I have to share a moment we had with our 2.5 son while we watched the inauguration proceedings... I was surprised that he and our 4 yo daughter watched it on TV with interest. They definitely sense the aura... Anyway, during Pres. Obama's inaugural speech, my son turned to my husband and asked, "Barack Obama nice? Barack Obama loves me?" They may not understand exactly what's happening, but they are in tune with the overall emotion! It just amazed me!

Take the test.

FIRST QUESTION: Who IS the actual and lawful 44th President of the USA?

ANSWER: Joe Biden

Biden was initially the Acting President for at least 5 minutes under either the Constitution’s Article 2 or the Constitution’s 20th Amendment, from 12:00 Noon 1/20/09, having already taken his Oath of Office and before Obama completed his ‘oath’ at approximately 12:05 PM, 1/20/09. Under the 20th Amendment if the President-elect shall have failed to qualify, or alternatively under Article 2 if the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term, being 12:00 Noon 1/20/09, which ability and/or qualification includes that he take the Article 2 oath “before he enter on the execution of his office,” then either the Presidency shall devolve on the Vice President under Article 2 or the Vice President shall act as President under the 20th Amendment. (The importance of the oath in ‘commencing’ an ‘Obama Presidency’ — rather than merely the 1/20/09 Noon time — is confirmed by the re-take of the ‘oath’ by Obama at the White House on 1/21/09 after the first ‘oath’ was NOT administered by Justice Roberts NOR recited by Obama in the words as required under Article 2.)

This is significant because at such time that the Supreme Court finally rules on the merits on Obama’s disqualification as not being an Article 2 “natural born citizen” (clearly he is NOT), Biden’s automatic status (without needing to take a separate Presidential Oath) of being President would be predicated upon four different bases: First, having been Vice President under Article 2; second, having been Vice President-elect under the 20th Amendment; third, having been actual President in the hiatus before Obama took the ‘oath(s)’; and fourth, retroactively deemed President during the full period of the Obama usurpation so that the acts of the Federal Government under the usurpation can be deemed authorized and/or ratified by Biden’s legitimacy.

SECOND QUESTION: Who will be the 45th President?

ANSWER: Hillary Clinton

One must assume that Bill and Hillary Clinton have been aware of all of the above. Biden’s wife recently “let the cat out of the bag” on the Oprah Show that both Biden and Hillary had considered alternatively Veep or Secretary of State, in either case, setting up Hillary to be President on a vote of the Democratic Congress if need be.

THIRD QUESTION: Is Obama an unwitting victim of this troika or a knowing participant?

ANSWER: Yet undetermined.

Ted,

I am no consititutional lawyer. With that said, I believe you are incorrect. From everything I have read, the president elect becomes the president at noon on Jan 20th whether the oath has been taken or not.

Obama was born in Hawaii. It is little more than some right wing whackos trying to contest that fact and I believe the courts refused to hear the case being brought to the contrary.

I didn't see Oprah but from what heard, Hillary was not part of what Mrs. Biden said. She just said that her husband had been offered either post.

Barrack Obama is our president and has been since noon Tuesday. These conspiracy theories, which I find fascinating, never turn into anything.

I have never seen this much excitement over a new presidency. I am even seeing it from the always right leaning folks in corporate America. It's sad that you can't seem to appreciate whether or not you support the president's agenda. But that is your right.

Kevin
Guatadopt.com

Kevin- How exciting for you and your family. I was glued to the TV as I watched the inauguration. I went to an Obama rally in Sept and was so energized by the excitement!

Ted- Do you believe everything you read on the internet?? If so, I have a bridge.....

Is this Ted for real ???

It truly was an exciting day on Tuesday. Regardless of whether you are an Obama supporter or not. I am truly proud of how far this country has come in terms of race. We still have a long way to go but I think it says a lot of our Nation. Our daughter(from Guatemala) loves Obama and she is just 4 so his energy is wide reaching.

