Magnum Blog / Yes, we can

Yes, we can

USA. Salem, New Hampshire. 2008. Barack Obama at a rally. © Christopher Anderson/Magnum Photos "This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can." - Barack Obama

Jacek

New president, new hope. Not only for Americans.

Stan B.

The end of eight years of sheer, utter madness. Now to clean up the goddamn mess, our great Republican legacy...

Patrick Yen

-What Obama's Inauguration Means To Me-

To me this inauguration means the very rebirth of America,
like a phoenix rising from the ashes - reborn and renewed.

It represents the triumph of knowledge over ignorance,
generosity over greed, peace over war, love over hate.

I feel it demonstrates the power of America - and indeed of humanity
to learn from our mistakes, and to transcend our limitations by working together.

It demonstrates the ability of individuals from diverse backgrounds - who do not always agree
to be able to work together for the greater good, and for a better tomorrow.

It represents the fulfillment of Martin Luther King's dream
as well as the dreams of those who have fought for peace and justice - all throughout the world.

It could even be said to represent the transformation of our very consciousness;
a giant leap for mankind.

As a "mixed" American myself
who is from a multicultural background
and has always had more of a "global" perspective,
the inauguration of Barack Obama carries even stronger meaning for me..

That those who are mixed are no longer marginalized for their multiculturalism,
but that heterogeneous societies can work, and that democracy can function.

Brian Frank

I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh and just like the river I've been running ever since
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

It's been too hard living but I'm afraid to die
Cause I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

I go to the movie and I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me don't hang around
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

Then I go to my brother
And I say brother help me please
But he winds up knocking me
Back down on my knees

There been times that I thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

Joesph

Enough speeches, enough media hype, enough bush bashing lets see if this man can turn the tide for the US both domestically and internationally. “yes we can” ok cool now show me what you can do Mr Obama

t.f.

this interesting photo shows, despite his strong speech, an Obama faces the darkness and emptiness, lonelily. Having no political opionion, i just tell what i see here.

joe

The kind of change we need will need a great deal of time to take shape. That is a fact whether the leader is good, great, or phenomenal.

It's better to wait out this time of duress with optimistic hope than pessimistic anxiety, especially if we will arrive at the same result.

I don’t know what the result will be, but I’m glad I’ll be optimistic while waiting for a long term effort to take shape.

bobblack

yes we will

:))

Duncan Simpson

Maybe He will Joesph? If you give him a chance! Enough negativity Joesph! Enough pessimism! Lets see if YOU will stand up and help or just stand by the sidelines with your judgments and criticisms. Ok cool now show me what you can do Joeseph, "yes you can"

Duncan Simpson

Brian C. Frank

Obama signs executive order to close Gitmo

Vowing transparency, Obama OKs ethics guidelines

Two headlines indicating two steps in the right direction. These days I refer to myself as a hopeful cynic.

ROLAND BOOKER

YOU TOOK A PICTURE OF MY WIFE @ GAYLORD TEXAS BALL WHAT HAPPEN TO IT? SHE HAD REDISH HAIR AND A MULTI COLO.RED JACKET SHE IS BLACK AND VERY PRETTY. YOU DIDNT ASK HER NAME YOU JUST ASK COULD YOU TAKE A CLOSE UP OF HER FACE. WE TOLD YOU OUR SON WAS A GRAD DRURY AND WAS ASKED TO COME BACK AND TEACH THIS JAN. WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE P[CTURE AS IT IS OUR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY I HOPE I TOLD YOU ENEOGH TO REMEMBER US

Christopher Anderson

Sorry Roland. You must have me confused with someone else. I was not at the Gaylord TX Ball.

sergio jaen lara

Sorry pals, but from distance, I am from Spain, I have to say that I am living this historic moment in a strange way. At one side I can see so much expectations, happiness and hope around Obama election, but at the other side It is impossible to deny that Obama hasn't done anything yet.
For me this is kinda strange because though I wish you the best to the future, I am seeing so much for so little

Duncan Simpson

Hi Sergio,
He's only been in office for six days, give him a chance!

sergiojaenlara

That's the point Duncan.

Dietmar

The only good thing is that Bush is gone.

Regardig the economy Obama cannot change much, I think.

Nacho Hernandez

Hi Sergio,

Also from Spain (but in Washington). The expectation, happiness and hope are for what he is expected to do (or not do) in the upcoming years. With one week in office I think it is not fair to say he hasn’t done much. And yet, his first moves this week have been pretty bold, as Brian points out above. I think he will deliver.

Saludos,

Fusheng

Hi Christoper,

I really like this picture of yours. We have been saturated with shots of Obama of late, yet this one is so fresh and engaging.
Care to share how you came about creating this image?

Cheers,
fush

sergio jaen lara

I can see another move: BUY AMERICAN.

Where is FREE TRADE?

t.f.

Fush,
the way i see it: Obama looks at the hollow empty dark space lonelily, as i mentioned in an earlier comment.

another way to see it: the apeal of the color of black (no racism, all i am talking about is color, like green, blue, orange and pink, not necessarily those seen on skin). In this photo it is black -- the background, Obama's hair, eyes, eyebrow and jacket. This color creates a sense of power.

Jacob Maentz

Love the photo...very engaging and telling. It's nice to see this perspective you have captured of President Obama.

Jacob Maentz

Love the photo...very engaging and telling. It's nice to see this perspective you have captured of President Obama.