Historic day. Today in South Carolina, Nikki Haley was sworn in as the state's 90th governor, stepping into history as South Carolina's first female and first minority governor, and the nation's second governor of Indian descent: S.C. Gov. Haley takes oath.In her inaugural address, Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, acknowledged the historic nature of the day for her family. She also addrssed the massive challenges South Carolina faces to turn around its lagging economy: In 1st Speech, New SC Gov Forecasts Budget Cuts.
Haley became the nation's second Indian-American governor as judges, lawmakers and other dignities, including India's ambassador to the U.S., Meera Shankar, and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, bundled into overcoats to ward off the chill.Governor Haley definitely has her work cut out for her. She comes into office with the state facing a gaping $829 million shortfall in the upcoming budget.
Haley noted the historic nature of the day for her family.
"You see, my mother was offered the first female judgeship in her native country, but was unable to serve on the bench because of the challenges of being a woman in India," Haley said. "Now she sits here today watching her daughter become governor of South Carolina, the state she proudly calls her home."
This is a monumental, breakthrough day for South Asians in American politics. But to be honest, I would be a lot more excited about this milestone if I could stand behind Nikki Haley's political beliefs. But I can't. So what are you going to do? Historic day, all the same.
