Strong Quakes Torment Chile As President Sworn In

[Derechos]

The earth shook and shook Thursday as dignitaries walked in for the swearing-in of Sebastian Pinera as Chile's president. It shook some more as they waited for him.

People in the balconies of the vast congressional hall in coastal Valparaiso shouted warnings as a massive light fixture rocked overhead, and heads of state nervously eyed the ceiling. But a steely calm prevailed, and Pinera strode in smiling.

The president and his ministers then quickly swore their oaths, and the audience of 2,000 headed for the exits and the hills, joining an evacuation called out of concern that Thursday's repeated aftershocks would set off another tsunami.

See article for related photos - http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1d5YhB/www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124141678&ft=1&f=1001/r:t

[protocol rv]

1. Maybe Allah sent Sebastian a message

Or Jesus, or Yaweh, or Krishna, you take your pick. I don't believe in gods, LOL.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Astonishing!

http://media.npr.org.nyud.net:8090/images/ap//AP_News_Wire:_Latest_Headlines/6_Chile_Inaguration.sff_300.jpg http://media.npr.org.nyud.net:8090/images/ap//AP_News_Wire:_Latest_Headlines/5_ADDITION_Chile_Inauguration.sff_300.jpg
Thanks. This has to be a first.

[rabs]

3. Watched this live on Chilean TV this morning

the most shaken up was Cristina. Most calm was the Prince of Asturias of Spain.

Note Correa next to Uribe who last week said a foreign government was pouring funds into Colombia to influence the presidential election in May. Correa asked Uribe which country that could be. Uribe declined to answer (but everyone knows he is talking about Venezuela).

Btw, sure enough, Obama's rep. at the inauguration was Gen. James Jones, instead of a civilian.

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Michelle was cheered as she left the Moneda this morning and followers carried signs calling for her to run again in 2014.


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Transfer of Power

"When I grow up, I want to be like her."

By Mico of La Nacion newspaper

[Judi Lynn]

4. What Uribe said is really gross. Wonder why he admitted it. Hmmm.

Can't imagine what came over him. Bad manners?

Is he trying to intimate the "foreign contributions" would be responsible for any campaign win by Santos?

It's cool hearing they are encouraging Michelle Bachelet to run again, especially considering the fact some right-wing sources are claiming Bachelet's popularity has taken a massive hit due to the earthquake. Absurd! No one's that stupid.

Hoping she'll take their suggestions! Chile NEEDS more civilized leaders.