Washington (CNN) -- As the nation celebrated the start of another term for President Barack Obama, Republican congressional leaders had a muted, bipartisan response to his second inaugural address.

"Today is a day for all of us in this country to come together," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, told CNN, when asked about the president's speech. "It really doesn't matter who you voted for, which side you're on,"

Cantor added. "Today is a day we can all come together."

Cantor said the president's speech addressed the issue of upward mobility, a topic of shared concern across party lines.

When asked about online reaction to the speech from Republicans who felt it was too aggressive and too liberal, Cantor again refused to engage in partisan terms.

"I think the president did a fine job certainly laying out what he would like to see happen as far as the future of the country," the second-highest ranking Republican leader in the House said.

"There are plenty of areas of disagreement but there are also some things that, fundamentally, we agree on -- and that is this country is one of opportunity," he continued.

Cantor added that there were partisan differences over "the way we get there to help everybody. ... Hopefully, we can bridge those differences."

Cantor's remarks echoed a sentiment shared by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in a written statement issued as Monday's ceremony at the Capitol was beginning to wrap up.

"Every four years on Inauguration Day, America shows the world that our major political parties can disagree with civility and mutual respect," McConnell wrote.

The Senate's top Republican said Obama's second term represented a "fresh start" for addressing big challenges facing the country, including the issues of federal spending and debt.

"Republicans are eager to work with the president on achieving this common goal and we firmly believe that divided government provides the perfect opportunity to do so. Together, there is much we can achieve."

Obama, near the end of his inaugural address on Monday, made what appeared to be an oblique reference to the partisan battles between himself, the GOP-controlled House and the Senate -- where Democrats have control but do not have a filibuster-proof majority.

"Being true to our founding documents does not require us to agree on every contour of life; it does not mean we will all define liberty in exactly the same way, or follow the same precise path to happiness," the president said to the nearly one million people gathered along the National Mall. "Progress does not compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time -- but it does require us to act in our time.

"For now decisions are upon us, and we cannot afford delay. We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate. We must act, knowing that our work will be imperfect. We must act, knowing that today's victories will be only partial, and that it will be up to those who stand here in four years, and forty years, and four hundred years hence to advance the timeless spirit once conferred to us in a spare Philadelphia hall."

Obama added that "the oath I have sworn before you today, like the one recited by others who serve in this Capitol, was an oath to God and country, not party or faction -- and we must faithfully execute that pledge during the duration of our service."

Asked about what occurred during Monday's lunch attended by the president and some members of Congress, Cantor said, "It's a very nice lunch. It is really a continuum of the spirit of the day where both sides come together. There's bipartisan representation at the tables. There's legislative branch, judicial branch, executive branch all sharing tables. And just nothing but good. Hopefully that kind of cooperative spirit can continue."

Cantor said part of the reason the luncheon ran long was because Obama "went to every table and shook every hand."
CNN's Wolf Blitzer asked Cantor how long the bipartisan spirit and goodwill of Inauguration Day will linger.

"We hope that this lasts," Cantor said, "and then that we can focus on solutions, bridging differences, setting aside differences and trying to focus on what we have in common as Americans."

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/21/politics/obama-inauguration-gop-reacts/index.html?hpt=po_c1

Washington (CNN) -- After celebrating his second inauguration with a throng estimated at about 800,000, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama spent the evening at more intimate affairs: 30,000 guests at two inaugural balls.

The Obamas first swung by the Commander in Chief's Ball, where they danced in front of a sea of cell phone cameras to Jennifer Hudson's performance of Al Green's classic "Let's Stay Together." They then switched partners: the first lady danced with Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Timothy D. Easterling and the president danced with an Air Force Staff Sgt. Bria D. Nelson.

Obama sang a bit of the same song at a campaign fundraiser in Harlem last year.

The first lady wore a custom, ruby-colored gown designed by Jason Wu, who also designed her inaugural gown in 2009, and the president wore a tuxedo and white tie.

 Barack and Michelle's inaugural dance 2013: The year of inauguration quirks See the Inauguration Day highlights

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, also appeared at the two balls, dancing to Jamie Foxx performing Ray Charles' "I Can't Stop Loving You." Foxx portrayed the singer in the movie "Ray."

The Bidens also switched partners with military members, the vice president dancing with Army Staff Sgt. Keesha Nicole Dentino and Mrs. Biden with Navy Petty Officer Patrick Figueroa.

Obama delivered the "thanks of the American people" to the members of the military at the service members' ball.

