History In the Making

What's up now, Tupac. "We ain't ready, to see a black president, uhh", you say. Maybe that was true back in '96, but lucky for all of us your country came through and proved ya wrong son.

I'm not about to say much else since let's be real, there's nothing that hasn't already been said. And who wants to read more about this anyway. So rather than wax poetic using my own poignant yet insightful words, I'll share some other people's who just happen to run countries...

First, the usual flowery-ness...

UNITED KINGDOM
Prime Minister Gordon Brown

"The whole world is watching the inauguration of President Obama, witnessing a new chapter in both American history and the world's history. He's not only the first black American president but he sets out with the determination to solve the world's problems."

No Pressure dude.

FRANCE

President Nicolas Sarkozy
"We are eager for him to get to work so that with him we can change the world."

'So that we can change the world'...

Ah, France.

No further comments.

SPAIN

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero
"Obama gives us hope and his words put us on a better path for a smooth and fruitful relationship with the Spanish government. The arrival of Obama gives us an opportunity we won't pass up."

Anyone who seriously uses "fruitful" in a sentence is a friend of mine.

And now for my favourites...

IRAN

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki

"We prefer to wait and see what the practical policies of the American government will be."

And now, how do you really feel?

RUSSIA

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

"We are ready for this. Our president confirmed this in a telephone conversation with Barack Obama straight after he was elected. I think there will be additional telephone - and not only telephone - contacts between our leaders."

Russia is ready. There will be additional contact. He thinks. And not just on the phone...

Snap.

VENEZUELA

President Hugo Chavez "Hopefully the arrival of a new president will mark a real change in relations between the United States and the countries of the Third World, one of respect for sovereignty and the freedom of the people. But nobody here should be under any illusions. This is the North American Empire we are talking about."

Ahaha. Fair enough Hugo. FAIR. ENOUGH.

Side note - Canada's response is conspicuously missing since Stephen Harper was too busy tryin' to keep his job. Canadian politics were "exciting" like that for the first time ever so get back to him next week. Also, word on the street is Obama's first international trip is to Canada so somebody call up England and let them know that we're still America's best friend after all. We'll stop crying ourselves to sleep on our huge pillow.

Also, where can I get one of these?