Some comments from fifth and sixth graders at Pacific Beach Elementary, regarding the inauguration they watched at school:

I liked the Inauguration because the Navy Seals sang the National Anthem and for President Obama. Austin McGehee

The President said many trusting words in front of so many people.  He took so long to say them.  Shyanne Morrow

I thought that the Inauguration was great getting to see the President, getting to hear people from the Navy sing  our National Anthem.  Kendall Bishop

I thought it was well said.  I think he was saying that even though we are in the middle of a war, we won’t die and the war will be over.  Nolan Bouma

Schools around the area tuned gave students a chance to witness history, by tuning in to TV coverage of the inauguration. Some Ocean Shores Elementary School second grade students (Mrs. Moore’s class) weigh in, on our new President’s ceremony:

“It was cool because he was elected our new president.” Mykenzee

“It is exciting to have a new president and see what changes will happen.” Ben J

 ”I liked it.  We got to see our new president.  I liked the music.  He talked about people helping out.”  JR Sims

Local artist/writer M.D. Wilson wrote this poem yesterday:

“44th President Barack Obama”

-Inauguration 2009-

Forty-three hands were raised this way, yet none more 

          historic upon this day.

A train ride and a promise made in the past, the words of

 ”President Lincoln” have finally come true at last.

one of the classrooms at Ocean Shores Elementary School:

emailed to me last night by my acquaintance, Don Perignon:

I’ve come out from underneath the bed just long enough to say: President Obama’s inaugural speech was the scariest thing since Charles Manson!

Don’t get me wrong, I still think this could be one of the greatest American leaders of all time. He has the poise, charisma, intelligence and eloquence of a JFK, or an FDR. But did BHO have to be so tough on us?

If only it would have been what we’re accustomed to, the mediocre sloganeering babble of years past, or an Oscar speech on steroids (“And of course I’d like to thank Hilary Clinton, you’re so very talented, can’t wait to work with you again.”).

But, no, this acceptance speech was so frightening, so bone-chilling, I wouldn’t be surprised if George Romero helped write it. To summarize the plot: “A gang of zombies rampages across America, only they don’t eat flesh, they eat jobs, retirement plans and houses. The plan is to shovel money at them; our scientists don’t think that will kill them, but at least it will buy us some time.”

Post your comments on President Obama’s inauguration below.