"Thank you for volunteering, thank you for stepping up, thanks for making us strong, thank you for keeping us safe," the commander-in-chief told the cheering revelers.

He also told them that Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey had promised to sing, "so hold him to that."

The Obamas also danced to "Let's Stay Together" at the Inaugural Ball, also held in the convention center.

Hudson was one of 21 acts that were to perform at the two balls, including Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Far East Movement, fun., members of the cast of "Glee," John Legend, Katy Perry, Marc Anthony, Mindless Behavior, Nick Cannon, Smokey Robinson, Soul Children of Chicago, Soundgarden, Stevie Wonder and Usher.

Keys changed the lyrics of her hit "Girl on Fire" from "This girl is on fire" to "Obama's on fire."

Organizers converted the convention center's massive, bare-bones exhibit hall into a slightly less bare-bones ballroom. No chandeliers here, just a few drapes and decorations to spruce up the exposed ceiling and fluorescent lights. Revelers danced on the center's industrial concrete floor.

Seen close to the stage were the first lady's mother, Marian Robinson, and Obama adviser and family friend Valerie Jarrett. Former Obama campaign manager Jim Messina was seen in the crowd.

The Inaugural Ball was split between two floors in the building, and attendees were not allowed to go from floor to floor.

While Monday's events were the only two official balls, there were others in the city around the inauguration.

On Sunday night, they included the Red, White and Blue Ball headlined by Lynyrd Skynyrd; the Hip Hop Ball, chaired by Russell Simmons with appearances by 2 Chainz, John Legend, Eva Longoria and Swizz Beatz; and the "Latino In Performance" and "Let Freedom Ring!" galas at the Kennedy Center.

On Monday, the Creative Coalition was putting on a ball with a performance by the Goo Goo Dolls, while the Young and Powerful Black Tie Ball and the Congressional Black Caucus Inaugural Ball were also taking place in the city.

Sponsors threw a ball for George Washington a week after his inauguration in New York in 1789, but the celebrations were established as a tradition with the inauguration of James Madison in Washington in 1809.

The Obamas dashed around Washington to 10 balls in 2009, but like many things in his second inauguration -- smaller crowds, shorter lines, shorter speeches -- the number was reduced.

President Bill Clinton's second inauguration in 1997 holds the record for most balls with 14. George W. Bush had eight balls in 2001 and nine in 2005.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/21/politics/inaugural-balls/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

DETROIT (WWJ) – Temperatures will be cold to start the week as well as for the next several days. AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean Devore and the National Weather Service say it’ll be cloudy throughout the metro Detroit area Monday and snow showers will be falling from time to time.

A wind-chill advisory will be in effect from 7 p.m. Monday until 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Lenawee , Livingston, Macomb , Monroe , Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw , and Wayne counties.

Monday’s high will reach 20 degrees, but the AccuWeather Real Feel Temperature will be closer to 10 this afternoon. A snow shower could put down a a quick coating to an inch of snow and cause slippery conditions and poor visibility.

Tonight, it’ll be windy and frigid with patchy clouds, a low of 6, but the

AccuWeather Real Feel Temperature will make it feel like it’s between -10 and -20 degrees.

Click here for the complete weather forecast.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/01/21/bundle-up-its-cooooold-outside/

As America officially enters the Obama era with President Barack Obama preparing to take the oath of office Monday on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, laying his hand on the Bibles of President Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., swearing to defend the Constitution, the buzz among many inaugural attendees is that this is the time for another Justice Thurgood Marshall on the U.S. Supreme Court.

And two names Attorney General Eric Holder and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick are been circulated around as individuals who meet the qualification to inherit the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first Black to serve on the nation's highest court.

The legacy of Justice Marshall who was replaced on the court with conservative Justice Clarence Thomas, an African American is one that has far reaching implications given the weight of history and the legendary work of Marshall on civil rights at the height of Jim Crow.

But first that would mean an opening on the court which many observers expect to come soon in the Obama era with the possible retirement of one of the current justices.

"I think President Obama should appoint either Attorney General Holder or Governor Patrick. Either of them would serve with the same type of professionalism, understanding of the law and the sensitivity of what's happening to people of color in the world at large," said Jeff Wardford, a business and political analyst attending the inauguration. " I would probably lean toward Holder because he is probably more aware on the real challenges out there and particularly with the law in his current role as Attorney General."

Wardford believes that if Obama doesn't appoint an African American male of the caliber of Holder and Patrick in this era "It would never happen. There is a shift in the country to a more conservative viewpoint and I think that type of momentum will continue."

