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PLATTSBURGH — President Barack Obama possesses the intelligence, charisma and strength needed to lead the nation from crisis, says Dr. Kathleen Camelo.
“I am just thrilled to be a part of this,” said Plattsburgh State’s director of Student Health Services at a viewing the university held of Tuesday’s inauguration.
“He’s an intelligent man who is not afraid to gather a group of advisers that will lead this country to prosperity.”
Plattsburgh State President Dr. John Ettling released university employees so they could catch Tuesday’s viewing. Those present did little to mask their excitement as they crammed into Yokum lecture hall, some voicing frustration over the past eight years under outgoing President George W. Bush, others hungry for the next chapter in America’s history.
“I voted for him (Obama),” said Plattsburgh native Lauren Martin, who now lives in New Paltz. “I agree with his views about education and health care.
“I would not have missed this event.”
The packed crowd erupted in applause and tears, some embracing, as the country’s first black president approached the podium with his family.
“This is one of the most important days in the nation’s history,” said retired Plattsburgh State professor Dr. Julius Archibald.
Children in the room shared in the joy, smiling ear to ear, as, just after noon, Obama took the oath of office on the same Bible used by Abraham Lincoln in 1861.
“Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred,” said the nation’s 44th president.
“Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered.
“Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.”
Those words ignited an explosion of gratitude among those present at Plattsburgh State.
“He is giving everyone inspiration that changes can be made,” Martin said. “I think he will deliver on his promises.”
Archibald said he had wondered if he would ever see a black man step into America’s highest office. Now that day has arrived, and he believes Obama will unite the nation.
“I am so supportive of what he had to say.”
The country was in dire need of a leader like Obama, Archibald said.
“This is an exciting time for the people of this country.”
Christine Ferricane, a Plattsburgh State student, appreciated Obama pointing out that America is a nation of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and non-believers.
“A lot of people can identify with him.”
She found Obama to be well spoken and was glad someone other than a white man was president of the United States.
“He’s a brilliant person, and his wife is very supportive and brilliant,” added Joan Clark of Keeseville. “The country needs clear thinking about its problems.”
She had attended the annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth, held Monday at the Newman Center in Plattsburgh, and recalled a poem read there that has been circulating cyber space: “Rosa sat so Dr. King could walk. Dr. King walked so Obama could run. Obama ran so we could fly.”
Emotions consumed Clark then, and on Tuesday tears filled her eyes again.
“I have been to seven continents, and it used to be Americans were well received,” she said.
“I am looking forward to when we are respected again, and this is the beginning.”
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