One question are the forums down?
Mary Pat

Sadly there are a lot of people that are thinking along the same lines as Ted is. We can thank the always truthful and informative (NOT) FOX News, Rush, Bill O, and all the other hate mongers that live in this country. I actually have read AP blogs that say their sick of hearing the fact that the President is black. Well get over it, he is black and frankly I'm sick over the comments made by other APs that seemingly call themselves Christians. Get a clue, it's a big deal, pick up a US history book and you will understand why it's a big deal.

Sorry, Ted's comments just set me off. I'm so sick and tired of hearing this crap. Sick and tired of people becoming so rude when anyone mentions the Presidents name. Even on the forum when Marie posted a link she gets attacked. It's concerning that there is so much hate, again coming out of so called Christians.

I for one am thrilled we finally have some intelligence in the White House.

Kevin - glad your darling children were able to view and be a part of such a monumental time in history.

He is an incredibly moving speaking. I almost cried listening to him. Kevin, I would imagine that you saw a lot of people crying at the inauguration. It would be sooo much more moving to hear it when you are participating with a huge crowd.

If you are big hearted and want to include people instead of excluding them, then you will be moved by Obama. If you are frightened of people who are different than you, well then he is going to really push your buttons. He is and will be great even if he can't fix all of the economic and international problems. He is approaching things from an entirely new paradigm and I applaude him.

Actually Ted is right, Bush's term ended at 12:00 and Obama was not sworn in until around 12:08. Until sworn in under oath, he was not president until that time.

I too watched in on tv with my 8th graders and what a great day. I am so proud to be American and can't wait to see what the future holds for my daughter.

Papa- This is a place about adoptions from Guatemala.This is a place about children in need of a loving family. And if someone starts talking about the plan that Mr. Obama has for the american children, they can expect nothing but political " fire " since Mr. Obama supports LATE TERM ABORTION. Which is nothing but a killing of a baby ( ever heard about Dr. Tiller the babies killer? ). Basically, the doctor will put his hands in the woman womb and will take out of there the 8 months fetus ( baby ) by tearing apart the little body piece by piece. Are you o.k. with that? Mr. Obama IS. Mr. Obama isn't black!!! Black is a person who has two black parents. Mr. Obama's mother was from north Europe. But this isn't the issue. The issue is that I'll judge him by what he will do for the american people. In first place I hope he will keep us safe, because it doesn't matter to me having money in my pocket if I am dead because a terrorist attacked this Country with a nuclear weapons. We'll see how the children and their parents will be in four years.It looks to me that people are saying that he is a great President before he has even started working. So far he made history because he is half black and because he took the oath twice. I think it's the first time in the history of this Country. If you don't like Fox News and company do like me. I watch no longer MSNBC full of far left " journalists ". One of them ( the host of Hard Ball )used to write speaches for Mr. Carter. Nice to talk to you. Vince.

Kevin how exciting for your family to be there.
My 3 year son watched with me and I tried to explain to him what was going on. Of course the only thing he talks about is when the helicopter took off, the lady who sang so loud and keeps asking me what was the names of those two girls.
I for one will remember much of the day and am looking forward to some much needed new ideas in the White House.
Cathie

What I find amazing is all mean cynical crap some people fabricate about him, when Obama has given so many hope (all around the world), and a sense of responsibility and caring for their fellow man. You can choose love or choose fear. I choose a leader who inspires us to be better people.

I have posted before that I am not an "Obama fan". I don't agree with most of his politics, and I find the fanatical worship of any politician disturbing. But Ted, Obama is our President and he will be our President for at least the next 4 years. He's not going to be dismissed over a technicality, assuming (and its quite a stretch) that you are correct. Your little conspiracy theory is embarrassing to conservatives like myself!
Also Papa, I didn't appreciate your comment about finally having some intelligence in the White House either. Bush was the President of the US for 8 years, and the office of the President deserves respect. Calling our President stupid is a simple disrespectful insult.
Overall, I think that even if you don't like the politics of the man, we should all as Americans respect the office of the President. We need to set this important example for our children too.
And its plain naive to dismiss the excitement surrounding the innauguration itself. Agree politically with Obama or not, his innauguration is an historic event for the US. I'll argue about his policies as his presidency unfolds, but his innauguration on the 22nd was a day of celebration for most of the US, and although I'm not marching in the parade I'm not going to rain on it either.