"Over the course of history conservative presidents have never had the problem of selecting people to the court that reflect their views and in most cases they were extreme," Wardford said. "We need another Thurgood Marshall. Now is the time to do so more than ever. And probably the reason being is right now we have a definitive division of class warfare going on in America between rich and poor. The wealthy have their advocates in government and on the Supreme Court which is why we've seen laws like eminent domain."

He said, "There's never been a problem with conservatives appointing people and it was never challenged. I believe that the Holders and Patricks of the world represent everyday people. We must never be afraid of people who represent everyday people."

Reggie Turner, former president of the National Bar Association, the organization of more than 40,000 African American lawyers said both Holder and Patrick would be great choices for the Supreme Court.

"They both have long and distinguished careers in the law and Integrity beyond reproach," Turner said. " Their contributions to public service and their private sector contributions give them perspective that will be invaluable to the deliberations of the court."

Turner said if the opportunity presents itself for either Holder or Patrick to sit on the highest court in the land in the Obama era, "I think the court will benefit from additional diversity both in terms of representing all the talents and skills drawn from the backgrounds of great intellectuals like Holder and Patrick, and from the intellectual force that they will bring to the court."

If President Obama nominates an African American male with the legal brilliance of Justice Marshall to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court, it will be a major coup for the continued battle for civil and human rights.

Because Marshall stands out as one of the greatest legal minds of the 20th century who helped to end legal segregation in America during his victory in the Brown v. Board of Education case.

Justice Marshall, who served on the Supreme Court from 1967-1991 after he was nominated by President Lyndon Johnson, championed the rights for every individual including minorities and the disenfranchised.

Bankole Thompson is a Senior Author-in-Residence at Global Mark Makers Publishing House in Iowa where he is writing a groundbreaking six-part book series on the Obama presidency. His book "Obama and Black Loyalty" published in 2010 follows his recent book "Obama and Christian Loyalty" with a foreword by Bob Weiner former White House spokesman. His forthcoming books in 2012 are "Obama and Jewish Loyalty" and "Obama and Business Loyalty." He is the first editor of a major African American newspaper to have a series of sit-down interviews with Barack Obama. Thompson is also a Senior Political News Analyst at WDET-101.9FM Detroit (NPR Affiliate) and a member of the weekly "Obama Watch" Sunday evening round table on WLIB-1190AM New York and simulcast in New Jersey and Connecticut. 

As the nation prepares for the public swearing in of President Barack Obama Monday Jan. 21 on the steps of the U.S. Capitol before thousands, Democratic allies are calling for a stronger Obama.

The president they say needs to show political muscle and fight back his detractors given the kind of condescending attitude that greeted his first term presidency from Republican leaders in Congress.

But the question remains as Obama now begins to tackle big ideas such as gun control, immigration reform, the debt ceiling, will he be ready to draw the line in the sand between him and Congressional Republicans?

"I'm really looking for a bolder, more result oriented leadership this time in our president," said Mayor Brenda Lawrence of Southfield, MI and one of the leading mayors in the nation. "The president was cautious and pragmatic in his first term . Now I'm looking for him to make a difference in the lives of people and for his legacy."

Speaking at the Rayburn House offices in the U.S. Capitol during an interview Lawrence, said she is also hopeful that the Obama administration will reflect the diversity of this nation "showing how individuals and minority group can be part of his administration."

Mayor Lawrence's remark on the need for more diversity in the Obama administration is a reference to a White House photo that showed the president with a group of all White male advisors except for senior advisor Valerie Jarrett.

Under fire for a photo that clearly lacked diversity at a time that Obama has been naming mostly White males to cabinet positions, the White House was forced to release another photo showing more women on the president's team, and urging critics to hold back because Obama still has more appointments to make.

Lawrence said she hopes the president will make good on diversity.
Michigan Democratic Congressman from the 14th District Gary Peters said Obama has no choice in his second term but to be more firm on how he wants to get things done.

" I think what he has learned from the second term is that its definitely difficult with a Republican majority to get anything done" Peters said. "He won decisively in his re-election. He believes he has a mandate to focus on and I'm hopeful that the Republicans who were just focused on defeating Obama during the first term will now get to work on issues and find a middle ground."

Peters said so far the president has been firm about debt ceiling because "you can't mess with something that would jeopardize the credit rating of the United States. Democrats have to be united and work on closely with the president."

The newly elected Congressman said the Democratic caucus in the House is very energized and ready to go to work.

"President Obama is very committed to Michigan," Peters said citing the recent federal funding announcement for a transportation projects in Detroit called M1 Rail.

