Get Up, Stand Up
Another political posting...
Last week I decided I will be making the trek to DC for Inauguration 2009 to welcome our new president, Barack Obama. After speaking to some friends, many of them will be joining me for the adventure. Even though I don't have enough vacation days and I'm poor, I am attending because it will be one of the most important moments in American history and I want to tell my grandchildren about it. "Back in 2009, I remember..." According to new reports, it has been estimated that four million people will flock to our capital - the largest ever - for the ceremony while others will line the parade route. Our nation has not been this excited about a new president in a very long time. It is truly a celebration.
After eight years of the Bush administration and a long, stressful election, Obama's Inauguration is a long awaited and much needed revolution. It was an election that was unlike any other before - minority candidates, record number of voters, and the election of a president different from all previous ones. For those that voted for him, Obama represents a change in the political, social, and cultural thought and attitude. Furthermore, our generation (the twenty-somethings) had a huge turnout at the polls with the majority voting for Obama, which has served to refute the perception that America's youth is complacent, detached, and apathetic toward politics. It has also brought about the realization that we are able to bring about change. The youth has taken responsibility to contribute to the political landscape. It is a youth election.
As Americans, we have redeemed ourselves in many countries' eyes and re-established the US as a country of opportunities and possibilities. In electing Obama, we can restore our image across the world - one that has been tainted through its disastrous war in Iraq and many more errors committed in the past administration. There is a lot to do to get the country back on track, but we all have hope. Inauguration 2009 is the beginning of change and renewed ideals for the US.
Comments
I don't know whether I'd go so far as to call it a "revolution," per se. It is certainly going to be different, though. I wish Obama's economy crew wasn't made up of people who created the economic tailspin we're in now.
Posted by: Cornelius Hardenbergh | November 21, 2008 4:09 PM
Hi, I'm Conn. College, '66, and shall be driving down on Jan. 18th and staying in Takoma Park. Do you know of any parties that are happening?
Ellen Kagan
Posted by: Ellen Kagan | December 22, 2008 11:20 AM
Hi Ellen,
I do not know of any parties yet. But will definitely let you know if and when I hear something.
Posted by: Marissa Velarde | December 22, 2008 11:35 AM
I'm Rick Semiatin, class of 1980, and a senior academic director and asst. professor at American University. On inaugural day, I will be the commentator for AP television which will broadcast to hundreds of online recipients (which may include Yahoo, AOL, The Washington Post etc.) from Lafayette Park across from the White House.
Posted by: Richard Semiatin | January 7, 2009 4:23 PM
As a fellow twenty-something Marissa, I couldn't agree with you more about our spirited enthusiasm and record turnout. I too will be making the trip down to DC not only to catch history but hopefully a changing of the times as well.
Posted by: Norman (Paul) Carter | January 14, 2009 8:30 AM
I will be joining you on this historic journey and driving to DC along with so many others eager to be a part of an incomparable experience. Luckily and because of my work on the campaign, I will also be attending one of the official inaugural balls amongst all of the other events - woo hooo! Where will you be staying? Let's hang out - since I've been so bad about doing that in Boston, maybe we can make it happen in DC!
Posted by: Emily "Pookie" Southard | January 16, 2009 5:24 PM