This is the website of Abulsme Noibatno Itramne (also known as Sam Minter). Posts here are rare these days. For current stuff, follow me on Mastodon

Categories

Calendar

January 2009
S M T W T F S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

And Now…

I need a nap.

The Traditional Walk

I understand the symbolism and all, but this has got to be the most dangerous bit of the day, right?

The Other Mistake

The other mistake that lots of people are mentioning on TV and on the Internet is the bit in the inaugural address where Obama said “Forty four Americans have now taken the presidential oath.” Of course, while Obama is the 44th President, only 43 people have taken the oath, because Grover Cleveland was both number 22 and number 24 due to serving non-consecutive terms.

And I thought Obama was going to be a stickler for details! Disappointed twice already!

Dropping Like Flies!

Senators Kennedy and Byrd have both collapsed at the lunch and are getting medical attention.

Edit 20:14 UTC – Looks like it was only Kennedy after all, people were just confused.

On The Oath

Many looking closely at it say it was mainly Roberts who screwed up, but I say they both did, and I agree with the comment on Balloon Juice – “Clearly, this means that the inauguration is not valid according to a strict interpretation of Article 5 of the Constitution. I believe that, technically, this means that Ted Stevens is now acting president ‘until such time as the oath is properly administered’.” Ha. I’m sure they will get right on that. :-)

The Mangling

Video of the oath that Roberts and Obama together managed to mangle a bit:

(via Daily Kos)

And So It Begins

Don’t Let the Door Hit You…

The Key Paragraphs

From the Inaugural address:

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.

(via Daily Kos and Daily Dish)

Change is Fast

(via Talking Points Memo)