LBCC's own attends inuauguration

On January 20, Barack Obama will be inaugurated into office of US presidency. This is tremendously historic on many different levels, and two LBCC teachers along with three LBCC students are lucky enough to be there in person.

Robert Harrison, Callie Palmer, Amanda Halama, Toni Snow, and Randy Herron will be attending the inauguration. I had the chance to sit down with Harrison and Palmer to get some information on their adventure.

When I asked Harrison what he believes Obama would do for The United States he replied with, “first I believe that he will pass a big stimulus package to give the country a boost and help turn the economy around, he will help lead the green revolution, Obama has his goals but will be willing to compromise to get things done.” Harrison also stated “I’ve been so disappointed at the last 8 years that’s why Obama is so exciting” I asked Harrison how he felt about Bush and he replied, “I don’t think he was capable of doing the job.” It’s easy to see the mess that’s been left for Obama; thankfully this is America where as long as we have the proper leadership we’ll have a chance to turn ourselves around.

I also had a chance to speak to Callie Palmer, the LBCC faculty consultant for multi cultural issues, who is also attending the trip to Washington D.C. In our discussion she talked about how the events of U.S. history affected Obama’s chances to win the presidency. For example, Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech was a huge step in the right direction. In the interview Palmer stated, “I don’t think we’ve reached post-racial politics like the pundits claim”.

Not only is Obama coming into office exciting enough but he’s got a great cabinet of top advisors that he’s bringing with him. “Hillary Clinton is a great choice for secretary of state” Said Harrison. Palmer was excited for Joe Biden whose wife was a community college teacher as well, “She will help us out,” said Palmer in reference to LBCC and community colleges around the nation.

There will be a presentation held by Dr. Harrison, Palmer, Halama, Snow, and Herron sometime in late February, an exact date has not been set up yet.