"The president knows we need to focus on the greater Detroit area and the city of Detroit is vital which is why he supports the transit," Peters said. " We can always thank the president because where would our region be without his support of the auto industry."

Yet in the midst of calls for a bipartisan Congress it is still unclear if Republicans will extend an olive branch.

"We have to work together and reach across the isle and ask for corporation," Peters said. "The president has been reaching out to the country engaging strong public opinion on issues."

He cited as an example Obama's push for background checks for gun purchasers which is strongly opposed by the National Rifle Association.

"The public is with our president on his desire to have stronger background checks for gun owners and about 85 percent in the public support him. The number I think for even NRA members is 50 percent, Peters explained. "So the only way to get Republicans engaged in through public support and that means Obama using his bully pulpit."

House Speaker John Boehner barely won reelection recently on the heels of a Tea Party caucus- the extreme right- of the GOP that's been blocking his own proposals for compromise on the fiscal cliff.

How Boehner deals with Obama in this second term will determine the kind of leadership House Republicans have and how they will navigate through issues the White House and Democrats will be pushing that traditionally didn't win support in the GOP.

"I was expecting that Speaker Boehner will be elected even though he has not been an effective speaker because his caucus rejected him on the fiscal cliff," Peters said. "Even his own Plan B for the fiscal cliff was rejected. He has not been able to speak for his caucus because of the influence of the Tea Party."

But Congressman Peters said no matter what happens in the Obama era, the fact is that Speaker Boehner will have to evolve as Obama grows stronger and bolder in his second term.

Bankole Thompson is a Senior Author-in-Residence at Global Mark Makers Publishing House in Iowa where he is writing a groundbreaking six-part book series on the Obama presidency. His book "Obama and Black Loyalty" published in 2010 follows his recent book "Obama and Christian Loyalty" with a foreword by Bob Weiner former White House spokesman. His forthcoming books in 2012 are "Obama and Jewish Loyalty" and "Obama and Business Loyalty." He is the first editor of a major African American newspaper to have a series of sit-down interviews with Barack Obama. Thompson is also a Senior Political News Analyst at WDET-101.9FM Detroit (NPR Affiliate) and a member of the weekly "Obama Watch" Sunday evening round table on WLIB-1190AM New York and simulcast in New Jersey and Connecticut. 

President Barack Obama and the first family on Sunday visited Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Washington DC known as the "National Cathedral of African Methodism" to worship.

About 1500 congregants and senior pastor Rev Ronald E. Braxton jubilantly welcomed the president on the eve of his inauguration, which is also the birthday of Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The church also sang happy birthday for First Lady Michelle Obama who turned 49 on Jan.17.

President Obama's visit to Metropolitan AME is significant because it also marked the eve of the church's historic 175th anniversary and underscores Obama's faith posture, which came under fire during his first term in office when some on the religious right were questioning his faith.

"It was beautiful and it was spiritual," said Tijuana Morris who attended the service. "I took pride in the service that our president was in the church."
The church beautifully decorated to honor the president's visit according to Dr. Garland-Hill, a minister at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit sends a strong message that "Obama is not only the president of all of us but he remembers his roots and his ancestors and the role they played for us to be where we are today."

The AME church which grew out of the anti-segregationist movement in 1787 has since been a major spiritual denomination for African Americans when it was first founded by Richard Allen.

The Metropolitan AME has had a revered history and distinguished record of notable African Americans and transformational leaders who either spoke at the church or attended regular Sunday service there.

For example preeminent African American civil rights pioneer Frederick Douglass who interfaced with President Lincoln attended service there and the church was the site of his funeral in 1895 as well as legendary labor leader and civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph who was funeralized at the church.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rev Jesse Jackson Sr., Eleanor Roosevelt, Hubert H. Humphrey, Charles H. Wesley, Paul Laurence Dunbar are among a list of previous speakers who have graced the pulpit of Metropolitan AME.

" Obama is a messenger just like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who always had a message about peace," Hill said. "For him to visit an African American church on this Sunday sends a message that as a black man he is not ashamed to go to his roots."

Obama has selected Myrlie Evers Williams, the widow of Medgar Evers, the slain civil rights activist to deliver the invocation at the inauguration, another twist to the celebration that reflects on the civil rights pilgrimage that included the blood of many innocent lives shed.

"I am eternally grateful to Obama to have Myrlie Evers to deliver the invocation," Hill said. "To me that means that from the grave the work of Emma Till leaves on. Obama now leaves a legacy for our children that you have an obligation to never forget where you came from."

