last year on behalf of Whatever Obama accomplishes, election was a breakthrough his fellow airmen, figured that there’d be an By DAVID LIGHTMAN America, however. Obama won an the logical next step” in that evolution, tion, however, that his victory was African-American president, but not until 2012. and WILLIAM DOUGLAS He’s happy that the day came sooner rather than election that arguably any Democrat said Richard Morin, senior editor at the symbolic of a new era and a new poli- McClatchy Newspapers could’ve won. He still has to prove Pew Research Center. tics, which will take some time. later. WASHINGTON — Barack “It’s a vindication about beating segregation,” himself an effective leader. And he’ll That step, said Rep. John Lewis, D- Republican John McCain, after all, Obama’s inauguration could be a line lead a country that’s become more Ga., a veteran civil rights leader, is part won 46 percent of the vote. said Brown, 86, who grew up in segregated where future scholars mark the start of Washington. “It’s a good time, like the end of the politically polarized during the last 20 of the continuing march toward a more “It isn’t like the entire country is a new era of racial tolerance in Ameri- years. tolerant nation. swooning,” added George Edwards, a Civil War.” ca. At the same time, scholars and even Rep. James Clyburn, a son of segregated The consensus, though, is that “To see this young leader, beautiful presidential scholar at Texas A&M Obama loyalists warn that the ultimate Obama’s election at least shows that family, lovely wife, two beautiful University. South Carolina, also speaks of vindication when meaning of his ascension shouldn’t be he talks about Obama’s victory and what it sym- written into the history books just yet. race barely matters to most people young daughters, it’s going to send the Today, most analysts agree on this bolizes. Clyburn, a Democrat, said he’d cried The election says much about race when they pick a leader. In the van- strongest possible message not just to much: Obama is the first leader to with his children and grandchildren on Election relations in the United States today. It guard of that change are people under Americans,” he said, “but to people show that skin color no longer is an Night, three generations of one African-Ameri- illustrates that a country ripped apart 40. They grew up in an America where around the world, that America is on impediment to the highest American can family shedding tears for different reasons. over civil rights little more than a gen- people of color were routinely part of its way to the creation of a more per- achievement. Whatever else he accom- Clyburn said his were tears of “vindication for eration ago is now ready to embrace an daily life Ð at schools and shops, and at fect union.” plishes as president, his election all those who kept faith in the American system.” African-American president. sporting and social events. Obama, born in 1961, 15 years later achieved that breakthrough. The tears streaming down the faces of his fami- “Fifty years ago the battles were Reinforcing the routine nature of than the two presidents who preceded “The acutely dark-skin-averse white ly, he said, were “tears of hope.” over whether blacks and whites could such encounters were media images. him, also sends another signal: “It’s a voters are exiting history,” said Todd “Hope for a future they really thought would go to the same school or eat in the After the late 1960s, it was more com- new generation of leadership,” said Gitlin, a professor of journalism and never come to be, as many times as I told them same restaurants,” said John Geer, edi- mon for people of all races to appear in Angela Oh, a Los Angeles attorney sociology at Columbia University, they could grow up to be whatever they wanted tor of the Journal of Politics. “The fact ads, star in TV shows, sports and and former member of President Bill “and their replacements, 18-29, are far to be,” Clyburn recalled. “Quite frankly, they that an African-American has been movies, and win local, state and feder- Clinton’s Race Initiative board. more likely to be impressed by intel- didn’t believe it, and I didn’t believe it when I elected is pretty amazing.” al political offices. Obama must demonstrate to the lect, stylishness and the promise of lib- was telling them.” Race relations are still evolving in “The election of Barack Obama is entire range of the American popula- eral reform, even if by another name.” DAILY NEWS, BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY Inauguration TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009 - PAGE 3D Move over, boomer presidents boomers were born between 1946 and basis of false or manipulated informa- what’s happening now. 1964. Obama, though technically a tion. Clinton, who was born in 1947, made A new generation takes charge