PRESIDENT OBAMA NEWS

IN 1964, MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PREDICTED WE'D HAVE A BLACK PRESIDENT "IN 25 YEARS OR LESS":

Today is a historic day as BARACK OBAMA is officially sworn in as the first black president of the United States.

So it's only fitting that yesterday, BBC World News America released a video clip of an interview MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. gave in 1964 . . . in which he makes a prediction about when the U.S. will elect its first black president.

In the video, Dr. King is asked by a reporter named Bob McKenzie about a comment made by ROBERT KENNEDY . . . that there could be a black president within the next 40 years. Dr. King responds, quote, "Well, let me say first that I think it's necessary to make it clear that there are Negroes who are presently qualified to be president of the United States, and many who are qualified in terms of integrity, in terms of vision, in terms of leadership ability. --"But we do know that there are certain problems and prejudices and mores in our society which make it difficult now. --"However, I am very optimistic about the future. Frankly, I have seen certain changes in the United States over the last two years that surprised me.

"I've seen levels of compliance with the Civil Rights bill, and changes that have been most surprising. So, on the basis of this, I think we may be able to get a Negro president in less than 40 years. I would think that this could come in 25 years or less." (BBC News)

(--You have to give it up to Dr. King for his foresight . . . not that he was EVER short on that . . . because even though he was a few decades off with his prediction, he was still pretty close.) (--You can check out video of MLK's prediction here . . . http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/world_news_america/default.stm)

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HERE'S A LIST OF PLACES THAT ARE GIVING OUT FREE STUFF TODAY IN HONOR OF OBAMA'S INAUGURATION:

Here's a list of places that are handing out freebies today . . . in honor of Obama's inauguration: -

-Dunkin' Donuts: You can get a Stars-and-Stripes donut for $0.44 with the purchase of a medium coffee or hot chocolate at participating shops in D.C. and other select markets.

--Krispy Kreme: You can get a free donut to celebrate your, quote, "freedom of choice." (???)-

-Starbucks: You can get a free Tall coffee from January 21st through the 25th if you sign a pledge to do five hours of volunteer work.

--TGI Friday's: You can get a free commemorative button, half-priced appetizers and specially-priced drinks starting at 11:00 A.M.

--MoveOn.org: You can get a free commemorative Obama sticker that's designed by Shepard Fairey . . . the dude who created the Obama "Hope" poster that everyone has up on their wall.

--"New Yorker" magazine: You can get a free commemorative copy of the magazine honoring Obama when you register on their website.

--And stores like Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Dillard's are giving out $175 MILLION worth of free cosmetics today. (--Okay, that's actually because of a class-action lawsuit settlement, not the inauguration, but still . . . go get you some free stuff!! (Luxaholics)