Obama is not the first president who was sworn in after 12:00. And as I said, the Constitution, based on everything I have read, states that he becomes president at noon, regardless of the oath. But really it is irrelevant.

Once again, I was not trying to start a political debate. The emotion and hope has nothing to do with political parties or policy. I think it would have been the same if Ford or Powell, two prominent African-American republicans, would have been inaugurated.

As the parent of minorities, I was able to appreciate it. It means a lot and that was why I took my kids. Nothing with politics...

But one thing I'll say. Never confuse being in favor of something with not wishing to outlaw it. I am personally against abortion. I think there is so much easy access to birth control that it shouldn't be necessary with a few exceptions like rape. But I support, personally, a woman's right to choose. I am against owning a handgun. I believe having one only increases the odds of a kid accidentally killing himself or others. But I support a person's right to own one. Just my perspective.

I'll allow this to turn into a debate as long as everyone remains civil. And I'll warn you that if it does, I am one proficient debater. I even once had a member of Congress tell me he was glad he never had to debate me. But that was not the intent of my post.

Kevin
Guatadopt.com

Kevin, I'm glad your family was able to experience such a big deal on Tuesday. While I was probably warmer as I watched, I wasn't surrounded by all that excitement.

What I REALLY liked about Obama's speech was when he talked about, and I'm completely paraphrasing here,
1. people need to take responsibilty for their actions
2. every person needs to work towards making a positive impact on the world around them.

I'm a big proponent of people getting active in their community/country/world instead of waiting around for someone else to do it for them. Obviously all of you at Guatadopt feel the same way...no one could accuse you of not giving of your time (and I'm sure your money) to help others. Thank you for that.
Peace.

Kevin- A woman can choose for herself, no for the others.And what about the right of the father? Vince.

Papa- One more thing. You are complaining of how some repubblican and conservative people are treating MR. Obama. Have you have ever taken a look at what Moveon.org has done for the last eight years? Beside calling President Bush all kind of names, they were chearing at Mr. Tony Snow death and before they were happy He got cancer, and I can keep going for hours about all the far left garbage. I guess no one was complaing back then of how the President and his administration were treated.Vince.

Vince -

You wrote:

"Mr. Obama isn't black!!!"

You just proved my point about FOX and all the others. Thanks.

Have a nice night.

I think it was a bad idea to post something political on this website when you know that about 50% of the people who read it will be offended!

Wow,

After following this site for several years through our adoption I would have thought that all on the site would be 100% for the life of the unborn. Yes, life begins at conception, there are 60 billion precedents to back this up, no woman has ever gotten pregnant and did not give birth 9 months later under normal circumstances.

I am also miffed at the emotion over Mr Barrack Hussein Obama. Don't get me wrong I think it is wonderful that America after all the racial problems of just over a decade ago would elect a black president, but that aside he has absolutely no credentials during which looks like to be the toughest days ahead in the history of our nation. I pray as do all Americans that he will succeed, but remember he was the most liberal voter in the senate out of all 100, even more than Ted Kennedy.

More than this let us not forget the PAPS and children still who have not been brought home and keep the fight alive for them.
Shalom Don

Can those of you who feel the need to spew your political rhetoric please take it elsewhere? This is not the place. This is a place for those folks who are connected to Guatemalan adoptions and who want to talk about things RELATED to that. Kevin is one of the site writers and from what I can see, he is sharing his wishes that someday even adopted children will be fully integrated into our families in that they will have ALL the same rights as biological children, including being able to be president if they so wish. Go find a political based website to fight your left/right battles. The whole reason the world is so intrigued by Obama is because he wants to unite us, not continue to play one side against the other. Take a look at where the world is today, and you can see that the old 'business as usual' has not worked well for our country or our world.