boomer, consider himself a post-boomer. To the millennials, however, Vietnam, her campaign announcement on the Web. By DAVID GOLDSTEIN for the simmering feuds and nasty parti- The World War II generation, sometimes civil rights and other moments that However, Obama, who was born in 1961, McClatchy Newspapers sanship of their elders. known as the “Greatest Generation,” defined their parents’ salad days are was on the Web, too, making greater use WASHINGTON — When President So say goodbye to the ’60s, mom and lived through another turbulent time and about as relevant as Pearl Harbor and of , MySpace and YouTube, Kennedy said the torch had been passed dad. No one cares about Woodstock or produced seven presidents. “Remember the Maine!” and text-messaging campaign updates to to a new generation in the 1960s, the the time you got Maced at the 1969 Whatever their political skills, Clinton “We’re the generation of 9/11, of Hur- his supporters’ cell phones. baby boomers who were beginning to and Bush stoked long-smoldering ten- ricane Katrina, of the Iraq war,” said “What he did was really speak to March on Washington. sions and widened political divides. Con- Stephanie Young, 24, a spokeswoman for young people in a language that they grow up then figured it was their time, “It’s a bunch of old war stories,” said and they spent most of the decade noisily troversies from the ’60s era clung to them Rock the Vote, a nonpartisan political understood,” Young said. trying to do just that in ways that have Todd Gitlin, who teaches journalism at like the cloud of dust always surrounding action group that encourages young peo- He’s also different from boomer politi- split the culture ever since. Columbia University. He was an anti-war Pigpen in “Peanuts.” ple to participate in elections. “We’ve cians because he’s self-effacing and cool Half a century later, after voters under activist in the 1960s and the president of To the right, Clinton was “Slick had our things that define us. Young peo- where they often were self-referential 30 backed him in record numbers, the Students for a Democratic Society, a Willie” in love beads who “didn’t inhale” ple respect (the 1960s), but we can’t real- and emotional. Barack Obama will “pass the torch” to left-wing anti-war group. and debated “what the meaning of ‘is’ ly relate. That’s our parents’ generation. “I think Hillary reminded them of their another new generation: The children of Young folks also might welcome the is.” To the left, Bush never learned the Obama is definitely new generation.” boomer moms who wore their passion on the boomers, most of them born after notion that presidents Bill Clinton and lessons of Vietnam, though he served in A lot of Gen X-ers and millennials pre- their sleeves,” said Neil Howe, a demog- 1980, known as “millennials.” George W. Bush, both born in 1946, the Air National Guard, and launched the ferred Obama to boomer Hillary Clinton rapher and the author of several books They, like Obama, have little patience could be all the boomers will get. Baby country into another dubious war on the because he seemed more tuned in to about generations. Vignettes Spectators come to D.C. with stories

WASHINGTON (AP) — The inauguration of Barack Obama brought visitors from all over the world to the nation’s capital. Here are some of their stories: ¥¥¥ Riding a mostly empty Metrorail subway train into the capital from nearby Arlington, Va., before 5 a.m. today, Obama activist Akin Salawu of Brooklyn, N.Y., said his feelings were a bittersweet mix. “This is the culmination of two years of work,” said Salawu, 34, who helped the candidate as a communi- ty organizer and web producer. “We got on board when Obama was the little engine who could. He’s like a child you’ve held onto. Now he’s going out into the world.” “We’re very proud of him, being African-Ameri- Alex Brandon/AP can,” said Salawu’s mother, Norene Powell, 59, of Alex Brandon People crowd the National Mall today in Washington in anticipation of the inauguration. Somerset, N.J. “It’s a new benchmark for everybody.” On the same subway car was world history teacher Calvin Adams of Arlington, Va., who said he would have taken the day off to attend the inauguration even if schools in nearby Loudoun County, Va., where he teaches, had remained open. “Eventually I’ll teach American history,” said Capitol scene frenetic Adams, 23. “I’ll say, ’This is how it works because I’ve been there, I’ve seen it.”’ — Alan Fram By ALAN FRAM “This is the culmination of two years of work. We got on ¥¥¥ The Associated Press board when Obama was the little engine who could. He’s Cleveland and Lynda Wesley, from Houston, were WASHINGTON — The nation’s capital on the Mall as the sun rose. came to life well before dawn today, as out-of- like a child you’ve held onto. Now he’s going out into the “We grew up in segregated Houston,” said Cleve- towners and area residents alike overwhelmed world.” land, 56, a retired electronics engineer. “Houston did- mass transit and filled city streets to witness the swearing-in of Barack Obama. Akin Salawu n’t desegregate until 1967. Our formative years were Brooklyn, N.Y., Obama supporter in segregation. This situation is so emotional it’s basi- Energized by the historic moment, tens of cally an unreal experience.” thousands of people turned this city’s orderly said she got up at 3:30 a.m. after coming to The joyous mood was tempered only by Lynda, 57, a retired assistant principal said that grid of streets into a festive party scene. Ready Washington with a group. Three hours later she delays and by the dashed expectations of revel- when Obama announced his candidacy, her mom to endure below-freezing temperatures, they was still on 7th street waiting for police to clear ers eager to get an up-close look at history. asked her, “Who is that?” streamed up from subway stations and the way into the Mall. Alice Williams, a 51-year-old teacher of gift- She answered: “Someone very bright. Why not thronged past parked buses, emergency vehi- She said the wait didn’t matter. “I sacrificed ed children from Kansas City, Mo., had covet- him in the White House?” cles and street vendors, bound for Pennsylvania and came here. To me, this is very historic. I ed the purple tickets that would placed her in The couple stayed with their son, who lives in the Avenue and the National Mall for the inaugu- just wanted to be here.” front of the Capitol. Instead, she was about a District, before the inauguration. In church Sunday, ration. Christian Alderson of Berryville, Va., went half mile away. they sang, “We Shall Overcome.” “This is the culmination of two years of to Memphis, Tenn., in 1968 to support the san- “We got blocked off; there was too much “It was wonderful because we did overcome,” work,” said Obama activist Akin Salawu, 34, of itation workers strike and said he was there traffic and no guidance,” she said forlornly. Cleveland said. — Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Brooklyn, N.Y., who helped the candidate as a when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. “I’ve been walking for an hour and a half. All I ¥¥¥ community organizer and Web producer. “We “That day was sorrowful,” Alderson, 73, want to do is see my president sworn in.” Omar Funchess’ white pickup truck somehow got got on board when Obama was the little engine said as he stood near the mall. “This is a dream One parade entrance was supposed to open stuck in the crowd waiting for access to the Mall. So who could. He’s like a child you’ve held onto. come true for me.” at 7 a.m. The crowd, which was one-block he took advantage of it. Now he’s going out into the world.” At the opposite end of town, Georgetown deep, counted down at 7 a.m. The gate did not Funchess climbed atop the truck bed and led the By 4 a.m., lines of riders formed in suburban University students chanted “Obama!” and open. The chants got louder at 7:30 a.m., but waiting crowd in various call and response cheers. He parking lots for the Metro transit system, which “Fired up Ready to Go!” as they walked down the gates remain closed. called out “Change!” and the crowd responded – after opened early and put on extra trains for the M Street toward the Mall. On the closing list today were all inbound prompting – “We did it!” expected rush. Many parking lots filled up and Suburban subway riders also seemed to be in bridges connecting the District of Columbia Funchess, who dabbles in real estate in Charleston, had to be closed. a jubilant mood, despite the early hour. In Fred- and Virginia, though authorized vehicles, S.C., said he felt the waiting crowd was restless so “it Streets around the Capitol quickly filled with ericksburg, Va., an hour south of Washington, pedestrians and bicyclists were allowed. A siz- was my duty to just do something, just to amp the people, and security checkpoints were mobbed. chants of “Obama! Obama!” rang out at a com- able chunk of downtown Washington was shut crowd up.” The cold registered at 21 degrees Fahrenheit at muter rail station when the line started moving down, and other sections didn’t permit parking. The coatless Funchess Ð it was in the truck, but the 7:45 a.m. at 5 a.m. for the first trip into Washington. The two subway stations near the National heat of the moment was enough for him Ð had been up Warming tents and other facilities on the World history teacher Calvin Adams of Mall will be closed for much of the day. for 30 straight hours. Mall were late opening because traffic and Arlington, Va., said he got up extra early so he D.C. police have projected inaugural crowds “Man, I’ve probably got another 24 hours before I crowds delayed staffers from reaching them. could witness history being made first-hand between 1 million and 2 million. Planners say see some sleep,” he said. — Seth Borenstein Ticket holders approaching the Inaugural site and teach it to his classes. attendance could easily top the 1.2 million peo- on Capitol Hill awaited security sweeps in a “Eventually I’ll teach American history,” ple who were at Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1965 line estimated at thousands. said Adams, 23. “I’ll say, ‘This is how it works inauguration, the largest crowd the National Connie Grant of Birmingham, , because I’ve been there, I’ve seen it.’ ” Park Service has on record. Letters to Michelle Obama collected into book By CAROLYN THOMPSON new role she’s going to take?” dence, just represents African- The Associated Press Nevergold and Peggy Books- American women at our best,” BUFFALO, N.Y. — One letter Bertram, co-founders of the Nevergold said. Excerpts from book is signed “with a grateful heart.” Uncrowned Queens Institute for “So the idea that she is going “When I look at you, I see me,” Research and Education on to portray an image of black “I rejoiced not just because America valued women on the planet, your hus- reads another. has finally elected the right man who band’s choice of you, a true, gorgeous, Women at the University at Buf- women that will stand to offset happens to be Black. I rejoiced because Black woman, has done for us. Sudden- The letters, solicited by two falo, said more than 200 women the negative stereotypes is some- I am you, we are one, committed to God, ly our stock has risen, we are no longer University at Buffalo scholars responded within the narrow thing that women really family and community.” immediately considered the hookers, soon after the election, have been three-week window for submis- expressed.” Ð Crystal Peoples, New York State drug addicts, easily used and easily compiled into a book, “Go, Tell Assembly member. thrown away as the movies, television sions. Letters not included in the Wrote Lori Jones, of Bowie, and the papers have painted us for cen- Michelle: African American book will be posted online. Md.: “For all the history you and “I hear the music of your bangles Women Write to the New First as you move thru the halls of the house, turies. We are finally what we have been Some read like letters to an old Barack have and will continue to all along, beautiful.” Lady,” just in time for today’s the house I now think of friend. One compliments the make, one of the simplest and as the rainbow house. Ð Jacqueline Frazier, daytime televi- inauguration. incoming first lady for the red I cry with Jesse. sion writer, sound producer. Many in the collection of 100 most treasured is your showing and black dress she wore on We have lived long enough “I pray that having you as our First Lady letters share a universal theme. the world the face of black to see Election Night. in the White House will not only reach Paine College President Shirley America; the beautiful, faithful, this part those who have the wrong idea about of the dream manifest.” A.R. Lewis expressed it this way: Others more reserved: accomplished, nurturing, caring, us, but will also inspire those of us who “It is noticeable that you are a Ð Sequoia Olivia Mercier, Los Angeles “Thank you for being such a vital loving, smart, strong and moral nurse. have the wrong idea about ourselves. part of this dream that I never charming, loving and intelligent face of black America. Achievement is attainable by all.” Matt Rourke/AP woman of great integrity who “You have no idea, or perhaps you do, Ð Nicole Day, Atlanta marketing con- thought I’d see in my lifetime.” “What a wonderful picture how self-affirming to all the darker, less sultant. Women of all ages and back- Michelle Obama, wife of Presi- knows how to set her priorities.” you have drawn for the world,” dent-elect Barack Obama Most start simply, “Dear Jones wrote. grounds responded to an appears Monday at the “Kids’ call for messages and poems, said Michelle.” The book’s title invokes the path for black women today. try, was spelled out in many, Inaugural: We Are The Future In Michelle Obama, Never- the editors, themselves black Concert” in Washington. Negro spiritual “Go, Tell It on the Many writers “felt that we many ways.” women. No surprise, given their gold said, many see the new face Mountain.” needed to have Michelle remem- Submissions came not only own feelings of exuberance said Barbara Seals Nevergold. of black women in America. The book’s powerful opening ber where we all had come from the United States, but from through the campaign and elec- “At the end of the election, I start- “Here you have a black poem, “We in Anticipation of from,” Brooks-Bertram said, “so Kenya, South Africa, the tion. ed to think, how can we as woman who is highly educated, You,” by Rochester writer Arlette the journey, the African-Ameri- Caribbean and