First Lady Michelle Obama may have uttered the line in what was considered one of the very few gaffes of the Obama presidential campaign, but last night those words rang true for me. I watched as Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, and tears came to my eyes.
The last 8 years have been long and hard for those of us who have lived abroad. Whether or not we supported former President Bush’s policies, we had to answer for his actions every day. To most incensed non-Americans I have encountered during my time abroad, I was responsible for the unilateral aggressive action my government had taken in the last few years. It seemed that if s/he could express to me with enough vehemence and determination the mistakes of my government, somehow a part of the wrong would be righted.
The sad part is that the world didn’t always feel this way. I was studying in Spain on September 11, 2001. I remember the outpouring of support and sympathy from the international community. And in the years since, I have seen that support crumble to anger and anti-American sentiment in a very personal way.
But last night, the wounds healed. Not permanently and not forever, but yesterday America proved to the world that we are a country of promise and opportunity. That we can be as good as the promise of our ideals. A black man, son of an immigrant, has not only said he could change the world but yesterday he did change it. No matter what else happens in the years ahead with the economy, war on terror or climate change, we will always have that moment of hope.
America will never be the same.
Now that is change we can believe in.
By Jenna Morton-Aiken
Yes, doesn’t it come around fast, it seems a couple of months ago that Sharon Osborn hashed up hosting the 2008 awards. This years BRITawards however promise to be a little better. With the pint sized princess of pop, Kylie Minogue hosting with James Corden and Mathew Horne of Gavin and Staceyfame we can at the very least expect a few giggles.
But who has been nominated I hear you cry! With four nominations eachColdplayand Welsh warblerDuffyare the talk of the town. The ‘outstanding contribution award’ goes to the Pet Shop Boyswho will perform live at the ceremony along with Kings of Leon, U2 and Girls Aloud to name but a few.
And perhaps best of all is that they are allowing the guests to have alcohol once again, we can only hope for such moments as the 1996 awards when Jarvis Cocker flashed the nation during Michael Jacksons epic Earth song. Let the good times roll.
The ceremony which will take place at Earl’s Court in London on February 18.
By Laura Roberts
The first pictures of Obama’snew limousine have been unveiled this week. Nicknamed The Beastit is set to make its public appearance next Tuesday, as part of the inaugural parade.
This car is said to be the most “technologically advanced protection vehicle in the world” and to be honest, it would look more at home in a James Bondfilm. What with its bullet proof glass, armoured body, separate oxygen supply, and a completely sealed interior to protect against a chemical attack, some may say its a little OTT... but wait there is more, it has a fully functional bar, disco ball and 80’s themed jukebox... okay so now I’m going a little over the top. But seriously – its own oxygen supply....!?
All this aside, I really do wish Obamaand ‘The Beast’ all the best for his move and time in the White House.
By Jessica Greatrex