Adoptmom- You first say that this is not the place for right/left politics talking and after you start talking about old and new politics? Vince

Papa- I have said that Mr Obama is not black. He his half black. Do you want to say now that his mother isn't white? Common sense, please. If my father is french and my mother is from guatemala, am I french? No, I am half french and half guatemalan. Unless now someone wants to deny that Mr. Obama mother was white and from north Europe. And I said also that this isn't the issue. I will judge him from what he will do for the american people, regardless of the color of his skin. A lot of things have been said about him . Someone from the left even compared him to Mr. Lincoln. May be they forgot that Mr. Lincoln was the founder of the repubblican party and that he brought this Country to a civil war also ( I said also ) to free the slaves. May be they forgot that the democratic party was majority party in the southern States. May be they forgot that Mr. Obama belongs to this party, no to the repubblican party. Nice to talk to you. So far there is only a polite exchange of opinions, please Kevin, let the people keep posting comments. Thank you. Vince.

I think that this thread has gotten way off track from what Kevin originally intended. I agree with adoptmom; politics aside, our country needs to come together and stop the divisiveness. It does not help to accomplish anything if we're just throwing stones and jabs back and forth. When I read Kevin's original post, the intention to me was clear: Our Guatemalan born children still cannot become president in this country. Fifty years ago, African Americans were not allowed to vote, let alone become president. We have some work to do for our kids so we can tell them, "Yes, you can be WHATEVER you want to be in America." It can happen, but we need to work hard to make it happen. Kevin, are there already organizations working on this?

Vince,

You are missing the historical and emotional context of Obama's ethnicity. If you had been in DC amongst all the people with darker skin than I, you'd have a different perspective on it. People who remember when they couldn't go into a restaurant or drink from a water fountain saw someone who looks like them become president. Remember that during slavery, the children born from the rape of slaves by their owners became slaves. Same goes during Jim Crow times. That says to me that half-black is full-black in all ways that matter.

You are correct about this sad southern history of the Democrats. But let's also remember that guys like Strom Thurmond left the Dems to become Republican when the Dems changed their tune.

I don't think either party is racist so that is not the implication.

Yes, many of you got my intent in this post. This should be a time to come together and get beyond political ideologies for the sake of our struggling nation. I'm not saying Obama or congress can or will do that. But it needs to be done!

Kevin
Guatadopt.com

Don,
Wow yourself. You said "no woman has ever gotten pregnant and did not give birth 9 months later under normal circumstances". Um, Don, do you realize what audience reads this blog? Many of us, myself included, have had pregnancies that didn't last 9 months or result in the birth of a child. And not because we chose abortion either. What an incredibly insensitive and incorrect statement.

KEVIN- Is far from me to say that this isn't a new book in the history of this Country. My point is that too many people have voted for or against Mr. Obama because of only the colour of his skin. I voted against him because I don't share his values and his " vision " for this Country. As I have said, I want to see where the USA will be in four years. I don't want him to fail, because if he fails my family will be affected. We live in the USA too. In the Country I have immigrated from people say: ' TALKING IS A VERY LIGHT JOB ". He is a politician and like all the other politicians they are good at talking. God bless the USA.Vince.

On the abortion issue, I have to say that the Catholic Church has an official position that I think is not well known. This religion allows abortion in one case, only one case. If the life of the pregnant mother is in danger an abortion is allowed. I think that the other Cristian Churches allow the same. Vince.

