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The flub heard 'round the world


Thursday, January 22, 2009


Posted by Courtney E. Howard

President Obama had to be sworn in twice this week, due to what is being called "the flub heard 'round the world" by Chief Justice John Roberts. What happened? Perhaps he was nervous about the more than 500,000 people in attendance – reportedly more than during any other inauguration ceremony. Polls reveal that a majority of the American public thought it was "no big deal," but I found it embarrassing. He was reading it, yes? Jeez.

I could be a bit jaded, I admit, however. Ever since the election of 2000, and the finding last year that George W. Bush was not the winner of that election, I am dismayed, disheartened, and a bit disgusted.

President Obama took it all in stride, even cracking a joke to reporters attending the second oath; after all, he has bigger things to worry about, including what is deemed "the in-box from hell." I could have done without the flawed start but after hearing the President’s speech, I am nonetheless optimistic.

Okay, so it wasn’t the most powerful inauguration speech ever heard (a la John F. Kennedy), but I did find it inspiring, thought-provoking, and motivating.

What do you think, about the bungle and the speech?

Post a Comment

2 Comments:
Blogger Reveille said...
I wish these guys could get it right, as now a THIRD oath of office is in order. The first time the president and chief justice couldn't figure out when or where to say the word 'faithfully,' and the second time they forgot the Bible ... and speaking of that Bible, I understand that Abe and Mary forgot their family Bible back in Springfield, and had to run out and buy a new one at the last minute for the 1861 inaugural. Couldn't Barack and Michelle have done the same thing for the Oval Office swearing in? Then a president 150 years in the future could use the 'Obama Bible' for his ceremony.

-- John Keller
Thursday, January 22, 2009 1:10:00 PM EST  

Blogger Dr J said...
I think you need to relearn your history. The Electoral College elected George Bush, not Al Gore, as president of the United States following the 2000 election. Not only is it erroneous to declare Gore the winner, it is unconstitutional.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 11:38:00 AM EST  


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Welcome to the lighter side of Military & Aerospace Electronics. This is where our staff recount tales of the strange, the weird, and the otherwise offbeat. We could put news here, but we have the rest of our Website for that. Enjoy our scribblings, and feel free to add your own opinions. You might also get to know us in the process. Proceed at your own risk.

John Keller for MAE
John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.


Courtney Howard for MAE Courtney E. Howard is senior editor of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine. She is responsible for writing news stories and feature articles for the print publication, as well as composing daily news for the magazine's Website and assembling the weekly electronic newsletter. Her features have appeared in such high-tech trade publications as Military & Aerospace Electronics, Computer Graphics World, Electronic Publishing, Small Times, and The Audio Amateur.


John McHale for MAE John McHale is executive editor of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, where he has been covering the defense Industry for more than dozen years. During that time he also led PennWell's launches of magazines and shows on homeland security and a defense publication and website in Europe. Mr. McHale has served as chairman of the Military & Aerospace Electronics Forum and its Advisory Council since 2004. He lives in Boston with his golf clubs.

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