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Week of Symbolism, History in Washington

By Jim Malone
Washington
23 January 2009

Chief Justice John Roberts administers oath of office to Barack Obama during inauguration ceremony, 20 Jan 2009 US Chief Justice John Roberts administers oath of office to Barack Obama during inauguration ceremony, 20 Jan 2009OBAMA: "Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."ROBERTS: "So help you God?"OBAMA: "So help me God."ROBERTS: Congratulations, Mr. President."


A Place in History

said Peneil Joseph, a professor of Afro-American studies at Brandeis University in Massachusetts and a guest on VOA's Press Conference USA program.

President Barack Obama signs an executive order closing prison at Guantanamo Bay, in the Oval Office of the White House, 22 Jan. 2009President Barack Obama signs an executive order closing prison at Guantanamo Bay, in the Oval Office of the White House, 22 Jan. 2009Following the parade and the celebrations, Mr. Obama moved quickly to take the reins of power.

The Opposition

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives at the State Department in Washington, D.C., Thursday, 22 Jan. 09Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives at the State Department in Washington, DC, 22 Jan. 09But those voices were in a distinct minority amid all the other signs of change in Washington.

Expectations and Reality

Joe Smith holds a sign adverting a going out of business sale at the Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo , California (File) Joe Smith holds a sign adverting a going out of business sale at the Hillsdale Shopping Center, San Mateo, California (File) "If the economy starts to show real promise in terms of new jobs being created that are connected to the president's stimulus package, then he will be able to do a lot of what he wants to do in terms of health care, the environment, education and other aspects," said Joseph.

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