"We gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord"

More than 2 million people gathered in Washington yesterday to celebrate Barack Obama becoming America's 44th president, and to express their hope and anticipation for a new era.

Placing his hand on the Bible on which President Lincoln took his oath almost 150 years before, Barack Obama took the Oath of Office just after noon on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Tears of joy and hugs filled the crowd as President Obama delivered the final words of his oath. He then delivered his Inaugural Address to one of the largest crowds ever gathered on the National Mall--a sea of cheering, flag-waving Americans which stretched from the Capitol Building all the way to the Lincoln Memorial.

Obama delivered his Inaugural Address in a decisive and inspiring manner, calling for no less than the remaking of America and summoning generations, new and old, to return "to a new era of responsibility." He noted that Americans must make the hard choices previously avoided and that all citizens--regardless of race, color, creed or political persuasion--must play their part in the transformation.

In somber tones, Obama spoke of lost homes, jobs shed, businesses shuttered and healthcare that is too costly, and the need to not lose confidence and choose hope over fear. He acknowledged the true spirit of America, the hardworking people of this country:

"Our journey has never been one of short cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been...the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom."

In his inaugural address, President Obama dismissed critics who question the scale of his economic plan, renewing his call for a massive plan to stimulate economic and an eventual return to fiscal responsibility and accountability. "The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs but to lay a new foundation for growth, " he said. "....and those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government."

Obama's speech had a hard edge to it at times, as he spoke of "gathering clouds and raging storms," but throughout the address he artfully balanced the harsh realities we face as a nation against the promise of a better future. "Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real," he said. "They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America -- they will be met."

>> Transcript of Obama's Inauguration Address from CNN here.

Watch the full address here:

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Flickr photo courtesy of swyngarden, under Creative Commons license.

Less than 24 hours before President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, SEIU President Andy Stern issued the following statement:

"Words seem inadequate when I try to capture what the inauguration of Barack Obama means to working people. How can you describe what it feels like to a janitor or healthcare or childcare worker who has felt so powerless for so long to now feel so powerful.

"Jean Berg is a single mother in Ft. Myers, Florida. She works in a nursing home but has no health coverage. She hasn't been to a doctor in seven years. She's never voted in political elections, but this fall Jean put in 12-hour days talking to voters six days a week to help elect Barack Obama.

"The significance of this inauguration is the pride in Jean's heart, the tears in all our eyes, after so many years of feeling 'no we can't' to knowing now that yes, workers can.

"This inauguration day is for Jean and the millions of working men and women who have finally found hope, who once again believe in change and are finally ready for action in Washington.

"With Barack Obama as our nation's leader, we will build an America where the dreams and hopes we have for our families can come true."

Statement by SEIU President Andy Stern on Inauguration of President Barack Obama

Washington, D.C.--Less than 24 hours before President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) President Andy Stern issued the following statement:

"Words seem inadequate when I try to capture what the inauguration of Barack Obama means to working people. How can you describe what it feels like to a janitor or healthcare or childcare worker who has felt so powerless for so long to now feel so powerful.

"Jean Berg is a single mother in Ft. Myers, Florida. She works in a nursing home but has no health coverage. She hasn't been to a doctor in seven years. She's never voted in political elections, but this fall Jean put in 12-hour days talking to voters six days a week to help elect Barack Obama.

"The significance of this inauguration is the pride in Jean's heart, the tears in all our eyes, after so many years of feeling 'no we can't' to knowing now that yes, workers can.

"This inauguration day is for Jean and the millions of working men and women who have finally found hope, who once again believe in change and are finally ready for action in Washington.

"With Barack Obama as our nation's leader, we will build an America where the dreams and hopes we have for our families can come true."

As more and more working Americans struggle to make ends meet, the ability to form a union is key to the economic stability, health, and well-being of American families. According to a poll released by Hart Research last week, a substantial majority of Americans (73 percent) support the Employee Free Choice Act as part of the common sense solutions critical to economic recovery and rebuilding the middle class.

A new national TV campaign launched today by American Rights at Work in support of the Employee Free Choice Act continues the call to action that it's time our economy worked for everyone. The ads feature workers making their case for the legislation and focus on the fact that Employee Free Choice will grant working people the power to bargain for better wages, benefits and increased job security.

