If the news networks will have it, they want us to believe that we all are celebrating the installation of our new president.
In CNN's world, nothing else is more important than covering Obama, his campaign and now, his inauguration. CNN tends to put everything else on hold while it covers a single event. The lead-up to the inauguration and the event itself has occupied airwaves for the past 48 hours. I find that BBC gives a more balanced view of news occurring around the world but the channel has disappeared from our TV. It will come back somehow.
I'm suffering from Obama fatigue. So please allow me to let off some steam.
I first heard of Obama 4 years ago soon after Bush was elected to his second term. Bush is often the butt of jokes on late-night comedy shows and I think this one came from Jay Leno.
"You know when Bush came to the office this week, he went through the list of senators elected this year. He was shocked and asked: 'How did Osama get elected into our Senate?' To which his staff replied: ' Eh, no sir. It's Obama, not Osama.' "
Mr Obama rose to prominence from a junior senator to the first African-American running for presidential candidacy (beating Grand Dame Clinton) to the first African-American president of the USA.
It's amazing whichever way you look at it.
Unlike other bigwigs in politics, many of whom were groomed for their positions, Obama is very much an ordinary man. He didn't have a father or mother with a famous surname, he and his wife took walks in their neighbourhood, went out to their favourite restaurants for dates, sends his own e-mails... Quite like us.
Now he has to give up his Blackberry because US Presidents can be asked to make their e-mail correspondences public under a Privacy Act. . Can you imagine not being able to send/receive SMSes anymore? Or stay in touch with your family, friends or colleagues personally? Obama's life changed totally after his election win. For many past presidents, it's more like moving to a new home in a new state.
Obama's presidency is a major triumph for the civil rights movement in the US. Some weeks before the election, a Finnish MP wrote in the Helsinki Times that although Obama was immensely popular, he didn't believe that Americans could overcome their prejudices to actually vote for a black president.
Voter turn-out of African-Americans was much higher than previous years and their participation made a deep difference to the results. This time, it was worth their effort to exercise their right to vote. Many young people also voted for Obama.
I observed that many of those who come to Washington DC to attend the inauguration celebrations are African-Americans. Or maybe the cameras picked them up more. They were truly exhilarated - many were emotional, streaming with tears - when Obama was sworn in. After decades of suppression, Obama brought them new respect. And new hope.
Said Obama in his inauguration speech: "The time has come... to carry forward... the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
Here I am watching the inauguration parade play in front of me as I type.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer seems to have run out of words. It's hard to keep a live commentary going all day long.
"President Obama and Michelle Obama have arrived at the White House. They will be viewing the parade later on. For now they can return to their residence or go to the Oval Office, or wherever. He is the president and he can do whatever he wants."
I'm guessing Michelle Obama headed for the nearest loo and drank a large glass of ice water. She'd been standing and walking in those gummy green stilettos for a long time. Towards the end, she looked kinda tired and thirsty, licking her lips many times.
Joe Biden looked like he is seriously enjoying the attention. When Obama and his wife got out of the "tank" and walked along Pennsylvania Avenue, Biden and his family came out to wave to the crowds too. Every 5 steps, he pointed to someone in the crowd, gave them a big smile and mouthed something like "you look great" or "hey, you are here too", many times with two thumbs up. As if he really knew the guy/gal and could spot a familiar faces among the tens of thousands.
Even after Obama got back into the car and finally reached the White House, Mr Biden was still waving, crossing from one side of the street to the other. Quite like a hyperactive child. Doesn't he know that the crowds came for Obama? He's the Veep.
We know that names are important and they can make a man or woman. It's great to cheer to O-ba-ma. O-ba-ma. Not easy with Bu-shee, or Buy-den or Mak-Kain.
I'm a cynic when it comes to politics. One can never fully trust what a politician say or do. I tend to think that they say or do is best for the situation and not from their hearts. Their words are carefully weighed according to the audience. Apparently, Obama's speech was written by a 27-year-old spending much time at Starbucks. No, I don't think age is the issue here. I just think that speeches and policies are intensely calculated to yield the best results.
As the dust from the parade settles, we await Obama's policies and the results expected of him.
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