Sign in to wowOwow

Enter the email address that you used when registering at wowOwow.
The password field is case sensitive. Click here if you have forgotten your password.

Please register for wowOwow

Newsletter subscriptions
Sign up to receive wowOwow's weekly newsletter and get our best picks delivered right to your inbox. Our newsletter content is hand-picked by the wowOwow editorial team and provides the top features, news, and commentary from our site. Subscribing to our newsletter is free and safe. We will never share your email or other information with a third-party without your direct consent.
By registering, you indicate that you have read and agree
with our privacy policy and terms of service.

Politics | 01/20/2009 1:30 pm

Dianne Feinstein's Inaugural Remarks Astound (Video)

By The Staff at wowOwow.com

Like so many others, we wOwers gathered together today to watch Barack Obama be sworn in as our 44th president. And, yes, we were inspired, brought to tears and generally elated over the changing of the guard. We can’t, however, ignore California Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s words.

Opening the ceremonies, Feinstein, a woman we’ve always admired, described today’s events, quite appropriately, as a "turning point for our nation." We are busy etching "another line in the solid stone of history" and Obama’s election proves the power of the "ballot over the bullet."

The freedom of a people to choose its leaders is the root of liberty. In a world where political strife is too often settled with violence, we come here every four years to bestow the power of the presidency upon our democratically elected leader. Those who doubt the supremacy of the ballot over the bullet can never diminish the power engendered by nonviolent struggles for justice and equality, like the one that made this day possible. No triumph tainted by brutality could ever match the sweet victory of this hour and what it means to those who marched and died to make it a reality. Our work is not yet finished, but future generations will mark this morning as the turning point for real and necessary change in our nation. They will look back and remember that this was the moment wehn the dream that once echoed across history, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial finally reached the walls of the White House.

Absolutely incredible!

Here’s the video of Feinstein’s remarks.

51 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Lorraine Bates
I just love her. I remember how she brought San Francisco back together after the horrific assassinations of Harvey Milk and George Moscone. She’s always been a voice of unity and inclusion.
By Lorraine Bates on 01/20/2009 1:36 pm
EKA -
Just wonderful. A great way to start. And the wonderful prayer at the end was an equally great way to end it … that yellow will be mellow and white will do right, etc. Teriffic !
By EKA - on 01/20/2009 1:39 pm
Patty E
I too, not intending to parrot the rest of you, thought that Feinsteins’ speech was packed with ‘Punch’….and that pleased me too! So much ‘good’ is coming out of today.
By Patty E on 01/20/2009 1:52 pm
Marjorie C.
Absolutely incredible! I absolutely agree. Beautiful words spoken on a beautiful occasion.
By Marjorie C. on 01/20/2009 1:56 pm
Brooklyn Gal
Just turned the news about Ted Kennedy. You can see the pain on Obama’s face when he spoke about him and when his head was bowed in prayer. I hope this wonderful day does not end on a sad note.
By Brooklyn Gal on 01/20/2009 2:03 pm
Brooklyn Gal
Sen. Dianne Feinstein did a marvelous job today. Every aspect of this event was so classic. I also enjoyed it when she talked about the painting. Her words so well-chosen for each part of this beautiful event.
By Brooklyn Gal on 01/20/2009 2:07 pm
f p
Feinstein is one feisty gutsy woman and more power to her—her speech was excellent and to the point—not many could have said it better.
By f p on 01/20/2009 2:12 pm
kermie b
… future generations will mark this morning as the turning point for real and necessary change in our nation.” Amen.
By kermie b on 01/20/2009 2:17 pm
John G
Great speech writer.
By John G on 01/20/2009 2:30 pm
Mugsy Peabody
Now let’s honor Senator Feinstein by enacting real gun control in this country.
By Mugsy Peabody on 01/20/2009 2:32 pm
Brooklyn Gal
Mugsy, I was wondering where you were today. I always look for your comments. Always glad to see you. C.
By Brooklyn Gal on 01/20/2009 2:34 pm
Mugsy Peabody
I was off reading the speech. I’m hard of hearing, so have to read anything important. I’ve posted it on my blog, if anyone needs it. www.mugsypeabody.blogspot.com
By Mugsy Peabody on 01/20/2009 4:29 pm
Brooklyn Gal
I commented on your wonderful blog post yesterday and will do so again today. What a day to come after MLK’s birthday!!
By Brooklyn Gal on 01/20/2009 5:02 pm
Mugsy Peabody
I can only imagine what Shirley Chisholm is thinking! Now for women, Asians, …. who knows? Maybe someday we’ll have a Native American president?
By Mugsy Peabody on 01/20/2009 7:59 pm
Brooklyn Gal
Wait a second! Isn’t Todd Palin part Native American?????
By Brooklyn Gal on 01/20/2009 8:07 pm