Rev Hill said to look at the White House built with the hands of slaves and to see a Black man now occupying 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as president is completing a cycle of history.

"That is why the Black church today needs to go back to our roots to give our children not only religious training but social and economic training because it was the center place of our existence as a people," Hill said."The Black church should reach out and help because so many people are hurting out there. We need to have more clinics in our churches."

Virgie Rollins, chair of the Democratic Black Caucus said Obama's visit to Metropolitan AME today shows "He is still trying to decide where he wants to worship. I'm assuming he enjoys it. This demosntrates again he is starting to feel comfortable with his relationship with his God. He talks about his faith."

Rollins said probably the president "Is accepting to be a part of this church because picking a church will be important to him and his family."

With their visit to Metropolitan AME, the Obamas seemed to be building a strong affinity with the African Methodist Episcopal Church because President Obama addressed the AME General Conference in 2008, and as recent as June of 2012, Michelle Obama, was the keynote speaker at the church's quadrennial General Conference where she delivered a fiery speech.

"You see, living out our eternal salvation is not a once-a-week kind of deal," She said."And in a more literal sense, neither is citizenship."

She urged the 10,000 attendees of the conference to move beyond the four walls of their churches and make a difference.

"And to anyone who says that church is no place to talk about these issues, you tell them there is no place better - no place better. Because ultimately, these are not just political issues -- they are moral issues," She said at the height of the heated 2012 presidential campaign. "Find that nephew who has never voted - get him registered."

Bankole Thompson is a Senior Author-in-Residence at Global Mark Makers Publishing House in Iowa where he is writing a groundbreaking six-part book series on the Obama presidency. His book "Obama and Black Loyalty" published in 2010 follows his recent book "Obama and Christian Loyalty" with a foreword by Bob Weiner former White House spokesman. His forthcoming books in 2012 are "Obama and Jewish Loyalty" and "Obama and Business Loyalty." He is the first editor of a major African American newspaper to have a series of sit-down interviews with Barack Obama. Thompson is also a Senior Political News Analyst at WDET-101.9FM Detroit (NPR Affiliate) and a member of the weekly "Obama Watch" Sunday evening round table on WLIB-1190AM New York and simulcast in New Jersey and Connecticut. 

1) Why Monday?

Inaugural events are sprinkled over three days, with the most important one actually taking place out of the public eye on Sunday. That's when the official oath of office will be administered at the White House, on the date and time (noon on Jan. 20) specified by the Constitution. But because the 20th falls on a Sunday this year, the public festivities, including another oath taking, all happen Monday.

This is the seventh time in the nation's history that Inauguration Day has fallen on a Sunday, with the public swearing-in pushed to Monday in each instance. The precedent was set in 1821, as James Monroe began his second term.

In Monroe's case, as well as the next time it happened, with Zachary Taylor in 1849, no private weekend swearing-in was held. That practice began in 1877 with Rutherford B. Hayes.

This is also the second Inauguration Day to coincide with the federal holiday to honor civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., after President Bill Clinton's second inaugural in 1997.

2) What Happens When?

Here are highlights of Monday's inauguration on the West Front of the Capitol. The "tentative" times are provided by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies:

11:09 a.m.: The Obama family is announced and seated in the inaugural platform, built by the Architect of the Capitol, which will hold some 1,600 people, including members of Congress, the Cabinet and the Supreme Court, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and former presidents and governors.
11:35 a.m.: Invocation by Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of slain civil rights organizer Medgar Evers. She will be the first woman and first nonclergy member to lead the pre-oath prayer.
11:46 a.m.: Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor administers the oath of office to Vice President Joe Biden. Sotomayor is the first Hispanic and fourth woman to swear in a president or vice president.
11:55 a.m.: Chief Justice John Roberts administers the oath of office to President Obama, who will use two Bibles: the one used by President Lincoln in 1861 (which Obama used four years ago); and a Bible that belonged to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
It will be the fourth time Roberts and Obama recite the oath: twice in two days this weekend, and twice during Obama's first inauguration in 2009. That year, they did a private do-over swearing in the day after the public ceremony "out of an abundance of caution" because there had been a slight word mix-up the first time.
Noon: President Obama gives his second inaugural address.
12:26 p.m.: Poem by Richard Blanco, the first Hispanic inaugural poet.
12:30 p.m.: The Rev. Dr. Luis Leon delivers the benediction. The pastor of St. John's Episcopal Church near the White House was chosen after Atlanta pastor Louie Giglio withdrew from the ceremony, facing criticism for statements about gay relationships.
12:34 p.m.: Beyoncé sings the national anthem.
2:36 p.m.: After attending an inaugural luncheon in the Capitol, the Obamas and Bidens lead the inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House. The event will take several hours and include thousands of participants from across the country.
3) Who Pays (And How Much)?

