The Nations First African American President
Milestone in Black History
Black History Month was special in 2009. The inauguration of the first African American to hold this position. Barack Obama, the 44th President of The United States. Elected in 2008 after running in the presidential race with John McClain. The inauguration was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. The inaugural events started on January 18, and lasted through January 21. President Obama quoted a phrase from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, "A New Birth of Freedom. Tribute was given to Martin Luther King's Day as well.
Black History Month has another milestone to record in Black History. The re-election of an African American President. President Obama was re-elected in 2012 after running against Republican nominee Mitt Romney. The first inauguration was a private ceremony, held in the Blue Room in the White House on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The public inauguration was the following day. Again, the President quotes references to Abraham Lincoln. "Faith in America's Future," the "perseverance and unity" of the United States, and his own quote moving "Forward." The inaugural events started on January 19th, lasting through to the memorial holiday of Martin Luther King, Jr on Monday, January 21, 2013.
Lincoln and The 39th Congress - Obama and The 112th Congress
Obama has quoted phrases that Lincoln spoke during his rein in the presidency. Perhaps this is why Obama admire Lincoln, his accomplishments. What made Lincoln a successful president was, he had the 39 congress. Whereas, President Obama has the obstructional, block everything he propose to do house. Did the house say publicly that they will not help "this president" do nothing? It seems as if the goal is, to make every effort to cause the president to fail.
During the civil war, Lincoln thought deeply how he could end the war but he would need the help of congress to get two articles passed. He slowly and skillfully maneuvered to get the votes he need. He had republicans in both houses and the 39th congress came together and supported the Emancipation of Proclamation freeing the slaves because they thought it was an act of justice and military necessary. Lincoln knew this would not be enough, so again, he relied on congress to pass a constitutional amendment, the 13th amendment legally banning slavery.
References
www.biography.com
www.mrlincolnandfreedom.com
www.americancivilwar.com
