American inauguration in Budapest

"Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage." - Obama

Last night I gathered with a group of friends at a Scottish pub to watch American usher in its new president. This was the first inaugural ceremony that I ever remember watching in its entirety, and I never remember being so eager to hear a political speech. What struck me most about Obama's address was his international scope and acknowledgment of diversity throughout the United States and the world. It was a great contrast to some of our past presidents who seemed to lead with the myopic view that Americans were the brightest, most important people on earth and everyone else was second class.

The friends I watched it with were nationally diverse: Australian, Canadian, Hungarian and American, so I feared that the whole event would turn into a political debate, so I almost didn't even attend. Normally, I like some political discussion, but this past year has absolutely worn me out in the political realm. With this speech, I just wanted to relax, listen intently to Obama's words and relish the historic occasion. Luckily, that's exactly what happened. My entire group of friend watched the speech reverentially, which I've never seen happen with an international crowd watching an American president. For any skeptics who think nothing will change under the new administration - it already has; I felt respect being given towards America's leadership for the first time since I first moved abroad.

On a less serious note, the bar did tune their TVs to the inauguration, but they didn't mute their music, so Obama's speech was mixed in with Aerosmith songs and some classic rock ditties. It gave the serious speech a pop-culture feel like it was remixed for a club.

"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."
- Barack Obama