The inauguration is expensive, with the official event financed by taxpayers, and the parade and inaugural balls and other ceremonial activities covered largely by private donations. Exact costs aren't known, but with recent history as a guide, the taxpayer-funded portion — including security, transportation and emergency services — could comprise most of the final bill.

Four years ago, Obama raised $53 million for the non-publicly funded aspects of his inauguration, which attracted a record 1.8 million people to the nation's capital. ABC News puts the total cost of that inauguration — public and private — at $170 million, and has a good breakdown of known costs this time. This year's crowd won't be as big as 2009, and events have been scaled back. Festivities are down from four days to three, and the 10 official balls have been cut to two. Obama also is accepting corporate donations, which he didn't four years ago.

4) What's New In 2013?

There are a lot of historical firsts, but the biggest change in how we'll experience the nation's 57th inaugural relates to technology. There's an official app, as you'd expect (which, among other things, will help those on the National Mall find a port-a-potty). And in a real sense, this will be the first Tweeted inauguration. Twitter was around in early 2009, just on the cusp of an explosion in its use, but an overloaded cellular system virtually shut down mobile phone usage on and around the Mall.

"Phone companies are setting up an extensive network of temporary towers and other equipment the length of the Mall to handle the explosion in wireless traffic," The Washington Post reports, with at least nine towers and signal repeaters in three hotels. NPR, among others, is basing part of its live coverage plan on updates and social media images coming from the festivities.

5) Do Inaugurations Matter?

Senate historian Donald Ritchie said beyond the constitutionally required start of a presidential term, the inauguration can "set a tone" for an administration — even a second term, when there's no change in president. He called it an "anti-political event" that "puts an end to the presidential campaign" and brings together the three branches of government in an event organized by Congress and administered by the chief justice.

And while it has happened just a few times in the nation's history (think Franklin D. Roosevelt's "The only thing we have to fear" declaration, and John F. Kennedy's "Ask not what your country can do for you" speech) the inaugural address can be a transcendent moment. Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural address is carved on his memorial, toward which Obama will face as he speaks. But as Obama and his speechwriters are no doubt aware, the speeches of many, many other presidents are largely lost to history.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2013/01/20/169712657/5-questions-about-the-inauguration?ft=1&f=1001&sc=tw&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Good news for Detroit residents and businesses that have fallen behind on their city income taxes: The City of Detroit is lifting all late payment penalties for those who pay off delinquent taxes between Jan. 22 and Feb. 16 this year.

Mayor Dave Bing On Wednesday announced the move as part of his revenue enhancement initiative, estimating the amnesty program will generate $4 million in revenue for the cash poor city.

“We are encouraging any individual or company that has failed to pay income taxes to the City of Detroit to take advantage of this program,” said Bing. “Now is the time to save money and settle your tax debt with the City.”

The offer is part of a series of revenue-targeted measures including collecting unpaid fees for airport services, solid waste services and business licenses; collecting delinquent personal property taxes on business equipment and parking fines; and selling unused property and abandoned vehicles. Together the initiatives are estimated to save Detroit $50 million in 2013.

Under the City’s tax code, all Detroit residents who earn more than $600 in a calendar year are required to pay income taxes regardless of what city they work in.

Further, all non-residents who conduct business in Detroit and earn more than $600 in a calendar year are required to pay income taxes to the City regardless of where their employer is located.

This applies to all visiting workers, including sales personnel, delivery drivers, physicians, etc.

The Mayor also issued a reminder to those who don’t take advantage of the amnesty program. “The City will not be writing off delinquent balances,” Bing said. “After the amnesty period, we will take more aggressive collection actions including providing delinquent reports to credit agencies.”

To take advantage of the program, individuals and companies must complete income tax returns for the eligible years and provide employer-generated appreciate tax forms such as W2s or 1099s.

For more information and to obtain tax forms, visit www.detroitmi.gov/incometax

DETROIT – Gov. Rick Snyder today joined U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and other dignitaries in announcing more than $31 million in federal funds to jump-start the Regional Transit Authority and begin improvements to public transportation in southeastern Michigan.

