OPINIONS DIFFER ON OBAMA INAUGURATION

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLN COUNTY -- There's no gray area when it comes to illiciting opinions about President Barack Obama and the Obama Inauguration.

While many people were glued to their television sets in Lincoln County on Tuesday, some made the trip to Washington D.C. to witness "history in the making," as the first African-American president was sworn into office.

Resident Warren Smathers was among millions of people to witness the inauguration. In an email to The Carolina Scoop, Smathers said there was "incredible support" for President Obama.

"It's absolutely incredible to be here," said Smathers. "It's almost like Bobby Kennedy got elected."

Many others, like Vale restauranteur and Lincoln County commissioner Carrol Mitchem, felt the whole event was over-hyped.

"I've heard enough and seen enough," said Mitchem. "He (Obama) is not God."

Still, some residents -- like Denver business owner Sue Knittel -- are more reflective during the historic day and first weeks of Obama's administration.

In an email to The Carolina Scoop, Knittel said she remembred Dr. Martin Luther King, the struggles of the 1960s and the horror of his death. She also remembers witnessing segregation as a child living in the south.

"I am overwhelmed at the steps we have taken as a nation that brings us to this day," said Knittel. "I'm full of pride for all Americans to see a day I thought I'd never see in my lifetime."

Still many, like Pastor Scott Mann of New Vision Ministries in Lincolnton, is waiting to see how the Obama Administration will perform the first few weeks in office.

"Bottom line is, we need to keep the President in our prayers," said Mann.