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Barack Obama sworn into new era of hope

AP, AFP, Washington
Stepping into history, Barack Hussein Obama grasped the reins of power as America's first black president yesterday, saying the nation must choose "hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord" to overcome the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
In frigid temperatures, an exuberant crowd of more than a million packed the National Mall and parade route to celebrate Obama's inauguration in a high-noon ceremony. They filled the National Mall, stretching from the inaugural platform at the US Capitol to the Lincolh Memorial in the distance.
With 11 million Americans out ofwork and trillions of dollars lost in the stock market's tumble, Obama emphasised that his biggest challenge is to repair the
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FROM PAGE 1 tattered economy left behind by outgoing President George W Bush
"Our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions that time has surely passed," Obama said in an undisguised shot at Bush administration policies. "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin me work of remaking America."
The dawn of the new Democratic era with Obama allies in charge of both houses of Congress ends eight years of Republican control of the White House by Bush, who leaves Washington as one of the nation’s most unpopular and divisive presidents, the architect of two unfinished wars and the man in charge at a time of economic calamity that swept away many Americans' jobs, savings and homes.
Obama's election was cheered around the world as a sign that America will be more embracing, more open to change. "To the Muslim world." Obamasaid, "we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect."
Still, he bluntly warned, "To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. "
"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."
T\vo years afterbeginninghis improbable quest as a little-known. first-term Illinois senator with a foreign-sounding name, Obama moved into the Oval Office as the nation's fourth youngest president, at 47. and the first African-American, a barrier-breaking achievement believed impossible by generations of minorities.
He said it was a moment to recall "that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of nappiness."
"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility, a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defin-
of our character, than giving ..maiiroaafffieditw^. • ’
With the economy in a long and deepening recession. Obama said it was time for swift and bold action to create new jobs and lay a foundation for growth. Congressional Democrats have readied an $825 billion stimulus plan of tax cuts and spending for roads, bridges, schools, electric grids and other projects.
A mighty chorus of cheers erupted as Obama stepped to the inaugural platform, a midday sun warming the crowd that had waited for hours in the cold. There were some boos when Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney came onto the platform.
It was the first change of administrations since the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. Crowds filled the Mall for a distant glimpse of the proceedings or just, in the words of many, simply "to be here." Washington s subway system was jammed and two downtown stations were closed when a woman was struck by a subwaytrain.
Bush following tradition left a note for Obama in the top drawer of his desk in the Oval Office.
White House press secretary Dana Perino said the theme of the message which Bush wrote on Monday was similar to what he has said since election night: that Obama is about to begin a "fabulous new chapter" in the United States, and that he wishes him well.
The unfinished business of the Bush administration thrusts an enormous burden onto the new administration, though polls show Americans are confident Obama is on track to succeed. He has cautioned that improvements will take time and that things will get worse before they getoetter.
Culminating four days of celebration, the nation's 56th inauguration day began for Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden with a traditional morning worship service at St. John's Episcopal Church, across Lafayette Park from the White House. Bells pealed from the historic church's tower as Obama and his wife, Michelle, arrived five minutes behind schedule.
The festivities won’t end until well after midnight, with
dancing and partying at 10 inaugural balls.
By custom. Obama and his wife, and Biden and his wife, Jill, went directly from church to the White House for coffee with Bush and his wife, Laura. Michelle Obama brought a gift for the outgoing first lady in a white box decorated with a red ribbon.
Shortly before 11 am, Obama and Bush climbed into a heavily armoured Cadillac limousine to share a ride to the Capitol for the transfer of power, an event flashed around the world in television and radio broadcasts, podcasts and Internet streaming. On Monday, Vice President Dick Cheney pulled a muscle in hlsback.leavinghiminawheel-chair for the inauguration.
Just after noon, Obama stepped forward on the West Front of the Capitol to lay his left hand on the same Bible that President Abraham Lincoln used at his first inauguration in 1861. The 35-word oath of office, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, has been uttered by every president since George Washington. Obama was one of 22 Democratic senators to vote against Roberts' confirmation to the Supreme Court in 2005.
I'he son of a white, Kansas-born mother and a black, Kenya-born father, Obama decided to use his full name in theswearing-inceremony
To the dismay of liberals, Obama invited conservative evangelical pastor Rick Warren an opponent of gay rights to give the inaugural invocation.
About a dozen members of Obama’s Cabinet and top appointees were ready for Senate confirmation yesterday, provided no objections were raised. But Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas indicated he would blockamove to immediately confirm Secretary of State-designate Hillary Rodham Clinton. Still, she is expected to be approved in a roll call vote Wednesday.
More than 10,000 people from all 50 states including bands and military units were assembled to follow Obama and Biden from the Capitol on the 1,5-mile inaugural parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue, concluding at a bulletproof reviewing stand in front of the White House.
Security was unprecedented. Most bridges into Washington and about 3.5 square miles of downtown were closed. Authorities monitored a rush of intelligence leads includinga possible threat from ^Somalifl-based group, al-Shabaab. . < । i
Among the VIPs at the Capitol was pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the hero of last week's US Airways crash into the Hudson River.
Young and untested, Obama is a man of enormous confidence and electrifying oratorical skills. Hopes for Obama are extremely high, suggesting that Americans are willing to give him a long honeymoon to strengthen the economy and lift the financial gloom.
On Wednesday, his first working day in office, Obama is expected to redeem his campaign promise to begin the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq under a 16-montli timetable. Aides said he would summon the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Oval Office and order that the pullout commence.
KENNEDY COLLAPSES AT INAUGURAL LUNCH
US Senator Edward Kennedy collapsed during the inauguration lunch for President Barack Obama yesterday, reports said, as the new US leader acknowledged there were concerns about the health of the veteran senator.
BUSH BIDS GOODBYE
AT CAPITOL
With one last handshake with President Barack Obama, George W Bush boarded a helicopter yesterday at the Capitol and began nis post-presidential life, closing a two-term administration marked by war, recession and the biggest terrorist attack on US soil.
Vice President Joe Biden gave him a brief salute as the chopper left the Capitol grounds and headed to Andrews Air Force Base.