“This is a great example of relentless positive action,” Snyder said during the announcement at Wayne State University. “After more than 40 years and 23 failed attempts to establish a regional transit authority, I am pleased that we can move forward with our local and federal partners to implement an efficient, effective transportation system for over 4 million Michiganders. This new economic engine will produce thousands of jobs for workers, expand the talent pool for employers and create a broader retail market for small businesses in the region. Secretary LaHood’s commitment to these efforts has been vital and we thank him for such strong support.”

“I applaud Michigan’s leaders for coming together to support a regional vision for public transportation that will improve access to jobs, education, medical care and other destinations for residents in the Detroit metro area,” LaHood said. “The Obama administration is committed to the creation of a modern transportation system that will create jobs Detroit needs right now, while spurring new economic development to help this region grow stronger in the years to come.”

A $6.5 million planning grant will provide funding for the Regional Transit Authority to develop a bus rapid transit system that serves four counties and Detroit. On Wednesday, the governor announced that veteran lawmaker Paul Hillegonds, currently the senior vice president of corporate affairs for DTE Energy, will serve as chairman of the authority. Specifically, the dollars will fund alternative analyses and environmental studies on Gratiot and Michigan avenues as well as a cross-country route through northern Oakland and Macomb counties. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments estimates that building and operating the bus rapid transit system will generate more than 5,400 jobs in the region.

In addition, creation of the Regional Transit Authority paved the way for a $25 million TIGER grant for the M-1 RAIL consortium to build and operate a 3.3 mile streetcar system along Woodward Avenue from downtown Detroit to the New Center area.

Snyder thanked the consortium for five years of unflagging commitment to the project.

“This effort demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships and their ability to help achieve success for our communities,” Snyder said.

The public-private partnership is backed by several community leaders, including Roger Penske, Mike Ilitch, Dan Gilbert and Matt Cullen. The Kresge Foundation has donated $35 million and other foundations, corporations, educational and health care institutions have contributed significant amounts to finance the $137 million investment, along with the TIGER grant and earnings from New Market Tax Credits.

Construction of the Woodward streetcar system will begin this summer and is expected to employ more than 2,000 workers during the project. The streetcar system will have 11 stops along its 3.3 mile stretch. Streetcars will feature level boarding for handicapped and seniors users, quiet electric power, off-board ticketing and on-board Wi-Fi service.
 

NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW CHARITY PREVIEW TO BRING THOUSANDS DOWNTOWN ON JANUARY 18

The North American International Auto Show’s annual charity preview is expected to bring thousands of individuals to Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center on January 18. Ticket holders are expected to arrive around 5 p.m. Detroit police are encouraging those traveling into downtown Detroit to leave for their destinations early and use alternate routes.

Congestion and delays are expected on the southbound John C. Lodge Freeway. Motorists on their way to Canada are advised to use the Ambassador Bridge instead of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Workers exiting downtown are encouraged to use northbound thoroughfares such as Woodward Avenue, Cass Avenue or the I-75 Freeway. Motorists should be on the lookout for shuttle buses traveling westbound on Congress from nearby parking structures to drop off visitors at Cobo Center. Limousines, service cars, and handicap vehicles will be the only vehicles allowed to pass in front of Cobo Center. No vehicles will be allowed to stand or park near Cobo Center. All buses, shuttle vans and mini-buses will use Atwater, Doors 1, 2 & 3.  

The Police Department will also coordinate the flow of traffic in these areas: • Shelby will close between Larned Street and Jefferson Avenue starting at 5 p.m.

• Only designated buses will be allowed to travel on Atwater Street behind the Renaissance Center to Joe Louis Arena beginning at 6 p.m.

• Vehicles exiting at the Larned exit on the southbound John C. Lodge Freeway will only be allowed to go east on Larned to parking areas until 5 p.m. The Larned exit will be closed at 5 p.m. until the Charity Preview concludes.

• Griswold southbound will close at Larned beginning at 5 p.m.

•The Civic Center ramp from Washington will be closed to traffic starting at 5 p.m.

• There will be No Parking, Tow Zone and No Standing zones from 8 a.m. to midnight on Congress, Shelby, Larned, Washington Blvd., Cass, Jefferson, and Atwater. In addition, individuals can park at a City parking facility and catch the Detroit People Mover to the Auto Show Charity Preview. The People Mover hours on Jan. 18 are 6:30 a.m. – 2 a.m. The fare is just 75 cents per ride. Children ages five and under ride free. For more information, visit www.thepeoplemover.com or call the Detroit Transportation Corporation 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday at (313) 224-2160.