beyond. The book “I felt such a sisterhood with African-American women share who is very comfortable in who Miller Smith, pays tribute to the can women’s journey in this was published by State Universi- Michelle Obama and a kinship,” with her our feelings about the she is, who exudes self confi- slaves and activists who eased the country, from Africa to this coun- ty of New York Press. PAGE 4D - TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2009 Inauguration DAILY NEWS, BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY From Page 1D Obama, Biden sworn in at historic ceremony know that you are on the wrong side hatred. Our economy is badly weak- of history, but that we will extend a ened, a consequence of greed and hand if you are willing to unclench irresponsibility on the part of some, your fist.” but also our collective failure to Two years after beginning his make hard choices and prepare the improbable quest as a little-known, nation for a new age,” Obama said. first-term Illinois senator with a for- “Homes have been lost, jobs shed, eign-sounding name, Obama moved businesses shuttered. Our health care into the Oval Office as the nation’s is too costly, our schools fail too fourth youngest president, at 47, and many, and each day brings further the first African-American, a barrier- evidence that the ways we use ener- breaking achievement believed gy strengthen our adversaries and impossible by generations of minori- threaten our planet.” ties. It was the first He said it was a change of admin- moment to recall istrations since the “that all are equal, terror attacks of all are free and all Sept. 11, 2001. deserve a chance Crowds filled the to pursue their full Mall for a distant measure of happi- glimpse of the ness.” proceedings or Obama called just, in the words for a political of many, simply Photos by Miranda Pederson/Daily News truce in Washing- “to be here.” Applause breaks out today at Shake Rag Reed’s Restaurant during an inauguration watch party. ton to end “the Washington’s petty grievances subway system From Page 1D and false promis- Jae C. Hong/AP was jammed and es, the recrimina- President Barack Obama gives two downtown Residents express hope as Obama sworn in tions and worn- his inaugural address today at stations were Former Western Kentucky University All-American basketball out dogmas, that the Capitol in Washington. closed when a player Jim McDaniels and his wife, Carolyn, went to the polls at for far too long woman was Bowling Green Junior High School in November, with Jim have strangled our politics.” struck by a subway train. McDaniels proudly proclaiming his support of Obama. He said that all Americans have Bush Ð following tradition Ð left a Carolyn McDaniels didn’t want to reveal who she voted for at the roles in rebuilding the nation by note for Obama in the top drawer of time. renewing the traditions of hard work, his desk in the Oval Office. But today, both sat and watched intensely as inaugural events honesty and fair play, tolerance, loy- White House press secretary Dana unfolded. alty and patriotism. Perino said the theme of the message “I was hoping to see a day like today ... now that it’s here, it’s very “What is required of us now is a Ð which Bush wrote on Monday Ð overwhelming,” Jim McDaniels said. new era of responsibility, a recogni- was similar to what he has said since The McDanielses said by the time they decided they could endure tion, on the part of every American, election night: that Obama is about Washington crowds for the day, it was too late to attend. that we have duties to ourselves, our to begin a “fabulous new chapter” in “Man, I wish I was there,” Jim McDaniels said. nation and the world, duties that we the United States, and that he wishes Jim McDaniels mentors young children through his basketball do not grudgingly accept but rather him well. program and said now kids have a new person to emulate. Hazel Green of Bowling Green sells Obama buttons during the seize gladly, firm in the knowledge The unfinished business of the “They can say they want to be the president instead of a famous watch party. that there is nothing so satisfying to Bush administration thrusts an enor- basketball player or a rapper,” he said. Mark Boling said his sons Bradley, 18, and Chris, 16, have been the spirit, so defining of our charac- mous burden onto the new adminis- Reed’s was crowded with both blacks and whites, many from a watching the election unfold. ter, than giving our all to a difficult tration, though polls show Ameri- generation who never thought they’d see a black man as president. “This is a generational moment of change. We are hoping they task.” cans are confident Obama is on track Sixty-eight-year-old Warren Countian Hazel Green said she never realize the significance,” Mark Boling said. With the economy in a long and to succeed. He