Susanne,

You totally took my post out of context. I was not speaking about miscarriages of which my wife has also had. I was merely saying that since creation we have had 60 billion humans that started life at conception and were born into this world. Let's not read between the lines and I am not trying to be insensitive as our family has gone through as much as anyone with one adoption and still no biological children. My only intention was to show conclusively that every life indeed does begin at conception.
Don

On what basis can anyone say why anyone else voted for (or against) Obama (or McCain or anyone)??? I voted for Obama because I DO share his values and his vision for this country. I supported him over Hillary Clinton for this reason (btw, despite the fact that she, is a woman, like I am). It's an easy out to say that folks voted for him because of his skin color.
Mr. Obama's message is one of hope, peace and inclusion. Seeing the venom being spewed here, I can see that it is much needed. And also much opposed by some people.

Thank you Vince for having the courage to speak the truth about abortion. It is not pretty and it is a divisive issue. I am amused that the more liberal contributors here hurried to shush Vince and others for being divisive. Are we to lay down whatever we think is right just so we won't cause division? If that were the case, we would probably still be a nation with slavery. Thank goodness for the brave souls who dared to stand up against that horror. I too find it amazing that people are so willing to ignore Obama's very pro-choice agenda. He was THE MOST abortion minded (his voting record clearly shows the truth of that statement) senator while representing Illinois. I have hope for America too but not if we are willing to turn our backs on life. Thank you Vince. I appreciate your input and I believe the truth is welcome and needed everywhere. Tracy

I agree that the intent was for us regardless of our politics to celebrate that someone other than a caucasian male was elected president. I voted for Obama. I would be happy to have voted for Colin Powell, a republican, too. I think there are good candidates that are democrats and there are good candidates that are republicans.

I guess I do have to put my ten cents worth in on the abortion issue. Most abortions could be avoided if contraception was used. I once knew a woman that had several abortions because she didn't use contraception. She also said that she couldn't be friends with a man that hunted. What hypocrisy huh?

I also knew a woman that had an abortion because she became pregnant after her father raped her. And my mother was forced to carry a severely deformed child for 10 months (yes one month past 9 months) even though there was almost certainty that the child would die during birth. Giving birth to a dead child riped her apart and she lived with the affects of that for her entire life.

Its easy to say you are against this or that. But try saying what your beliefs are to someone who is truly impacted by your beliefs. Imagine saying it to their face.

Abortion is indeed an extremely decisive issue. One of things far more important than politics.

Obama is definitively pro-choice. There is no doubt about that and no one could deny it. That happens, last I saw, to be the position of the majority of americans. I honestly mean that with no disrepsect.

With the exception of some federal funding policy, it is an issue in the hands of the judiciary branch, not the executive. This is being shown as states restrict it and the case ultimately ends up in the Supreme Court.

It is an issue that gets to the core of people. In my opinion, regardless of my position, it is an issue in which both sides have an etremely valid argument that comes from the heart and honest judgement.

What I think is missing from the issue is a "we'll agree to disagree" respect for one another. I suppose this should be no surprise given the emotion and significance of it.

I think it's cool if we can have an honest forum among adults here. That's not dissing anyone.

A post about the joy of experiencing a historic day by any account with my kids has opened up some of the things that are divisive in our country - a nice departure ironically from the economy. That's okay.

As an Obama supporter who likes his vision, I can say I believe he'd want an open discussion. All views welcome.

Let's understand one another.

Peace,

Kevin
Guatadopt.com

SjBj- I think your talking to me. On what basis I think people have based their vote on the colour of the skin? Because I read comments posted on different blogs in the last two years, and a lot of them started with phrases like this: "...I have a friend that told he will not vote for Mr. Obama because he is black..."; ...my granpap told he will not vote for a black person..." Now, I do believe that most of this remarks were the declaration of a personal choice. Since the people posting this comments didn't want to be accused of racism, they were talking about other people like friends or granparents. Vince.

At the risk of continuing this inflamed debate...I had a few thoughts to add.

