Pace Paw Print

Issue date: 1/28/09 Section: News

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by DIANN PEÑA
News Editor

The Pace Community, along with the rest of the world, gathered to watch the live Inauguration of Barack Obama on Jan. 20 in Butcher Suite. The event, organized by President Stephen J. Friedman, was a success as there were over sixty participants including students, faculty, and staff. As the nation's first African-American President, he is also ranked as the fourth youngest President of the United States.

According to Nielsen Media Research, "37.8 million television viewers tuned in to watch the Inauguration." Holding the second highest record in history, with Ronald Reagan leading the record, the Inauguration of Barack Obama was memorable for many.

First time voter Hannah Tall, a psychology major, believes Obama has the ability to mobilize today's youth. "I think the Inauguration gave Pace students a chance to witness history. If nothing else, the event was inspirational and will result in a more active student body," she said. "Barack Obama called for change, and I think his message was received loud and clear."

Political Science Associate Professor Christopher Malone led ten Pace students to Washington, D.C. to witness a backstage view of Obama taking the Presidential Oath firsthand. Apparently, Chief Justice John Roberts reversed several words in the traditional oath. The next day however, the oath was repeated to assure that there would be no doubts of Obama's legal Presidency.

Political science and sociology major, Tyrell Zimmerman, attended the Inauguration on his own and described the Inauguration as "a day never to be forgotten." Adding, "the warm atmosphere epitomized the hearts of many as America, with outstretched arms, not only welcomed but embraced into our lives not a new African American President, but a new hope, a new life, and a new inspiration. President Obama represents our nation as an individual who believes that our success is predicated solely upon the collective effort."

As Obama transitions into the White House, his top priority is to push his economic plan. He began his first morning in office with a conference with his top economic advisors.

According to MSNBC, on his first day in office Obama, "froze salaries for top White House staff members, placed phone calls to Mideast leaders, and had aides circulate a draft executive order that would close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay within a year."

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