Blogging for homework...

I have two classes this semester that are using blogging as a form of communication/homework tool. I have to say, I love it! I have been wanting to become a better blogger and use this awesome technology to my advantage. Here's one of my first posts for my reporting class. A news article about the inauguration of President Obama.

Today, The United States of America swore in its 44^th President, Barack Hussein Obama. Who in the “midst of crisis” vowed to face the challenges that confront America, looking to the future while remembering the past.

Reaffirming America’s greatness, Mr. Obama, recognized the effort of our founding fathers, the lives of those who died for this country, and those who are the “risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things” who made our freedom and America’s greatness possible. Referencing briefly, his own history, a barrier that once stopped his father from being served at a restaurant now allowed for him to take an oath to lead the United States of America.

With this oath President Obama promised that “starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.” Signaling a clear change in policies from George W. Bush’s To do this he recognized the need for new programs and a new view of our government. Rather than debate over the size of our government, he asked that we question whether or not our government is working, if it is not than ridding ourselves of excess programs.

Calling on change in our own government Mr. Obama extended a hand of help to those willing to make peaceful changes in their governments. To those in poor countries he pledged to help and called upon other abundant nations to give of their means. Recognizing our nation’s diversity of religion he called on America to see that as an asset rather than a deficit.

Standing by the principles of power and security, with tempered restraint, President Obama called on “greater cooperation and understanding between nations.” With these remarks, he signaled an effort to work with both Iraq and Afghanistan to find a solution to the issue of defense. Making it clear that our nation would not waver in defense of our country, he would also make global warming an issue of importance.

With a strong emphasis on the resilience of our countries past and the hope to forging a brighter future, Mr. Obama called on every American to keep looking forward and to maintain freedom for our posterity.