ENJOY CONVENIENT PARKING AND THE DETROIT PEOPLE MOVER DURING 2013 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Individuals attending the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center will find convenient, accessible parking and transportation in downtown Detroit. The Municipal Parking Department will also provide two free People Mover tokens to the first 100 customers at the Grand Circus and Joe Louis Arena garages on weekends and the Martin Luther King holiday.

The public show runs from January 19 – 27. Facility Hours Rate Cadillac Farmer Monday – Friday (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.) $10 Saturday & Sunday (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.) $10 Sun., Jan. 27 (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

$10 Ford Underground Garage Monday – Friday (8 a.m. – 11 p.m.)

$10 30 East Jefferson Except Jan. 22 & 25 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

$15 Saturday (8 a.m. – 11 p.m.) $10 Sun., Jan. 20 (8 a.m. – 11 p.m.) $10 Sun., Jan 27 (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.) $10 Grand Circus Park Garage* Monday – Sunday (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

$5 1600-01 Woodward Avenue This location will issue two free People Mover tokens to the first 100 vehicles (weekends and ML King holiday only)  Joe Louis Arena Garage* Monday – Sunday (8 a.m. – 9 p.m.)

$10 900 W. Jefferson Except Jan. 22 & 25 (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.)$15 Sun., Jan. 27 (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

$10 This location will issue two free People Mover tokens to the first 100 vehicles (weekends and ML King holiday only) Rates and times vary on hockey dates – Jan. 22 & 25

Millennium Garage Monday – Sunday (8 a.m. – 10 p.m.) $15

432 W. Congress Sun., Jan. 27 (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.) $15

Premier Underground Garage 24 hours $10 1206-08 Woodward Avenue *Denotes facility is located near People Mover Station

PARKING ENFORCEMENT The City of Detroit also will enforce No Parking, Tow Zone and No Standing zones from noon – 10 p.m. on Jan. 18 - 27 on:

• Congress from Woodward to Third

• Shelby and Griswold from Jefferson to Fort Street

• Larned from Washington Blvd. to Woodward

• Washington Blvd. from Congress to Michigan

• Cass from Congress to Fort Street

• Fort Street between Griswold and Third

There will be no parking of any vehicles on Atwater from Third to Renaissance Drive during the Auto Show. Motorists are advised to observe all posted parking restrictions to avoid being ticketed and/or possibly having vehicles towed. For more information, call the Municipal Parking Department at (313) 221-2500 or go online to the City’s Web site at www.detroitmi.gov/parking.

 In addition, individuals can park at a City parking facility and catch the Detroit People Mover to the Auto Show. The Detroit People Mover (DPM) service begins earlier on the weekends during the Auto Show. On all other days during the show period, the DPM will operate on its normal schedule.

 Here are the People Mover hours during the Auto Show: January 18 6:30 a.m. – 2 a.m. January 19 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. January 20 8 a.m. – Midnight January 21 - 25 6:30 a.m. – Midnight January 26 8 a.m. – 2 a.m. January 27 8 a.m. - Midnight

Launched in 1987, the Detroit People Mover's 13 stations provide safe, quick connections between Cobo Center, major hotels, and commercial, banking and retail districts. The elevated service is frequent, unencumbered by vehicle or pedestrian traffic, and fare is just 75 cents per ride. Children ages five and under ride free. For traveling information, a detailed system map or an online station guide, visit www.thepeoplemover.com or call the Detroit Transportation Corporation 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday at (313) 224-2160. PR-13-004

DETROIT POLICE TO ENFORCE ADULT SUPERVISION GUIDELINES AT 2013 AUTO SHOW DURING WEEKENDS AND ON KING HOLIDAY

The Detroit Police Department will enforce guidelines that require all minors under 18 visiting the North American International Auto Show after 5 p.m. to be accompanied by a responsible (supervising) adult 21 years of age or older. The guidelines will be in effect from 5 p.m. until closing every weekend during the Auto Show (Saturdays and Sundays from January 18 through January 27).

The adult supervision guidelines will also be enforced on Monday, Jan. 21 when schools are out for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Loitering will not be permitted outside of Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center either, so drivers who are picking up patrons are encouraged to be prompt. If an individual is determined to be under the age of 18 and without adult supervision, he/she faces being escorted from the premises by Detroit Police.

Assistance will be given if the minor needs help contacting an adult for transportation home. Loiterers also may be ticketed, which could result in fines. In addition to uniformed officers, undercover officers will be on duty to ensure public safety and monitor the premises. For further information, contact the Office of Public Information at 313-596-2200.