has cautioned that deepening recession, Obama said it improvements will take time and expected this day to come. Michele Boling said she expects her children and others their age She hopes blacks will see that she was among many whites who was time for swift and bold action to that things will get worse before they will focus less on race than her generation. create new jobs and lay a foundation get better. wanted a man of color elected as president. “It is an historical event for not only just the African-American She was looking forward to listening to Obama’s speech. for growth. Congressional Democ- Culminating four days of celebra- community, but really for all U.S. citizens,” Reynolds said. “We live rats have readied an $825 billion tion, the nation’s 56th inauguration “We will see what he wants us to do to move this country for- by the rule of elections and transfer of power in a painless way and cer- stimulus plan of tax cuts and spend- day began for Obama and Vice Pres- ward,” Green said. tainly that is taking place today. With the outpouring of support and the ing for roads, bridges, schools, elec- ident-elect Joe Biden with a tradi- Michele and Mark Boling consider themselves of the Obama gen- number of people that have crowded into Washington for this event, it tric grids and other projects. tional morning worship service at St. eration. is clear that this new president is really highly popular right now. The “The question we ask today is not John’s Episcopal Church, across “I don’t think it really has sunken in,” Michele Bowling said of next thing will be the programs and what hope and changes will he be whether our government is too big or Lafayette Park from the White the day. “It’s a great day.” able to implement ... in the early days of his administration.” too small, but whether it works,” the House. Bells pealed from the historic new president said. church’s tower as Obama and his A mighty chorus of cheers erupted wife, Michelle, arrived five minutes as Obama stepped to the inaugural behind schedule. From Page 1D platform, a midday sun warming the The festivities won’t end until crowd that had waited for hours in well after midnight, with dancing Kentuckians inspired, the cold. There were some boos and partying at 10 inaugural balls. when Bush and Vice President Dick By custom, Obama and his wife, excited during D.C. visit Cheney came onto the platform. and Biden and his wife, Jill, went few times, but sent him a note after the In his remarks, Obama took stock directly from church to the White election urging him to always be mind- of the nation’s sobering problems. House for coffee with Bush and his ful of his actions’ impact on the young. “That we are in the midst of crisis wife, Laura. Michelle Obama Muhammad Ali had time to grow into is now well understood,” he said. brought a gift for the outgoing first his current humanitarian role, but “Our nation is at war, against a lady in a white box decorated with a Obama will immediately feel the far-reaching network of violence and red ribbon. world’s weight, Lonnie Ali said. Obama’s election and inauguration continue the civil rights legacy of Ali, King, John and Robert Kennedy and Instant change at White House Web site many unknown volunteers, she said. “It is a legacy fulfilled for so many WASHINGTON (AP) — At precisely 12:01 p.m. EST, the White people tomorrow,” Lonnie Ali said. “I House Web site, the online bastion of the Bush administration for the past think it’s going to be an emotional eight years, was updated to reflect President Barack Obama’s assumption moment for everyone. I know it will be of office. for Muhammad.” “The White House. President Barack Obama,” reads the top of the new Bowling Green had many representa- home page, which went online even before Obama his finished deliver- tives at the ball. Among them were ing his first speech. “Welcome to the new WhiteHouse.gov. Change has Eldon Renaud, former mayor and cur- come to America.” rent president of UAW Local 2164, and The site has been redesigned and revamped, although it contains many his wife, Donna, former city commis- Above: Eldon Renaud (right), of the same features and similar historical information as its predecessor. sion candidate and a communication president of Bowling Green’s UAW The new site says it “will be a central part of President Obama’s pledge instructor at Western Kentucky Univer- Local 2164, dances with his wife, to make his the most transparent and accountable administration in sity. Donna, during Monday night’s American history.” Donna Renaud said they decided to Bluegrass Ball in Washington, D.C. The first post to the site, written by Macon Phillips, director of come to the Bluegrass Ball after hearing Left: U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie (left), new media for the White House, promises video and slide shows of