The spots will air for two weeks on national cable TV shows CNN, MSNBC, Comedy Central (during The Daily Show and The Colbert Report) and during the Sunday talk shows--hopefully reaching wide audiences to educate the public on why this legislation is such an intrinsic part of the hope and change the American people voted for on Election Day.

Watch the tv ads:

Ad #1 - "Hope and Change"

Ad Transcript:
Worker #1: I hope to have some health care...for a change.
Worker #2: I hope to work just one job....for a change.
Worker #3: I hope to be able to save a little....for a change.
Voice over: We voted on Election Day for hope and change. Now it's time for action. The Employee Free Choice Act lets workers choose to join a union to earn better pay, health benefits and job security...The Employee Free Choice Act. It's time the economy worked for everyone again.

Ad #2 - "We Don't Ask"

Ad Transcript:
Worker #1: We're not CEOs making millions.
Worker #2: We don't have golden parachutes or option plans.
Worker #3: What we have is our hands, our hearts and our work ethic.
Worker #4: We are America's workforce.
Worker #5: The men and women who keep our economy going.
Worker #6: All we ask for is a level playing field.
Voice over: The Employee Free Choice Act will let workers choose to form a union to get better pay, health benefits and job security... The Employee Free Choice Act. It's time the economy worked for everyone again.

Read more about the many ways the Employee Free Choice Act will help get our economy back on track.

SEIU is hosting the Change That Works open art exhibit at its International headquarters in Washington, DC from January 19 through January 22. The works of art to be displayed were commissioned by acclaimed street artist Shepard Fairey, who created the iconic Obama "HOPE" image.

The exhibit shines a spotlight on artists across the country who use their voices to amplify and motivate the grass roots movement for social justice and political action--many of whom were the winners and finalists of MANIFEST HOPE's previous contest during the Democratic National Convention that helped spread the word about Barack Obama and the inspirational themes of his candidacy. (You can view artwork of the Denver contest finalists--previewed below--at MoveOn.org)

To celebrate the unveiling of the Change That Works art exhibit, SEIU will host a special reception in the exhibit space at 1800 Mass Ave from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 19th . This reception is open to all SEIU staff, leaders and community political partners (RSVP to seiu-change@seiu.org if you'd like to attend).

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On a sidenote: A limited-edition print designed by Shepard Fairey in honor of President-elect Obama's Inauguration is now available for purchase on the Presidential Inaugural Committee's website for $100.00. A run of only 10,000 numbered prints have been made of this special illustration commemorating the Inaugural occasion. Fairey's new design can be viewed and purchased by visiting the PIC online store here.

Nationwide Call for Artwork Submissions Highlighting Heath Care Reform, the Green Economy and Workers' Rights.

SEIU, MoveOn PAC, and Obey Giant are partnering with Manifest Hope:DC in launching a nationwide contest to gather the best work celebrating the grass roots campaign that helped elect Barack Obama as president. The contest is calling for entries of visual artwork that use positive messaging to convey the importance of encouraging a national dialogue focused on heathcare reform, the green economy and workers' rights. Five pieces in each of the three categories will be selected and reviewed by a panel of judges to include famed artist Shepard Fairey, film director Spike Lee, SEIU 775NW Healthcare President David Rolf and many more.

Entries for submission to this inspiring visual call-to-action are due by January 9. The artwork of the fifteen contest winners will be publicly displayed to DC area residents and the 2 million people expected to gather in Washington for Barack Obama's upcoming inauguration from Friday, January 16th, 2009 through Monday, January 19th, 2009. The exhibit will be showcased at Manifest Hope:DC (3333 M Street N.W., Washington, DC).

Art played an unprecedented role in this election--most of us will never forget many of the arresting visual images created by artists who dedicated themselves to helping spread Obama's prevailing message of Hope everywhere in our country and abroad. Help to capture and maintain the energy we have experienced in Barack Obama's momentous climb to the White House by spreading the word about this contest or submitting an entry.

This online contest offers artists the opportunity to make one submission per category, totaling a maximum of three submissions:

* Manifest Opportunity - Stimulating The Green Economy
* Manifest Change - Health Care Reform
* Manifest Unity - Protecting Workers' Rights

This will be the second art contest for Manifest Destiny in the last year, building on the success of the gallery showcase at the Democratic National Convention that helped spread the word about Barack Obama and the inspirational themes of his candidacy. (You can view artwork of the Denver contest finalists at MoveOn.org)

For more information, visit Manifest Hope:DC online at http://www.ManifestHope.com