By John Solomon
How the government's punishing of the exposure of official wrongdoing can linger for years
President Obama's inaugural event Monday was historical on several counts: Mr. Obama, of course, is the first black man to take the oath of executive office for two times. Mr. Obama's poet, Richard Blanco, was the first Hispanic to recite the inaugural poem. And Mr. Obama is the first U.S. president to use the word "gay" — twice — in his inaugural address in reference to sexuality.
Text of poem "One Today" written and recited by Richard Blanco at the ceremonial swearing-in ceremony of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, as provided by the Presidential Inaugural Committee:
The pastor chosen to deliver the benediction at President Obama's inauguration withdrew from the ceremony Thursday after gay-rights groups complained that he once referred to homosexuality as a "sin."
President Barack Obama can expect some sweet serenades at his inauguration ceremony, with hit-makers Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor scheduled to perform.
President Obama can expect some sweet serenades at his inauguration ceremony, with hitmakers Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor on tap to perform some of the country's most patriotic songs.
Mr. Blanco said in the statement that he was "brimming over with excitement, awe, and gratitude" at being selected.
"In many ways, this is the very 'stuff' of the American Dream, which underlies so much of my work and my life's story — America's story, really," he said.