inau- that editors of had R-Bowling Green, mingles with guration events, the Obama’s move into the presidential residence and the again singled it out as a great event. state Democratic Party general new president’s first days in office. “We had several friends coming here, counsel Kerry Morgan of and since we were here we decided to Bowling Green during the ball. take advantage of it,” she said. Mean- Photos by Jim Gaines/Daily News while, her daughter Katie Kirwan is one of more than 30 WKU students that Political Science Department head acoustically excellent venue, according Saundra Ardrey brought to Washington to tenor Drew Mitchell, 17. on a bus tour, Donna Renaud said. Members and choir director Maggie The Renauds will watch the actual Blair agreed their performance had ceremony from up close, having gotten gone very well, leaving them in a good tickets hand-delivered by Guthrie. mood to see the sights soon after their “I’m so excited,” Donna Renaud Saturday arrival. said. Confident of Obama’s victory, she Still ahead is the inauguration itself, reserved hotel rooms even before the Together at one table sat Aggie and Jim for which they’re leaving the hotel at 2 election. Byers of Louisville, Kay Harrod of a.m. Some roads will be blocked off, Eldon Renaud said during their tour Frankfort, Sarah Lawrence Wells of and Potomac bridges into downtown of the city, they’ve been surprised and Washington, D.C., and John David will be closed to vehicles at 4 a.m., impressed by the harmony and helpful- Mardis, who shuttles between Bowling eight hours before Obama takes the ness of Washington residents toward an Green and Georgia. oath. estimated 2 million visitors, and those “We’re all Western grads from the “Security’s going to be nuts,” Pope visitors’ reciprocal courtesy, regardless ’60s and ’70s,” Mardis said. “We’re on said. of political affiliation. a road trip. We go every year, at least Mayor Elaine Walker’s Sunday was “I hope it means something for the once, to get back together.” too busy for her to make the free concert future,” he said. This year their trip was to the Blue- she’d hoped to attend on the National Kerry Morgan, a Bowling Green grass Ball and inauguration, though Mall, she said, but through the U.S. attorney and general counsel for the some members of their usual group Conference of Mayors met instead with Kentucky Democratic Party, came to couldn’t make it. several important figures in the new the inauguration as part of the official At WKU and long afterward, Harrod administration: White House Chief of Democratic delegation from Kentucky, said, she and her friends were social Staff , senior adviser but made time for visiting with friends and political activists. She marched and strategist David Axel- and sightseeing before the Bluegrass with King in Frankfort in 1964, while rod. Ball. On Sunday she saw the U.S. Con- Mardis protested alone against the Walker said she’s impressed with the stitution and other historic documents at impeachment of Bill Clinton for two level of interest Obama has shown in the National Archives, then went to a days until joined by others, she said. working with the mayors’ group; cities free concert on the National Mall that That history of activism, which met are seeking direct federal dollars for featured Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Bey- with many disappointments, makes many infrastructure projects, asking once, James Taylor and a brief appear- Obama’s inauguration especially that they be included in the economic ance by Barack and Michelle Obama. “I sweet, Harrod said. recovery legislation Obama has wish I could have had everyone I know “This is very cathartic for us,” she requested for soon after he takes office. from back home here with me,” Morgan said. On Monday, the heavy security sur- said. Gala occasions are far from the only rounding the inauguration almost She marvels at the overwhelming events occupying visitors from Bowling thwarted Walker’s planned visit with excitement, and said she looks forward Green. While others traveled or played, Guthrie, she said. At their scheduled to someday telling grandchildren about the 35 members of the Bowling Green meeting time, she was still waiting in a being present at a great moment in High School A Cappella Choir were long line for clearance. American history, she said. performing in a Heritage Festivals com- “I couldn’t get into the Cannon Many Kentuckians who now live far petition on Sunday. The competition for Office Building, so he ended up coming from Bowling Green were quick to hail choirs from across the country was held outside to talk to me for a few minutes,” Carolyn Kaster/AP their connection at the Bluegrass Ball. in National City Christian Church, an Walker said. Bundled people pack the National Mall in Washington today for the inau- guration of President Barack Obama.