First of all, I did not vote for President Obama as I disagree with his politics on many fronts. That being said, I have had many a lump in my throat at various points over this historic event. Being married to a minority husband, and now having two (Guat) minority daughters, I can think of no better alternate outcome to my candidate/party not winning than having an African American appointed president.

For those who think he was voted for merely upon race, keep in mind Barack could not have won without the strong support of white voters. Although this country still has pockets of racism and its share of ignorant folks, I think this election proves that we have entered a new era of equality in our nation.

I think our President is a thoughtful and intelligent man. I like him. I will support him as our leader. If not for his extremely liberal view on abortion (the Born Alive Bill would have ensured that babies born alive in hospitals during abortions would be given medical care--Obama voted against this bill! Even Hilary Clinton supported it) I might have voted for him.

I won’t rehash my side of the abortion debate, because every one of us has heard it all before. But what occurs to me in this moment is that if abortion were legal in Guatemala (I understand it is only allowed in limited circumstances) and as accessible as in the U.S., those two beautiful baby girls napping in the other room might not exists. To me, that’s argument enough that abortion just isn’t right.

A female friend of mine has many times told me how loving her husband is. I talked with her husband once about political views. He believes that we should have leveled Iraq with bombs before going in. Now I have to give this man due credit. In many respects he is a gentle creature. But after hearing his views, I immediately thought that he should form some friendships with some people from that part of the world. And I think it would help him to verify the legitimacy of his beliefs if after getting to know these people as human beings, he imagined telling them his political views to their faces. This type of exercise can be used as a litmus test for any belief. After visualizing that type of exercise, we can ask ourselves, do our beliefs still make sense?

Wow Holli...your comment about your beautiful girls not existing if abortion were more accessible choked me up at bit.

Actually, chances are your two beautiful children would still exist even if abortion were legal in Guatemala as it is a very religious country that is deeply rooted in a different culture and because there would still be a 'choice'. After all, Sarah Palin's daughter had a 'choice' too. Well, maybe.

Kevin

thank you for a moving post about historic events in the USA - it was wonderful to watch on the TV and feel a part of it all even though we live very far away. I hope that some day soon a posting like this can be made without the discussion turning as it has. Like you, I believe in rights for people that I may not choose for myself. Your photo is so lovely too. Roll on the day when all of the internationally adopted children in USA can also run for the highest office in the land

MK

re the comment about the illegality of abortion in Guatemala and our adopted children...

If reproductive education and contraception were widely available in Guatemala, then 1000s of women would not now be wearing the "birthmother" moniker and facing an eternity of wondering about their children. There should be options available to wome to orchestrate their own reproductive lives without being faced with the choice of placing (easier on the ears but perhaps less true than giving up) a child for adoption

about abortion in Guatemala...yes, it is illegal but hundreds or more take place daily. Ads in the paper have advertised for many many years for "services to correct delayed periods" or simply to "treat unplanned pregnancies". Illegality does not stop this practice and of course many women die in the process. The not so clandestine networks exist at all levels of the social ladder.

Kevin, thank you for beginning this blog with the hope and inspiration that makes this country so great. Our family is so pleased that you and your family enjoyed an historic moment in person and were able to feel the aura amongst fellow citizens. We share in your enthusiasm and a brighter future. Best regards to all the families that enjoy your website and share in the joy of love.

After reading over the comments for a month I have decided to add my own. In all of my years, I have NEVER listened or watched so many individuals put their faith in 1 person (Barack Obama & Government). It is VERY scary and a lot of people are going to be disappointed. WE NEED TO PUT OUR FAITH IN GOD, NOT IN A PRESIDENT/GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

Mariesa- I am 100% with you. And if you don't believe in God count on yourself to fix your own problems. The Government and the politicians in general will not do it for you. You don't believe me? Think about the socialist system, where the Government is in charge of every thing, it should be the one that theorically ( THE CAPITAL-K.MARX )works perfectly for the people. Where in the world, and at what point in the history of the world, has worked well for the people? Vince.