Julia Rosen
Staff Writer
On January 21, President Barack Obama had his inauguration in Washington D.C., marking the beginning of his second term as the President of the United States. The inauguration allowed the President to get sworn into office in front of the nation, including over 20 million viewers watching on television. The day started at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The inauguration continued with a ceremony with performing artists such as Beyoncé, who sang the National Anthem, and Kelly Clarkson. Afterwards, the President gave his inaugural address. Obama noted the country’s improved economy and ever-growing greatness; he then proceeded to promise his action and responsibility to the nation. He also emphasized the phrase, “We the people,” as a way to connect to his fellow Americans. Vice President Joe Biden was also sworn in for his second term. The event ended with the inaugural parade and at night, the Inaugural Ball.
For the President, this event was an important occasion. Winning his second term is nothing less than pure bliss. However, Post students were mixed about how important this ceremony was for them. “I did not watch it myself, but I think the ceremony is important because it’s a part of the national heritage. As an international student, I don’t feel as compelled to watch it. Even though the President of the United States is someone everyone knows a lot about around the world, I think this sort of ceremony isn’t interesting unless you are an American,” said Mattias Victorin, a junior computer science major and an international student from Sweden.
“It’s not very exciting because it’s the same president as last time. It was more important the first time since it was making history. It’s more entertaining to see the election,” said Tore Hynnekleiv, a junior film major and an international student. Another student, Tiffany George, a senior criminal justice major, also thought it was an important event but it was not interesting to watch. “It is really just about what people are wearing and what celebrity was there.” She believes that this time around it is not interesting, but still important to acknowledge that Obama is president. As a student, electing Mitt Romney would be bad since he, according to her, is not as concerned about education as Obama. She thinks it is important to show our support and that the nation cares.
Even though LIU Post did not screen the inauguration on campus, it is still something that people seem to be well informed about, but maybe not enough to spend their time watching it. After all, on Inauguration Day, students were busy moving back into the dorms and getting settled in for the new semester. Nevertheless, both the Presidential debates and the election are events that a lot of students decided to tune in to. Now that Obama has begun his second term, his actions are more important than ever.
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