Reveling in Obama

An entire nation spent much of Tuesday glued to television screens and radios. President Barack Obama’s inauguration was seen as a symbol of change, regardless of political inclinations, and the overall mood was that of cautious optimism.

Although most of Huntington Beach caught the morning inaugural ceremonies in the car, at work or in school, some opted to celebrate late into the night.

Scott McKown and Louise Stewardson, chapter leaders of the local Drinking Liberally group, are also elected delegates for the state central committee for the Democratic Party. So holding an inauguration bash was a natural idea for them.

“We’ve been waiting a really long time,” McKown said. “But the reality is that getting elected isn’t enough. Barack’s not going to be able to accomplish anything without political will. The next challenge is to figure out how to create political will, and to get that message to Washington.”

He advertised the party on moveon.org, along with more than 3,000 party organizers across the country.

McKown said he hopes Obama’s priorities will include extricating the country from Iraq, developing single-payer health care, working on trade agreements and getting rid of trickle-down economics.

“Stick it in a can, bury it and put up a sign that says ‘Toxic Waste: Do Not Open,’” McKown said.

He said Huntington Beach has a strong government, so he’s put his focus on Washington instead.

“We’ve got a pretty good City Council here, for the most part,” he said. “Whatever money comes to us locally, hopefully they’ll have the sense to hire local people and use local companies.”

THOUGHTS ON OUR NEW PRESIDENT

Shoppers at Bella Terra shared their two cents about the inauguration.

“I’m feeling pretty optimistic about Obama. A few things I hope to see in the next few years are economic growth, new jobs and not spending as much money on military. I hope he strengthens the foreign policy, bringing back a good name for America. He needs to help find new technology for energy and not just lower gas prices. I also hope he can find a way to let immigrants stay and work with us somehow.”

Scott Robert Valenzuela

23, Westminster

“Change is good. It’s going to take more than two terms to do what needs to be done in this country, but I think Obama as president will be better off in the long run. I hope the economy gets better, and gas prices stay affordable. I’m currently looking to buy a house, so I hope the housing market improves.”

Chas Lang

23, Tustin

“I supported him in the election, so I was very pleased. It’s definitely great to feel that you’re involved in such a historic event. I’m confident that our relationships with the international community will improve from the way Obama relates with people. He’ll make some strides with governments that aren’t allies. I think we’ll also see some improvement in the Middle East, as well as in the terrorist situation. There’s too much pressure on this guy!”

Mel Feingold

70, Huntington Beach

“It was a very significant moment for me when Obama won. I think we are ready for change. I never would’ve thought it would happen, but I’m glad I was here to see it. My kids were also very excited when it happened.”

Jenny Lingenfelter

51, Seal Beach

“I don’t know much yet, but I read somewhere that Obama was taking a vacation in Hawaii recently when there was war in Palestine. Let’s hope he brings luck to America. I’m very glad that we have a black president though. In this country so many actors become presidents, but don’t know much about politics. It’s easy to see if they’re there for themselves or if they really want to help. Obama seems like he wants to help and he knows about politics. In the years to come I would like to see peace in the world. I would also like to see a change in the health care system of this country. I come from Turkey, where everyone has free health care. America is a lot richer and bigger than Turkey, so it should be the same way here. Medicare is not really working for everyone. People here cannot afford health care.”

Eren Aksoy

45, Huntington Beach

“I was right there at 8 p.m. when they announced that Obama had won, and I was so excited! I couldn’t believe it; I almost cried. This brings hope for the country. My stepson is 9 and he was really excited too. He’s learning about slavery in school right now, and it was great for him to see an Afro-American being elected as president. In the years to come I’d like to see peace in the Middle East, an improved economy, and every American having health care.”

Heather Ressler

33, Huntington Beach

“Right now I’m pleased with what’s going on. Obama seems to be a president of action. He appears to be trying to implement the things that will help the U.S. I’d like to see a better economy during his term and I’d like him to end war as soon as possible.”

Mike Mercado

38, Garden Grove

“I believe this is time for a change. My 13-year-old daughter was very excited to hear about Obama winning. He brings a new vision, a new promise. He is dealing with a country going broke. He needs to have a solution for us. I also want to see more jobs and good gas prices.”

Anthony Denton

53, Huntington Beach

— Compiled by Saneyee Purandare